Windsor Native Elizabeth Adams Secures Role in Netflix's Crypto Crime Drama The Altruists
Elizabeth Adams, an actress originally from Windsor, has landed a significant recurring role in the upcoming Netflix mini-series The Altruists, which delves into the high-profile criminal case surrounding cryptocurrency figure Sam Bankman-Fried. Adams portrays real-life Bloomberg financial journalist Hannah Miller in the series, expected to premiere later this year.
Learning the Language of Cryptocurrency
To prepare for her role, Adams immersed herself in the complex world of cryptocurrency, describing the process as akin to learning a new, tongue-twisting language. "I very much had to try to get a deeper understanding of crypto and blockchain," Adams revealed in a telephone interview with the Windsor Star. This educational journey was essential for authentically depicting a financial journalist involved in one of the biggest financial scandals in recent history.
From Stratford Stage to Netflix Screen
Adams' path to Netflix began with a strong foundation in theater. She attended Walkersville Collegiate Institute and developed a passion for Shakespearean plays on the Stratford stage, where she earned the Mary Savidge Award for her dedication to acting. However, her career trajectory shifted toward television and film. "I do want to focus on film and TV, because that's a huge interest of mine. Just so much good TV these days," Adams explained, highlighting her transition from live performances to on-screen work.
Rapid Audition and Production Timeline
The opportunity for The Altruists arose quickly for Adams. "I think I sent the audition tape in on a Monday, and then I literally had to fly out on Wednesday to start shooting," she recounted. This fast-paced schedule contrasts sharply with her theatrical background, where months of rehearsal are common. The series filmed in Vancouver starting in July and concluded in December in the Dominican Republic, which served as a stand-in for the Bahamas, where Bankman-Fried was arrested.
Differences Between Stage and Screen Preparation
Adams noted significant differences in preparing for a Netflix series compared to her time at Stratford. In theater, "we had months of rehearsal, but you at least get three solid weeks of rehearsal with the whole team. You're in a rehearsal hall, talking about things, trying different ideas against the wall and seeing what sticks." In contrast, screen acting requires more solitary preparation. "Most of your work is done alone at home before you get to set. It's a totally different skill in terms of figuring out how you get into the character, into the lines," she elaborated.
Character Development and Production Insights
Despite the condensed timeline, Adams had spaced-out filming days that allowed for character development. "I had a fitting, and then I had three days off just in my hotel. So I had some days to memorize and work on the material. The shooting days were kind of spread out, so it wasn't all happening at once," she shared. She also observed that The Altruists benefited from a larger budget than previous shows she worked on, with production resembling that of a feature film.
Background on The Altruists and Sam Bankman-Fried
The Altruists is an eight-episode mini-series that features the story of Sam Bankman-Fried, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2024 for fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. He was forced to forfeit $11 billion after his FTX cryptocurrency exchange collapsed into bankruptcy. Adams appears in three episodes of the series, contributing to the dramatization of this real-life financial scandal that captivated global audiences.
Adams previously appeared in the 2025 troubled-teen series Wayward, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her role in The Altruists marks a significant step in her career, blending her theatrical roots with the demands of contemporary television storytelling.
