Sydney Cole Alexander landed Natalie’s role in Severance due to a toothpaste commercial, here’s how

In the vast landscape of contemporary television, where actors often follow winding paths to secure their place in the spotlight, Sydney Cole Alexander’s journey is one of those curious stories that seem straight out of a screenplay.

Known for playing the enigmatic Natalie in the critically acclaimed series Severance on Apple TV+, Sydney arrived at the production through an unusual route: a toothpaste commercial for Crest. What could have been a minor role with little consequence turned into a direct passport to one of the most thought-provoking and celebrated productions of recent years.

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The surreal plot of Severance: split memories and modern reflections

Created by Dan Erickson and directed with precision by Ben Stiller (yes, the same Ben Stiller who spotted Sydney in that commercial), Severance dives into a corporate dystopia where employees of the mysterious Lumon Industries undergo a radical procedure known as severance.

The surgery separates personal memories from work memories, effectively splitting each individual into two distinct selves: the innie, who knows only the office routine, and the outie, who lives a personal life with no recollection of their job.

Although absurd at first glance, the premise strongly resonates with today’s societal climate, especially after years of debates on work-life balance, alienation in corporate environments, and the psychological toll of repetitive, impersonal labor. In this sense, Severance is more than just a well-produced series: it’s a haunting mirror of what modern life can become (or perhaps already is) if deep questions of identity, autonomy, and control remain unexamined.

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Natalie and the corporate face of omission

Amid the cold hallways and immaculately white rooms of Lumon, the character Natalie emerges as a subtle but highly symbolic presence. Played by Sydney Cole Alexander, Natalie acts as the company’s liaison, constantly connecting higher-ups and subordinates with an impeccable corporate tone, impassive and emotionally detached. She represents the institutional face of compliance, a key figure in maintaining the company’s pristine facade.

Unlike other characters who fluctuate between doubt, rebellion, or confusion, Natalie is calm, methodical, and seemingly convinced of Lumon’s legitimacy. That doesn’t mean she lacks depth, quite the opposite. Her composure and politeness mask a quiet complexity that Sydney captures with great nuance. And it all began with a toothpaste commercial.

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Ben Stiller’s unusual choice: a keen eye for subtlety

In an interview highlighted by Collider, Sydney revealed that she had appeared in a commercial for Crest, portraying a lab assistant. What she didn’t expect was that this modest gig, where her performance was restrained yet precise, would catch the eye of Ben Stiller, who was searching for exactly that kind of presence to bring Natalie to life.

According to Sydney, it was the strangely calm tone of her performance that piqued Stiller’s interest. In his vision, her style in the commercial, even with just a few seconds on screen, conveyed an emotional subtlety perfectly aligned with the minimalist and sterile world of Severance. The casting turned out to be spot-on. Among a stellar ensemble that includes Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Tramell Tillman, Sydney offered a sharp and unsettling contribution to the show’s universe.

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Aesthetic, tone, and visual identity: Severance as a sensory work of art

Part of Severance’s allure lies in its meticulously designed aesthetic. The brutalist architecture of the office, the washed-out color palette, the timeless, identity-less costumes, and the use of silence as a narrative tool all combine to create an atmosphere of constant discomfort and alienation. Nothing is exaggerated, everything is cold, clean, and subtly oppressive. In this context, every facial expression and tonal choice by the actors becomes even more meaningful, which is why Sydney Cole Alexander’s casting fits so seamlessly. Her ability to appear institutionally polished while quietly transmitting unease adds psychological weight to the story.

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From anonymity to significance: the symbolism of a small role in a vast world

Although Natalie isn’t one of the show’s main characters, her presence is strategically important. She serves as the company’s voice, polished, impenetrable, and void of emotion. And it’s precisely that neutral threat that makes her so impactful. Through this role, Sydney Cole Alexander proves how even a seemingly modest character can be central in crafting a narrative focused on institutional dehumanization.

Sydney’s path, therefore, is more than just a behind-the-scenes curiosity. It’s a reminder that there are no small roles when there is truth and dedication in the performance. And it’s also a hopeful message to all artists wondering if their smaller gigs might one day be noticed.