Angela has been a busy realtor since her amicable divorce a couple of years ago to Dakota, a paleontologist whose adventures kept him anywhere but home. Now, she is a devoted if often harried, single mom to a smart and loving 10-year-old girl, Brooklyn. Angela’s busy schedule makes it hard for her to find time for much of anything…or anyone…else. As it is, she can barely get Brooklyn to her scout meetings on time, much to the disapproval of the other mothers. When Brooklyn gets the idea to have William, the owner of her favorite bakery, cater her scout troop’s posh annual holiday event, she asks Angela to work with him on pitching the idea to the moms in charge. Despite sensing that her daughter might be trying to play cupid, she agrees to help and finds herself enjoying time with him, but is reluctant to open her heart and life to someone new. When Dakota returns, missing her, Angela must decide what is best for her daughter and best for her heart. Starring Tamera Mowry-Housley and Carlo Marks.
Tamera Mowry-Housley is an Emmy award-winning host, actress, producer, and entrepreneur who has captivated audiences for over 20 years.
She started her career in Hollywood alongside her sister, Tia, on the hit show “Sister, Sister,” which aired over 100 episodes from 1994-1999 and has gone on to see a cultural revival over the past few years since it was released on Netflix. Mowry-Housley’s work on the show gained praise and recognition; she received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series and Kid’s Choice Award for Favorite Television Actress. She returned to the screen with Tia on the hit Style Network reality TV series “Tia and Tamera,” which chronicled her life as she balanced her acting career along with major life transformations of marriage and motherhood.
Mowry-Housely co-hosted the groundbreaking and Emmy-winning talk show, “The Real,” for six seasons. “The Real is the first syndicated talk show in years to be renewed for a sixth season. She worked alongside co-hosts Loni Love, Adrienne Bailon and Jeannie Mai. Together, the ladies won the Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host Emmy at the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards in April 2018.
In November 2020, it was announced that Mowry-Housley would be expanding her relationship with Crown Media Family Networks, parent company to Hallmark, in a new overall deal to star in and executive produce original films for the network. Her credits include the television movies “A Christmas Miracle” for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, which she also executive produced, as well as “Christmas Angel,” “Something to Sing About,” and “Seventeen Again.” She was a series regular on “Strong Medicine,” “Roommates” (ABC Family) and “Melissa & Joey” (ABC Family). Mowry-Housley has voiced characters in the FOX hit “Family Guy” and Cartoon Network’s “Superhero Squad Show.” She also produced and starred in the Lifetime movie “Double Wedding.” On the big screen, Mowry-Housley co-starred in the Rob Schneider comedy The Hot Chick. Most recently, she starred in the Hallmark original movie “Christmas Comes Twice,” which premiered during the network’s annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming event in 2020.
In addition to co-hosting “The Real,” she hosted season one of Facebook Watch’s “Help Us Get Married, a 12-episode reality web television series that followed three couples trying to plan their weddings with the help of the Facebook community. Mowry-Housley was also a frequent guest host on Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family.” In 2021, she also competed in season five of “The Masked Singer” and wowed audiences nationwide with her singing abilities as the beloved Seashell.
In June 2021, Hulu announced its upcoming baking competition series “Baker’s Dozen” with Mowry-Housley and former White House pastry chef Bill Yosses. Set to premiere in October, together, they’ll host the unscripted series which pits passionate amateur bakers against seasoned culinary experts. Contestants will compete in head-to-head challenges for a chance to win the golden rolling pin and a cash prize. Additionally, she will serve as a judge alongside Martha Stewart and Chris Hessney on HGTV’s new design competition show, “Table Wars.” In each episode, the competitors must deliver the ultimate themed party environment, including stunning tablescapes, lighting and displays in order to impress the judges and avoid elimination. The finalist who delivers the most over-the-top event space will win the Table Wars title and a $50,000 cash prize.
Born in Germany and raised in Southern California, Mowry-Housley graduated with honors from Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Abnormal Childhood Development. After meeting at Pepperdine, she married FOX News correspondent Adam Housley in May 2011. They welcomed their first child, Aden John Tanner Housley, in November 2012, and their second child, Ariah Talea Housley, in July 2015. They live in Napa Valley, where they oversee Century Oak Winery. They also opened their own celebrated tasting room in the heart of Downtown Napa where they both can frequently be seen pouring their family wines for fans and visitors. They have also opened up their own coffeehouse and coffee line called Barnhouse Napa Brews in Downtown Napa. They have six brews of coffee at the shop, all of which are locally brewed and sourced and grown sustainably from all over the world. Additionally, 90% of the food and products they have for sale are women and minority owned.
Interview with Lea Thompson, Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson and Wendie Malick of “The Chicken Sisters” on Hallmark+ by Suzanne 8/19/24
These were two fun interviews! I was so glad to speak to the legendary actresses, Wendie and Lea, whose work I’ve enjoyed so much over the years. The other two young actresses also do a great job in the show. Everyone was very nice. Fun fact: Schuyler Fisk is the daughter of movie star Sissy Spacek! Anyway, the show is not only funny but heart-warming. However, it’s not sappy or saccharine. I enjoyed the episodes I’ve seen so far. Hallmark is starting their first streaming channel, Hallmark+, and this is one of their first original series on it. You can only watch this series on Hallmark+. It begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, and new episodes will premiere every Thursday beginning on September 12. I hope you enjoy the series as much I do! It’s worth adding another streaming service for this. You can always try it with the free trial and see if you like it.
Sisters Amanda and Mae are reunited when reality show KITCHEN CLASH comes to their town, and the competition between their two feuding restaurants heats up. Starring Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson, Lea Thompson and Wendie Malick.
The ChickenSisters is a new original series based on the NY Times Bestseller of the same name and Reese’s Book Club selection penned by KJ Dell’Antonia. Coming home to roost on Hallmark in September, the eight-episode series from Showrunner and Executive Producer Annie Mebane stars Schuyler Fisk (Sam & Kate, Orange County), Genevieve Angelson (The Handmaid’s Tale, Good Girls Revolt), Lea Thompson (Switched at Birth, Back to the Future) and Wendie Malick (Young Sheldon, Shrinking, Just Shoot Me!).
The ChickenSisters is a family drama dipped in southern charm and served up with a saucy side of romance. The setting is the fictional town of Merinac, where a generations-old rift between dueling fried chicken restaurants – Mimi’s and Frannie’s – has left the founders’ families fractured and the locals taking sides. When popular cooking competition show Kitchen Clash comes to town, this could be the recipe for ending this feud once and for all. But things are fixing to heat up both inside and outside of the kitchen as the reality show spotlight causes sparks to fly as secrets are spilled and feathers get ruffled.
The series will premiere in September on Hallmark’s recently announced streaming service and membership rewards program, Hallmark+.
THE CHICKEN SISTERS
Cast Bios
SCHUYLER FISK (Amanda Moore Hillier) – Schuyler Fisk’s long and respected acting career began at the age of 11 years old when she starred in (the now cult-favorite film) The Baby-sitter’s Club. Most recently, Fisk starred in the titular role of Kate in the well-received indie film (and Austin Film Festival audience award winner), Sam & Kate. Deadline film reviewer Pete Hammond said, “Fisk is just terrific here, and like her real-life mom seems incapable of a false note.” Other feature films of note include, include Orange County with Jack Black and Colin Hanks, I’m Reed Fish with Jay Baruchel, Gus Van Sant’s film Restless and The Best of Me.
With her vibrant voice and honest songwriting, Fisk also draws legions of fans to her music, both onstage and online, where she enjoys an active grassroots following as a top indie artist. After a decade of touring, songwriting and collaborating with other artists, she came onto the scene with a bang in 2009, when her first album The Good Stuff debuted on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart and at #1 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart. She then went on to release a number of records and singles under her own moniker as well as a few with side-projects, including her duo FM Radio, with whom she performed as a musical guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Fisk’s latest album, WeCould Be Alright, produced by Colin Killalea, was released at the end of 2022. Fisk has performed and toured with artists including Sheryl Crow, Rachael Yamagata, Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin and Ben Taylor. She has numerous collaborations and a songwriter and a singer, including the immensely popular song “Paperweight,” written and performed with Joshua Radin for the film The Last Kiss. Fisk continues to contribute original songs to many other film and television projects, including, most recently, “Life After” in Sam & Kate.
GENEVIEVE ANGELSON (Mae Moore) – Actress Genevieve Angelson has built a strong reputation for starring in a diverse array of memorable roles across film, television and theater.
Angelson is most-well known for her starring role as Patti Robinson on Amazon’s critically-acclaimed series Good Girls Revolt. The series followed a group of women at a 1960s magazine who pushed back against gender boundaries.
This past year, Angelson has starred in a number of memorable roles, and can currently be seen as Alanis Wheeler on the fifth season of Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Additionally, she starred as Indigo on Apple TV+’s The Afterparty with Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barenholtz, as well as Dr. Mia Castries on NBC’s New Amsterdam and Sally on This is Us.
Other past television roles include Anna Paquin’s sister Ruth on Flack, Detective Nicole Gravely, opposite Rainn Wilson on Backstrom, House of Lies, Titans, The Good Wife and Blue Bloods.
In film, Angelson recently co-starred in the romantic comedy, Which Brings Me to You opposite Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff, for BCDF Pictures.
Angelson originated the role of Nina in the Broadway production of NinaVanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike on Broadway opposite Sigourney Weaver, which won the Tony Award for Best Play. She also starred in the Off-Broadway production of The Cake at the Manhattan Theater Club.
Angelson is a published writer and has been featured in outlets including Elle, Town & Country and
Refinery29.
Angelson is a Graduate of the Tisch School Graduate Acting Program.
LEA THOMPSON (Nancy Hillier) – Lea Thompson has had a remarkable career as an artist of many colors over the last four decades. She is probably best known for Back to the Future and Switched at Birth, but her career has encompassed acting, directing, singing, dancing in ballet, theatre, films and television.
Thompson started in ballet at the Minnesota Dance Theater and the Pennsylvania Ballet. She moved into acting an has amassed more that 50 feature films to her credit such as Red Dawn, Back to the Future, Some Kind of Wonderful, Howard the Duck, Little Rascals, Dennis the Menace, Beverly Hillbillies, All the Right Moves, J Edgar, Little Women and The Trouble with the Truth. In television series, highlights are starring in Caroline in the City, Jane Doe and Switched at Birth along with many guest star spots in series such as Friends, Tales from the Crypt and Scorpion. Now a veteran director now in television, Thompson has helmed Jane Doe, Switched at Birth, The Goldbergs, Star Girl, Star Trek: Picard, Resident Alien and Will Trent. She made her feature film directorial debut with The Year of Spectacular Men on which she collaborated with her daughters Madelyn and Zoey Deutch. Stage singing and acting credits include I love My Wife and as Sally Bowles in Cabaret on Broadway.
Lea often performs at events for the Alzheimer’s Association, Michael J Fox Foundation and breast cancer charities. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 35 years, Howard Deutch, and a menagerie of dogs, fish, horses and chickens.
WENDIE MALICK (Augusta “Gus” Moore) – Wendie Malick has graced screens with an illustrious film and television career for decades. She received four Cable Ace awards for her role in HBO’s groundbreaking comedy, Dream On and garnered a Golden Globe and two Emmy Nominations for her iconic role, Nina Van Horn, in Just Shoot Me! Malick also starred in Hot In Cleveland, for which she and her cast mates earned a People’s Choice Award, and a SAG nomination for Best Ensemble. Other series included Frasier, Big Day, Good Company, and Rush Hour, as well as recurring roles on The Ranch, American Housewife, This Is Us, Pitch, Darrow & Darrow and NYPD Blue.
Malick recently recurred on Physical, Young Sheldon, and opposite Harrison Ford on the Apple TV+ series, Shrinking and also appeared in the last season of Dear White People. She’s made guest appearances on Billions, Mom, Seinfeld, Grace and Frankie, CSI, L.A. Law, The X Files, and many
more. Animated television credits include “Jimmy Neutron,” SpongeBob SquarePants, Bojack Horseman (Annie nomination), Rugrats and the Peabody award winning show, The Owl House.
Big screen credits include: Endings, Beginnings, Adventureland, Fifty-Nothing, Jerome, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Waiting, Racing Stripes, The American President, Trojan Wars, Raising Genius, Mr. Mikes Mondo Video, A Little Sex, The Goods, Bugsy, The Emperor’s New Groove, Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeakquel, The Surrogate, Mack and Rita, About Fate, The Re-Education of Molly Singer, 7000 Miles and Mother of All Shows.
On stage, Malick’s work included BURLEIGH GRIMES, NORTH SHORE FISH (Off-Broadway), Big Night (Kirk Douglas Theater),The Engagement Party and The Underpants (Geffen), Don’t Blame Me, I Voted For Helen Gahagan Douglas (Wooly Mammoth), Santaland Diaries (Coast Playhouse), Love Letters (Laguna Playhouse), The Guys (Studio Arena), Blithe Spirit and What is The Cause of Thunder (Williamstown) and Closure (New Jersey Rep).
Malick is on the Board of the Environmental Media Association, and the Advisory Board of Return To Freedom, a wild horse sanctuary and advocacy group. Through their charitable gift fund, A Drop in the Bucket, she and her husband, Richard Erickson, support a medical center in Congo. They live on a ranch in the Santa Monica mountains, with two dogs, three horses and a miniature donkey.
Interview with Hunter King, star of “Two Scoops of Italy” on Hallmark by Krista 6/18/24
Speaking with Hunter was so much fun. It’s probably my favorite interview I’ve ever done because I was really familiar with her and her work on “Young and the Restless.” Seeing her in a different role in this movie was great.
She was so friendly and so much fun to talk to. I could have talked to her for an hour. She loves to read like I do, and so we shared our favorite books. She was so interesting, and I loved hearing about her experiences on this movie and her challenges she faced as well.
The movie airs Saturday, June 22 on Hallmark Channel, or streaming on Peacock.
Transcript (not edited yet)
Hunter King: Thank you so much for having me.
Krista Chain: Okay. My 1st question is, how did you decide to accept the part in 2 scoops of Italy? What was the audition process, or were you approached by someone to to look at the script? How did that all come about?
Hunter King: Hallmark approached me with the script, and immediately I heard Italy, and I was like, I’m in. Count me in but then I obviously went and read the script, and it was just so charming and such a
Hunter King: like such a sweet feel! Good love story! I love a Romcom such a sucker for a Romcom. So anytime I get the opportunity to do a Romcom, I immediately take it.
Hunter King: But I love the story arc. I love the character arc and obviously getting to take place in Italy is not not a bad day.
Krista Chain: That’s right. And so that answered my next question. I know sometimes when they film movies, they don’t actually film where it’s being set. So it was filmed in Italy.
Hunter King: It was filmed in Italy. I don’t know how I got so lucky to get to film a movie that is based in Italy and actually takes place in Italy. But I somehow I don’t know. I I won the lottery with this one. I really did. It was
Hunter King: more magical than you could even imagine. It was just
Hunter King: a dream come true.
Krista Chain: Well, the movie was excellent.
Hunter King: Thank you. Thank you so much. I’m so happy that you liked it. It was so much fun to film. It was really so like just a blast.
Krista Chain: It looks like it would have been a really good time.
Hunter King: Thank you.
Krista Chain: So what was your favorite part of the movie.
Hunter King: Oh, my favorite part of the movie there I mean, there were so many
Hunter King: fun scenes that we film Nicolet, my co-star. He was great. He was very patient with me, teaching me many Italian words in between in between takes. I just would constantly ask him what different things mean, and then somehow would not remember any of it. 20 min later would have to ask him all over again. A great patient teacher and a great Co star. But getting to film just in all these different amazing locations was just
Hunter King: just I don’t even know how to describe it. And some of the things that we did like. Vespa scenes were so fun because we couldn’t really ride the vesque class they needed to like get us
Hunter King: like the certain camera angles, so we’d be up on the back of a truck with the vespas drafted kind of on a trailer behind. It was just so much fun getting to shoot these different things, and there was so many fun experiences like that on this one.
Krista Chain: So you had never worked with your co-star before.
Hunter King: No, no! This was the 1st time.
Krista Chain: Oh, okay, we all had really good chemistry together.
Hunter King: Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, no, he was. He was lovely. He was great. And I give him major props because filming
Hunter King: a movie in your second language. I luckily only had to say a couple of Italian words, and that was difficult for me. So I was like, I don’t know how you’re doing this. That is so hard. And he handled it like such a pro. And just was, Yeah, I was. I was very impressed.
Krista Chain: Okay? And what was your biggest challenge in filming this movie?
Krista Chain: Did you have any obstacles or challenges.
Hunter King: I’m trying to think of my biggest. I mean, honestly, that sounds again, Mika having to film a whole movie in your second language, when I only had to say a couple of words, but I somehow always would botch the words, and the director would tell me, I’m like, Okay, wait, wait. Remind me how to say that like right before we would start filming.
Hunter King: And he’d be like, this is how you say this is how you say it. I’m like, Okay, okay? And then we’d go to film. And I somehow go back to saying it the wrong way. And I would do that so many times. Oh, my God! I felt so bad! And Mika is over here just handling it all like it’s a breeze, and I’m like I can’t even say 2 words in Italian without having to do it 5 different times. So that was probably the most challenging, and the most takes that I had to do was on the Times, that I would have to stay
Hunter King: forwards in Italian, and I would screw it up every time.
Krista Chain: So the biggest challenge was the language. Then.
Hunter King: Yeah, luckily I only had a little bit, but somehow it was still challenging for me. Yeah.
Krista Chain: I can imagine it would have been for me as well.
Hunter King: It was hard it was hard. But I’m I’m determined to get my Italian down, so that the next time I go there I can say more than how to order an espresso at a cafe.
Krista Chain: Is it was that the 1st time you had ever been to Italy.
Hunter King: I’d been to Italy once before, like
Hunter King: 1011 years prior and so now I feel like I appreciated it even more, and getting to be there for work was just
such an incredible opportunity that I will never forget.
Krista Chain: Well, I have also watched you and young and the restless.
Krista Chain: And so I was just wondering what is the differences in filming a movie and filming a TV show.
Hunter King: Well, I’d say the number one difference between the 2 is just the pace
Hunter King: with the young wrestles. We had to
Hunter King: an hour’s worth of a show in one day, and sometimes more, because we would film like a episode and a quarter or something like that every single day. And
Hunter King: the pacing was just so fast, and you had to. Some days. I had, I think, the most dialogue I ever had in one day was like 55 pages for the young, the restless. When you film a movie, you have, like, you know, 4 5 pages of dialogue that day so definitely the pace. And you get a lot more time and a lot more takes when you film a movie which is nice.
Hunter King: and that one, it’s almost like doing a play every single day is you got to know your stuff? You get one, maybe 2 takes, and then you’re moving on.
Krista Chain: Wow!
Hunter King: Yeah.
Krista Chain: That. That’s 1 reason I really wanted to talk with you today, because I have watched you for so long, and the young and the restless and then saw this movie. And so I really wanted to to have a chance to talk with you today.
Hunter King: Oh, I’m so excited that we’re getting to talk. Then I mean, I feel like the soap opera fans. It’s like
Hunter King: the best kind of fans because you guys are dedicated. You’re watching
Hunter King: single day, like you know the story you? I always said that the fans of the show know the show better than I do, cause they’ve watched for years that they’re like. No, this person was with this person, but then they cheated on this person, and now they have a baby with this person I’m like, Oh, my God! I didn’t even know that. So.
Hunter King: Major Boss.
Krista Chain: My grandmother got me into watching the soap operas.
Hunter King: I love that that’s so sweet. I love that.
Krista Chain: Yeah. When I was when I was young I used to stay with her some during the summer and stuff, and when I was sick from school, and she always had to watch Young and the restless.
Hunter King: Love that, and then they then you get hooked. You watch one episode. You’re like, now I need to know what happens, and.
Hunter King: That’s how they do it. Yep.
Krista Chain: That’s right. And so you I noticed in the movie that you were a chef. Do you have
Krista Chain: passion for cooking and baking yourself, or.
Hunter King: I’m learning. I definitely don’t have the same skills as Danielle for sure. Nowhere close. I have many different battle wounds, as I call them from cooking different burn marks or different cuts on my fingers and scars from accidentally cutting myself.
Hunter King: So I’m definitely nowhere near her level. But I do enjoy it, and I’ve started cooking more and more within this last year, and I’m getting better. It’s edible. That’s for sure. It’s edible, questionable. But we’re getting there slowly.
Krista Chain: That’s the main thing.
Hunter King: I just want to be good enough to eat. I don’t need to be Michelin Star just good enough to eat. That’s it.
Krista Chain: And that I have some. I have some burn marks, too, so.
Hunter King: You get it? Yeah, it takes time.
Krista Chain: So what are you? Some of your hobbies that you do in your free time, when you’re not working.
Hunter King: Oh, my gosh! I always feel so boring when people ask me about my hobbies. I’m like, I like my dogs. I love to read. I’m a really big reader. My boyfriend. And I, we love TV and movies. And so we do watch a lot of TV. We have a whole list of different things that we’ve been watching this year. And it’s
Hunter King: it’s a substantial amount. I’m like, okay, we need to slow down on the TV. Cause this is this is getting out of control. But we do love to watch. We have our favorite shows together. But I I’m a big, big reader, and surprise surprise. Most of the books I read are wrong coms, so I just I keep away from them. I love them so much.If you are in the market for superclone, http://swisswatch.is/ Super Clone Rolex is the place to go! The largest collection of fake Rolex watches online!
Krista Chain: I love to read as well. What’s your favourite book?
Hunter King: Oh, I mean, I love Colleen Hoover. Just it starts with us. It ends with us, or it ends with us and starts with us. We’re both so good. Verity was incredible. Have you read any colleen Hoover books.
Krista Chain: I haven’t.
Hunter King: Oh, okay, you’re gonna be.
Hunter King: I’m telling you it’s gonna change your life. You’re gonna thank me. You’re gonna come back and you’d be like you were right. Go and read, it ends with us and then read, it’s it’s weird. It starts with it ends with us. Then it starts with us is the sequel, and then a totally different book. Verity.
Hunter King: another one of our books, which I think that that’s 1 of them is
Hunter King: oh, another good one but those are really good, so try those. But.
Krista Chain: Okay.
Hunter King: For you if you want some Romcom books. I got you.
Krista Chain: I I’ve been reading some freedom. Macfadden, have you read her.
Hunter King: No, I haven’t.
Krista Chain: The housemaid and the co-worker, the teacher.
Krista Chain: Those are. Those are the ones. I just finished the coworker, and it was really good. So I’m fixing about to start the teacher.
Hunter King: Ok, all right, I’ll put those on my list. I’ll definitely do that because I’m almost done with my book now, and I need a new one. Check out, Emily Henry, too.
Krista Chain: I’ve seen her, but I’ve never read any of hers either.
Hunter King: If you like. Hallmark, you’d love her books. They’re just so feel good and just make it just feels like you’re reading a warm hug it just they’re just delicious. You gotta read her books.
Krista Chain: I’ll definitely check her out.
Krista Chain: And have you ever worked with you said you had never worked with your co-star before.
Hunter King: No, I have not. This was our 1st movie together.
Krista Chain: Oh, wow! Well, who is someone that you would like to work with that? You’ve never worked with.
Hunter King: oh, my gosh! I mean there’s so many different
Hunter King: great people in Hallmark jonathan Bennett would be so fun. I’ve been a fan of his forever.
Hunter King: Tyler, big fan of his, would love to work with him. Well, I’ve said this before, and I’ve been so lucky with all of the people that I’ve worked with both men and women, just like some of the loveliest people. So if I ever got the opportunity to work with any of my co-stars again, and film either a sequel or another thing, I would jump at the opportunity, because I’ve been so fortunate to have made so many amazing friendships with the people that I’ve worked with, and they’re all not just like great actors, but great people as well.
Krista Chain: I I would think that would be one of the most fun parts of doing movies and stuff like that is getting to meet different people, and making friendships with different ones.
Hunter King: Yeah, no, that honestly, that’s probably my favorite part of getting to do movies and just meeting so many different people and people that you would never would have met, or that live in different places that live in Italy. Now.
Krista Chain: Rather.
Hunter King: In Canada. And so it does make you feel more connected to the.
Krista Chain: And go into different places.
Krista Chain: and I think I had one more question. Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?
Hunter King: I have. Well, I don’t think I’m really allowed to say much about it. I haven’t filmed it yet, but I’m going to be filming a very fun homework movie soon that I cannot wait for. It’s like a dream job. I mean, all the ones that I’ve done have been amazing and just so much fun. And this one is gonna be no different. It’s just gonna be.
Hunter King: Oh, I can’t wait. I’m like bursting at the seams waiting to tell people about it, but it’s gonna be a good one, I promise.
Krista Chain: Oh, I can’t wait to see it!
Hunter King: Thank you.
Krista Chain: Well, thank you so much for talking with me today. And I really, I really did enjoy getting to meet you and talk to you today.
Hunter King: Thank you so much. Thank you for having me. I’m so glad that you got to watch the movie, and that you’ve watched the young the wrestlers for years, but it was so lovely to talk to you.
Krista Chain: Thank you so much. You take care of yourself and have a wonderful day.
Hunter King: Thank you. You, too. Have a good weekend.
HUNTER KING (Daniella) – Hunter King is best known for her work as a series regular on CBS’ Life in Pieces opposite Colin Hanks, Betsy Brandt and Thomas Sadoski. King can also be recognized as Summer Newman on The Young and the Restless, a role for which she earned two Daytime Emmys. In feature work, King starred in A Girl Like Her opposite Jimmy Bennett, which garnered incredible reviews for confronting bullying in schools. King was cast as the lead in ABC’s 2020 comedy pilot Prospect. Most recently, King wrapped shooting the lead in the indie feature Give Me Your Eyes. For Hallmark Channel she was last seen starring in The Santa Summit, as well as The Professional Bridesmaid, and A Royal Corgi Christmas. For Hallmark Mystery King also starred in Nikki & Nora: Sister Sleuths.
AN AMERICAN CHEF TRAVELS TO ITALY AND MEETS A HANDSOME GELATIERE HUNTER KING AND MICHELE ROSIELLO STAR IN TWO SCOOPS OF ITALY
A NEW, ORIGINAL MOVIE PREMIERING JUNE 22, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL
Shot Entirely on Location in Italy As Part of the Network’s June 2024 Passport to Love Programming Event
Chef Danielle Turner (King) is facing a dilemma of gastronomic proportions and might lose her restaurant unless she can come up with a new menu that will wow her investor. Desperate for epicurean inspiration she travels to Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman village. Danielle soon meets Giancarlo Donati (Rosiello), a charming local gelatiere facing his own crisis of the gelato variety. Giancarlo introduces Danielle to the flavors, the culture, the gelato and other charms of the quaint town and together they motivate and encourage one another. As Danielle’s falls for Italy, she discovers it might not be the only thing to capture her heart.
Two Scoops of Italy is from MarVista Entertainment in association with Cattleya. Larry Grimaldi, Hannah Pillemer, Fernando Szew and Todd Y. Murata are executive producers. Roger M. Bobb is co-executive producer. The movie is produced by Christina Giubbeti. Roger M. Bobb directed from a script by Eric Brooks and Nicole Baxter, from a story by Abdi Nazemian
Executive Producers: Larry Grimaldi
Hannah Pillemer
Fernando Szew
Todd Y. Murata
Co-Executive Producer: Roger M. Bobb
Producer: Christina Giubbeti
Production Credit: A MarVista Entertainment Production in association with Cattleya
Directed by: Roger M. Bobb
Written by: Eric Brooks and Nicole Baxter
Story by: Abdi Nazemian
Director of Photography: Patrizio Patrizi
Production Designer: Tiziana Liberotti
Edited by: William Lynch
Music By: Jamie Coleman
Costume Designer: Claudette Lilly
Casting by: Teresa Razzauti
Cast: Hunter King (Danielle Turner)
Michele Rosiello (Giancarlo Donati)
Sara Mondello (Elida)
Simone Colombari (Aldo Donati)
Ruby Kammer (Sarah Turner)
Michele Augusto Magni (Bruno)
Serge Pirilli (La Rana)
Alessia Franchin (Marta)
Davy Eduard King (Owen Bridges)
Lorenzo Padalino (Nico)
James Tumminia (Mario Chiellini)
Interview with Barbara Niven of “One Bad Apple A Hannah Swensen Mystery” on Hallmark Mystery by Suzanne 4/3/24
Barbara Niven seems very sweet, and it was a delight to chat with her. I had a friend sitting nearby listening, and after the interview, she said, “Wow, she sounds really nice!” While it’s true that actors are good at hiding their feelings, and they’re paid to pretend, I think that Barbara’s real-life kindness comes through in her roles and interviews. She clearly has so much fun playing Delores in these movies. Delores is a little kooky, but she means well. Make sure you watch the movie because it’s fun, and it’s a good mystery! It airs tonight, 4/5/24, as the 9th film in the series.
Summary: Hannah meets a new side of law & order as she investigates a murder and crosses paths with by the books prosecuting attorney Chad Norton. Meanwhile, Delores has a secret.
Press Release: ALISON SWEENEY STARS IN, WRITES AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCES
ONE BAD APPLE: A HANNAH SWENSEN MYSTERY
PREMIERING LATER THIS YEAR ON HALLMARK MYSTERY
Sweeney Reunites On-Screen with Victor Webster Who Joins the Cast of the
Long-Running, Fan-Favorite Franchise
Gabriel Hogan, Barbara Niven, Tess Atkins and Lisa Durupt Also Star
Alison Sweeney (Love & Jane, Days of Our Lives)
returns as everyone’s favorite baker-turned amateur sleuth Hannah Swensen and reunites with
her “The Wedding Veil” trilogy co-star Victor Webster (Mystery on Mistletoe Lane, A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe) for One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, premiering Friday, April 5 (9 p.m. ET/PT), on Hallmark Mystery. Sweeney wrote the script, which is based on the novel Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke, and is executive producer on the movie. Gabriel Hogan (Tacoma FD) Barbara Niven (Ms. Christmas Comes to Town), Tess Atkins (The Flash), and Lisa Durupt (Heartland) reprise their roles.
Hannah Swensen (Sweeney) has been asked to teach a baking class at the college in town, but her equipment is tampered with causing an explosion that the fire department rules an accident. Soon, a colleague ends up dead and Hannah begins to put together the puzzle of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder while being on the list of suspects herself. Hannah leans on her friends and family to collect the breadcrumbs of foul play and put them together, and meets a different side of law and order when she crosses paths with Lake Eden’s by-the book prosecuting attorney Chad Norton (Webster). “One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery” is from Lighthouse Pictures in association with Looking Glass Productions. Craig Baumgarten, Sweeney, Jamie Goehring and Shawn Williamson are executive producers. John J. Fluke serves as co-executive producer. The movie is produced by Kevin Leslie. B. F. Painter is associate producer. Shannon Kohli directed from a script by Sweeney, based on the book Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke.
BARBARA NIVEN (Delores) – Barbara Niven is an actor, producer and speaker. She’s also a fierce advocate for human and animal rights. As a mother and grandmother, she knows there is nothing more important than saving this planet and all the beings that live on it.
During her acting career, she has appeared in more than 100 film and TV roles and 2500 TV and radio commercials. She also served three years on the National Board of Directors for the Screen Actors Guild.
For six seasons, Niven starred in the Hallmark Channel original primetime series Chesapeake Shores. She has starred in the Hallmark movie original USS Christmas, four installments of Hallmark Channel’s Christmas in Evergreen movie franchise in addition to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ popular Crossword Mysteries, appearing in all installments. Niven starred with Alison Sweeney in the popular Murder She Baked franchise and reprised her role in Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery in 2021 as well as Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, and A Zest for Death: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, both of which premiered last year. She also was in Hallmark Channel’s first original primetime series, Cedar Cove. Most recently, Niven starred the 2023 original movie Ms. Christmas Comes to Town, which was part of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ Miracles of Christmas programming event. Other credits including starring roles in Christmas at the Golden Dragon, The Christmas Contest and North to Home for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Her performance as Marilyn Monroe in HBO’s The Rat Pack continues to garner praise as “one of the top three portrayals of the blonde icon on Film & TV.”
Niven has also gained international acclaim as Hollywood’s Top Media Trainer and Video Marketing Coach. She created her Unleash Your Star Power!™ system so she could teach people how to hone their message, overcome fear and, use video and public speaking to dominate their niche.
Niven is also a celebrity speaker and best-selling author. Business and motivational topics include Unleash Your Star Power!, Be a Video Marketing Superstar, ACT As If, Live Your Dreams! And Eating Disorders and Pressures to be Perfect.
Niven is a huge animal welfare advocate, a National Ambassador for American Humane and was a regular presenter for Hallmark Channel’s televised American Humane American Hero Dog Awards\ each year. She currently has two rescued dogs named Norma Jean and Brando, and two rescued feral cats named George and Henry (named after her father, George Henry).
Her motto? “Live your passion, connect to your purpose, make a difference. And don’t give up five minutes before the miracle.”
Interview with Eliza Bennett of “An American in Austen” on Hallmark by Suzanne 2/15/24
This was a fun little chat with Eliza about her new Hallmark movie. It’s a thrill ride, it has time travel, and it has romance. What more could you want? I hope you watch and enjoy it Feb. 17 on Hallmark!
MORE INFO:
Eliza will co-star in the Paramount + series, Sexy Beast alongside Sarah Greene, Tamsin Greig, Steven Moyer, and James McArdle. The show is a prequel to the 2000 film which delves into the origin tales of Gal, Teddy, and Don; it is now streaming worldwide.
Audiences may recognize her work from Netflix’s current hit feature, Do Revenge, with Sophie Turner and Camila Mendes. The film re-teamed Eliza with her Sweet/Vicious, writer/director, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. She also starred as Amanda Carrington in two seasons of the CW’s reboot, Dynasty with Liz Gillies.
Other recent television work includes recurring on ABC’s The Conners opposite Sara Gilbert and John Goodman, Amazon’s comedy pilot, People Just Do Nothing from executive producer, Ash Atalia, and guest-starring with Sterling K. Brown on This Is Us.
Bennett’s breakout came when she played Jules, a college student living a double life, one as a typical sorority girl and the other as a campus vigilante committed to eliminating abusers in MTV’s dark comedy series, Sweet/Vicious.
Variety said: “Eliza Bennett plays Jules, a sorority girl who likes sunset pictures on Instagram and has a bedroom straight out of a pastel Pinterest page. Bennett is asked to sketch all the layers of an earnest character who is pretty square and conformist, but who is also full of confusion and rage and dryly funny from time to time. She pulls off all those rapid transitions without missing a beat”.
Bennett began her career in the United Kingdom on both stage and screen. Her feature credits include the lead role in the New Line’s Inkheart, alongside Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, and Andy Serkis, critically acclaimed, Nanny McPhee, opposite Emma Thompson, and the Julian Fellowes feature From Time to Time, with Maggie Smith and Dominic West.
Bennett is a seasoned theater performer having starred in numerous West End productions including the lead in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the musical Loserville.
She is a singer/songwriter, having released singles Late Twenties, Visit Me In Georgia, and Hate to Love You in 2022 and a Christmas single, All I Want for Christmas is You with Liz Gillies in 2021.
Bennett splits her time between Los Angeles and the U.K.
An American in Austen
Cast: Eliza Bennett, Nicholas Bishop
Synopsis: Harriet, who thinks that no real man compares to Mr. Darcy, is transported into Pride & Prejudice and gets an unexpected chance to find out.
Interview with Hunter King of “The Professional Bridesmaid” on Hallmark by Suzanne 4/3/23
Don’t miss the movie, Saturday, April 8, on Hallmark! This was a very quick interview, but I enjoyed it. I’m a huge fan of this young actress, and I think she has a big career ahead of her. She’s already been a hit in “The Young and The Restless,” where she was half of a very popular couple as Summer to the handsome young Kyle (squish name “Skyle”). Even before that, playing Summer meant she was related to half the town on the show, making her an integral part of everything. She was also part of the four-season comedy “Life in Pieces,” which I loved. It was great to talk to her about this fun and romantic movie. It was really lovely to see Chandler Massey as her love interest, too. He is most known for playing Will on “Days of Our Lives.” Both of them have won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and have done a few Hallmark movies, so pairing them up is genius. If you’re a long-time Days viewer, you may recognize the mayor (also the bride’s dad), Roark Critchlow, who played Mike Horton! And yes, if you’re wondering, a professional bridesmaid is a real thing. Google to find more.
“The Professional Bridesmaid,” premieres Saturday, April 8 @ 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel, as part of the network’s “Spring into Love” programming event.
Daytime Emmy-winning actress Hunter King, best known for her roles in “The Young and The Restless” and “Life in Pieces,” plays Maggie Bailey who has turned being an expert bridesmaid into her career. Her latest client is the mayor’s daughter, however no one can know Maggie is a “hired bridesmaid”. Maggie must hide her identity while working to coordinate three unhelpful bridesmaids, and keep Henry (Chandler Massey, “Days of Our Lives”), a local reporter assigned to the society story, focused on the wedding, even as she begins to grow closer to him. Hunter shines in this heartwarming film about love and friendship. I would love to gauge your interest in speaking with her about her role in this Spring into Love movie.
HUNTER KING AND CHANDLER MASSEY STAR IN ‘THE PROFESSIONAL BRIDESMAID,’ A NEW, ORIGINAL MOVIE PREMIERING APRIL 8, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL
STUDIO CITY, CA – March 20, 2023 – Hunter King (“Life in Pieces,” “The Young and The Restless) and Chandler Massey (“Days of Our Lives”) star in “The Professional Bridesmaid,” a new, original movie premiering Saturday, April 8 (8 p.m. ET/PT)on Hallmark Channel.
Years ago, Maggie Bailey (King) realized she had a particular skill set for being an ace bridesmaid – and she went pro. Now she uses her talents to help brides navigate the tricky emotional and social dynamics that go along with planning their big day in addition to the practical. Her latest client, Alexis Shepard (Francesca Bianchi,”A Million Little Things”), is the daughter of Columbus’ mayor who is up for reelection. Alexis’ wedding promises to be the event of the summer with lots of scrutiny, so the mayor’s team hires Maggie to join the bridal party and help keep everything on track. But no one can know that Maggie is a hired bridesmaid, so she is introduced as Alexis’ old friend Maisie. Unfortunately, Henry Whittington (Massey), an ambitious local reporter assigned to the society story is sniffing around hoping to get close to the mayor for a scoop on the pending development of local park land. To pull off her assignment, Maggie must coordinate three unhelpful bridesmaids, and keep Henry focused on the wedding while hiding her identity, even as she begins to grow closer to him.
“The Professional Bridesmaid” is from Lighthouse Pictures Inc. Marguerite Henry is executive producer. Shawn Williamson, Jamie Goehring and Robert Lycar serve as producers. Peter Benson directed from a script by Carol Starr Schneider, Gregg Rossen and Brian Sawyer.
Interview with Tyler Jacob Moore, Tiera Skovbye, Nancy Travis, Sara Garcia, Beau Mirchoff, and Jake Foy of “Ride” on Hallmark by Suzanne 3/21/23
This was a fun couple of interviews, and I’m very grateful that I had plenty of time to speak with all 6 main cast members. I enjoyed watching the show’s first 5 episodes. It started off a little slow, but I believe they did this deliberately in order to not only start this epic story, but to give us time to get to know this family and all of the characters on the show. In the first episode, there are three brothers, and they all have beards. I admit that it took me a little bit of time to figure out which one was which. After awhile, the drama of the show drew me in, and it kept me interested. It’s a little bit of a family soap opera. It reminds me somewhat of “Dallas,” but without being so overly-dramatic. Of course, it’s still a drama, so they all have their secrets, and they get angry, and they fight – like any good family. There’s also tragedy, romance, heartbreak, and more. If you love shows like “Yellowstone” or “Walker,” you should love this one, too. I think the characters are more likable than the first, and the show is a bit more realistic than the latter. Enjoy these fun interviews and this new series! It premieres Sunday, March 26 on Hallmark.
A DYNASTIC RANCHING FAMILY FACES AN UNCERTAIN FUTUREWHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES IN THE SEASON ONE DEBUT OF ‘RIDE’
PREMIERING MARCH 26, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL
STUDIO CITY, CA – March 17, 2023 – Tragedy strikes a dynastic ranching family in “Legend of the Fall,” the series debut of “Ride” premiering Sunday, March 26 (9 p.m.ET/PT), on Hallmark Channel. Nancy Travis (“Last Man Standing”), Tiera Skovbye (“Riverdale”), Beau Mirchoff (“Good Trouble”), Sara Garcia (“The Flash”), Jake Foy (“Designated Survivor”) and Tyler Jacob Moore (“Shameless”) star.
Isabel McMurray (Travis) is the matriarch of a small-town ranching family going back a generation. After losing her husband years ago, she has resiliently kept the ranch afloat and singlehandedly raised their three sons: illustrious champion Austin (Marcus Rosner, “Valentine in the Vineyard”), servicemember Cash (Mirchoff) and ever-dependable Tuff (Foy). Over the years, the family has grown to include Austin’s talented wife Missy (Skovbye) and Valeria (Garcia), a one-time runaway the family had taken in. One day, just as Cash returns home, tragedy strikes, leaving Missy a widow, the family grieving and leading Valeria to leave town without a word. A year later, as the McMurrays continue to grieve, the fate of their ranch is uncertain. Cash, who has spent a lifetime in his brother’s shadow, considers stepping into his shoes to save it – a decision complicated by Cash’s long simmering feelings for Missy. Missy struggles with her place in the family without Austin and considers new opportunities, while Isabel who has faced more than her fair share of loss, struggles with putting Cash at risk, even if it means losing her life’s work. Then Valeria reappears with more secrets than answers and the family faces an opportunity that could decide the fate of the ranch.
“Ride” is a Blink49 Studios / Seven24 Films Production. Executive producers are Rebecca Boss, Chris Masi, Sherri Cooper, Alexandra Zarowny, Paolo Barzman, Greg Gugliotta, FJ Denny, John Morayniss, Carolyn Newman, Virginia Rankin, Elana Barry, Josh Adler, Jordy Randall and Tom Cox, along with co-executive producer Alejandro Alcoba. The series is produced by Brian Dennis. Lesley Grant is supervising producer. Paolo Barzman directed from a script written by Rebecca Boss & Chris Masi. — HALLMARK CHANNEL —
Interview with Sadie Laflamme-Snow of “The Way Home” on Hallmark by Suzanne 1/25/23
It was so nice to speak to this talented young actress. We had a great, short chat about her new show that is part family drama and part fantasy.
MORE INFO:
THREE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN REUNITE AND BEGIN AND UNEXPECTED JOURNEY IN THE SEASON ONE DEBUT OF ‘THE WAY HOME’ PREMIERING JANUARY 15, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL
STUDIO CITY, CA – January 15, 2023 – Three generations of women embark on an enlightening journey to find their way back to each other and learn important lessons about their family’s past in “Mothers and Daughters,” the series debut of “The Way Home” premiering Sunday, January 15 (8 p.m. ET/PT), on Hallmark Channel. Andie MacDowell (“Maid,” “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove”), Chyler Leigh (“Supergirl,” “Greys Anatomy”), Evan Williams ( Blonde, “Versailles”), and Sadie Laflamme-Snow (“The Apprentice”) star in the multigenerational family drama. Alex Hook (“I am Frankie”), Al Mukadam (“Pretty Hard Cases,” “The Detail), Jefferson Brown ( Masters of Romance, “Slasher”) and David Webster ( Luckiest Girl Alive, “In the Dark”) also star.
Kat Landry (Leigh), her 15-year-old daughter Alice (Laflamme-Snow) and Kat’s mother Del (MacDowell) are all strong, willful and independent. More than 20 years prior, lifechanging events prompted Kat to move away from her small, Canadian farm town of Port Haven and she and Del have been estranged ever since. Alice has never met her grandmother and is unaware of the reasons for their fractured family. With Kat’s marriage coming to an end and having just been laid off from her job, she decides to return home after receiving an unexpected letter from Del urging her to come back. Although Alice is none-too-thrilled, Kat and her daughter arrive at her family’s farm. Kat is disappointed that she doesn’t receive a warmer reception from Del and it’s clear that there are wounds that need to heal. Wanting to escape the tension, Alice explores the property and finds herself on a surprising journey.
“The Way Home” is a Neshama Entertainment production in association with MarVista Entertainment. Executive producers are Heather Conkie, Alexandra Clarke, Fernando Szew, Hannah Pillemer, Larry Grimaldi, Ani Kevork, Arnie Zipursky, Mary Reed, Lauren MacKinlay, Andie MacDowell and Chyler Leith. The series is produced by John Calvert. Kyle Hart is supervising producer. Jessica Runck serves as consulting producer. Grant Harvey directed from a script by Conkie & Clarke, from a story by Reed, Conkie & Clarke.
Interview with Loretta Walsh of “When Calls the Heart” on Hallmark by Krista 3/19/21
This was an interview done by email. We’re always glad when an actor takes the time to type their own answers to our questions because it’s less work for us! As you can see, her answers are very kind and professional.
1. I see that you grew up in Queensland, Australia. What was that like?
It was a very sheltered and “go outside and play” childhood in rural Queensland. I had a wonderful community and big family, but I knew at a young age I would need to leave for a bigger city to pursue my dreams of being an actor.
2. I read that you grew up in a family of actors. What was it like growing up with your family and did you know from a young age that you also wanted to act?
I knew that I wanted to dance from a young age and imagination and play were always a big part of my childhood. I was usually deterred from pursuing a career in the arts by those who knew how challenging a career it can be, but I knew in my heart that’s what I wanted, so I went for it!
3. I saw your first production was as Louisa in The Sound of Music. What was it like being in your first stage production?
Thrilling! I loved the collaboration, creativity and community of making theatre together. I was absolutely hooked!
4. When you first started acting, did you plan to act in all venues, theatre as well as TV and movies? How is it different to act on stage in theatre versus acting on a television show?
When I first started I didn’t know what was possible. I wasn’t focused on one particular medium. But after getting some experience, I knew that I wanted to work both on screen and on stage. The big difference is that on camera, the camera is your audience, on stage your audience is further away. Plus in theatre, the audience reaction is immediate and in real time (no second takes!)
5. You are returning as Florence Blakely in Season 8 of When Calls The Heart. What drew you to accepting this part?
I was really wanting to do an ensemble show that focused on women and the important and deep friendships of that sisterhood. I thought WCTH was that project.
6. What do you enjoy most about your character Florence Blakely?
I enjoy that she is a character who is always “doing” something. She doesn’t wait for things to happen to her – she takes action!
7. What has been your biggest challenge in playing the part of Florence Blakely?
Florence is quite a different person than Loretta, so finding those elements that are different and not playing them as a characature can be a challenge, but I feel that I ‘know’ Florence well now, so it comes a little easier after 8 seasons 😉
8. What is it like playing with the other actors in When Calls The Heart? Do you have relationships/friendships off set?
It’s great! We have a shorthand after so many years of playing together and it’s a real collaboration. And yes, behind the scenes we have our own little “hope valley” style community in real life. It’s a real gift in my life.
9. I saw where Florence will go through a physical and emotional transformation? Can you tell me more about that and what it involves?
You will have to watch as I can’t give any spoilers, but I will say that we will see some sides to Florence this season that we haven’t seen before.
10. What has been the funniest thing you have had happen on set?
I couldn’t pick one! There’s lots of laughter on set. It’s a fun group.
11. I saw where you will be appearing in “A Picture Perfect Wedding” later on, can you tell us a little bit about that movie?
Photographer Lindsey gets asked by a New York mogul’s son, Josh, to shoot his sister’s wedding. Sparks fly as Josh and Lindsey prepare for the ceremony, but as the big day arrives, what will their hearts decide? I play the villain in the movie “Maxine Bower-Smythe”.
12. Any other upcoming projects you can discuss?
The Sinners, a thriller/horror movie on VOD now!
13. I understand you founded your own theatre company. Tell me more about that.
I love theatre and have been deeply impacted by it over the years. I want to share the respect and love of theatre I have with others which is why I started Kindred Entertainment.
14. If you could pick any actor/actress to co-star with, who would you pick and why?
There’s too many to choose from! But I’d love to work with Emma Thompson as I love her authenticity and how she speaks about being a woman and an actor.
15. What piece of advice would you give to someone with a desire to act either on stage or on TV/movies?
Go for it! Study – take great acting classes, build a community, care for yourself and get ready for a marathon (not a sprint) Believe in yourself no matter how many “no’s” you get – good things will come your way!
Born and raised in rural Queensland Australia, Loretta Walsh has enchanted audiences since a young age. She comes from a family of actors, and wanted to pursue acting as a career after playing “Louisa” in her local town’s production of “The Sound of Music”. Soon after discovering her love for the art she landed a small part in the tv series “Water Rats” playing a hostess of a swingers club. Loretta’s unique ability to transform and emobody a vast array of characters keeps audiences on their toes – this year will be no exception with her upcoming projects.
This year audiences will see Loretta return as Florence Blakeley in season eight of Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart” which premiered February 21st. This season reveals new sides to Florence that #hearties haven’t seen before as she goes through both a physical and emotional transformation. Loretta will also appear in a supporting lead role as the villainous Maxine Bower-Smythe in the upcoming film A PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING, premiering later this year.
Loretta has worked on numerous TV shows and films including CW’s “Batwoman”, Netflix’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events”, A&E’s “Bates Motel” and the award winning teen thriller film THE SINNERS (aka The Color Rose).
Along with captivating audiences in film and TV Loretta has made an inprint in theatre, not only founding her own theatre company Kindred Entertainment, in Vancouver but appearing on various stages in a wide array of productions.
Loretta loves the variety and range of roles she has been privileged to play over the years and is motivated to represent women on screen and their stories that are surprising, complicated and imperfectly human.
SERIES: WHEN CALLS THE HEART
ABOUT THE SERIES: More surprises and challenges are in store for the residents of Hope Valley. Elizabeth’s relationships with Nathan and Lucas continue to deepen, Faith and Carson must make choices about their future, a new family arrives to town, Lee and Rosemary get some unexpected news, Bill is asked to return a prized possession and the whole town joins in the excitement as another wedding takes place.
CHARACTER: Florence Blakeley
PREMIERE: February 21, 2021 on Hallmark
FILM: A PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING
ABOUT THE FILM: Photographer Lindsey gets asked by a New York mogul’s son, Josh, to shoot his sister’s wedding. Sparks fly as Josh and Lindsey prepare for ceremony, but as the big day arrive, what will their hearts decide?
CHARACTER: Maxine Bower-Smythe
PREMIERE: 2021
Get to Know Loretta
My favorite movies when I was a kid – tied for SOUND OF MUSIC and GREASE. I wanted to be Olivia Newton John or Julie Andrews.
I love to travel….most favourite vacation was to Positano in Italy. Favorite place in the world – the beach – Noosa, Australia.
I love fashion and getting dressed up, but I put high value in being cozy (think Uggs, slippers, cashmere sweaters and pajamas 😉
I am fascinated by (and terrified of) sharks….
I have been skydiving.
Loretta has many different jobs apart from being an actor including.…. at KFC, being a nanny, a bartender, a teacher, a producer, working in events, a wine company rep, worked for an airline, a temp, a tour director, worked ONE night as catering staff….tough gig!
If I wasn’t an actor/producer, I would like to be a social worker ……or a puppy cuddler