How did Jaimie Alexander Get a Cauliflower Ear?

She stars as amnesiac “Jane Doe” in the action-packed hit NBC Monday-night series Blindspot, but Jaimie Alexander, 31, paid her acting dues before that in HBO’s The Brink, Showtime’s Nurse Jackie and ABC Family’s Kyle XY. And on the big screen, she plays Lady Sif in the Thor movie franchise, a role she’ll reprise in Thor: Ragnarok in 2017.

How do you relate to a character who has no memory of who she is?

It may seem like it would be more difficult, but to me it means the sky’s the limit. When I play Jane, I follow my instincts.

What was it like training with Navy SEALS to get ready for Blindspot?

Pretty intense—I only skimmed the surface of what they’re capable of! It was a great experience. They’re so impressive. The skills they have are truly unbelievable.

Jane Doe is covered in mysterious tattoos. Do you have any of your own?

I have nine. Each one has its own significance and meaning. Only one shows through Jane’s tattoos, which is “ES” on my wrist. When I was younger, I used to mouth the words “Elephant shoe” because it looked like I was saying “I love you,” so that’s what it stands for.

What’s the coolest tattoo you’ve ever seen on anyone?

I’ve seen a lot of awesome tattoos, but I love the bird on Jane’s neck.

How did you get into high-school wrestling?

I’ve always been a fan of equal opportunity, so when I heard other schools in Texas had female wrestlers on their team, I approached my school about it. That, coupled with my desire to learn self-defense and discipline, is what got me involved.

Is it true you have a cauliflower ear as a result of that?

I had a little bit of one. My right ear is affected from it, but I never had it drained [like you’re supposed to] so it’s just flattened a little.

You grew up with four brothers. Are you a tomboy even now?

Yes, I’ve always been a tomboy and consider myself the same Jaimie I’ve always been. I haven’t changed much from those days!

You are best known to moviegoers as Lady Sif in the two Thor movies. Is Jane Doe going to be as much of a badass as Lady Sif?

Yes, Jane is a total badass. At this point Jane is more complex than Lady Sif, but I hope to explore both [sides of her character] more.

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