Kristian’s first experience in public competition came through her participation in Talent America, a talent showcase event. Before her athletic injury, she was approached by the prestigious Wilhelmina modeling agency. Initially focused on figure skating, Kristian declined their offer. However, after retiring from sports at age fifteen, she accepted a contract with Wilhelmina Models, now known as Wilhelmina International Inc. Her modeling career included appearances in prominent fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Kristian Alfonso as an Actress

Kristian made her television debut in 1981 with a minor role in the made-for-TV movie The Starmaker, directed by Lou Antonio. Her breakthrough came in 1983 when she joined the cast of NBC’s long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, portraying the beloved character Hope Brady. She stayed with the show for four years, briefly returning in 1990 and once more in 1994 in a dual role involving a lookalike character. Her initial departure was to take on a role in CBS’s primetime drama Falcon Crest. Kristian made her big screen debut in 1993 with the action film Joshua Tree (also known as Army of One and Vanishing Red), directed by Vic Armstrong.

Awards and Recognition

Kristian Alfonso has earned several accolades for her work in television. In 1984, she received the Soap Opera Digest Award for Female Newcomer. She was honored again by the publication in 1999 with the Hottest Female Star Award. In 2001, she, along with co-star Peter Reckell, won the award for Favorite Couple for their roles on Days of Our Lives.