Interview with Ginna Claire Mason and Wes Brown of the movie “A Newport Christmas” on Hallmark by Suzanne 10/29/25
I really enjoyed this Hallmark Christmas movie, which has time travel, history and a lot of other fun stuff. It airs Sunday, 11/2/25 on Hallmark, and streaming the next day on Hallmark+! They were both really nice. It’s always nice to talk to people with a lot of warmth and enthusiasm. These two are so good in this movie. I’m a longtime fan of scifi and fantasy, as well as Christmas movies, so I enjoy when they combine all these elements. Check out their new song, too! “Timeless!”
About A NEWPORT CHRISTMAS Premieres: Sunday, November 2
Stars: Ginna Claire Mason (A Holiday Spectacular), Wes Brown (Haul out the Holly: Lit Up)
Logline: Ella (Mason) is a charitable and spirited Newport socialite in 1905 who dreams of using her wealth to start a foundation to help others in town. After learning her father intends for her to become engaged to a man sheâs never met at the upcoming Christmas Eve ball, Ella goes for a nighttime sail in her schooner to clear her head. Upon seeing a comet shoot across the sky, she wistfully wishes for a different life. Ella is shocked to suddenly find Nick (Brown), a sailor and local Newport historian, aboard her schooner and accuses him of being a stowaway. But Nick insists he owns the boat and a standoff ensues. Once on dry land, Ella realizes that somehow, sheâs traveled from 1905 to 2025. As she spends time there and gets a glimpse at what her future in 1905 appears to be, she becomes reluctant to return, especially since she and Nick have grown close and she now knows how true love feels. But the legacy Ella built in her time â and the course of Newportâs history â risks being erased the longer she stays in the present, so the two plot a course for her trip back through time. But what awaits her at home is even more surprising that what she found in the future.
Wes Brown (born January 26, 1982) is an American actor known for his role as Luke McDonald in HBO’s True Blood and other TV and film roles, including Hallmark movies. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas, raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Louisiana State University, initially intending to pursue business before switching to acting. His career also includes roles in series like Hart of Dixie and Private Practice, and films such as Glory Road and We Are Marshall.
Ginna Claire Mason is an American actress known for her role as Glinda in the Broadway musical Wicked and her starring roles in Hallmark Channel movies. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, she graduated from Elon University with a BFA in Music Theatre. Mason is married to pilot Eric Moffett, and they have two children.
Interview with Jonathan Bennett, Melissa Peterman, Drake Kuyper, Marcus Brodie, Angel Garet and Robbie Simpson of “Finding Mr. Christmas” on Hallmark by Jamie 10/1/25
Finding Mr. Christmas is a reality competition on Hallmark premiering its second season on Monday, Oct. 27. I recently spoke with both the host, Jonathan Bennett and judge, Melissa Peterson, as well as four of the contestants: Robbie, Angel, Drake, and Marcus. Both Jonathan and Melissa were a delight, and they, as well as the contestants, seemed to have a lot of fun making the show, and the men made a lot of lasting friendships coming out of the competition.
I was only given the first episode to watch, but it was a lot of fun. The contestants take part in various Christmas-themed competitions, such as making a Santa costume to show who they are, as well as acting challenges where they get to perform alongside Hallmark stars. In the first episode, they had to ski over to actress Janelle Parris and act out a scene with her. That competition was hilarious, because most of the men didnât know how to ski, and no one helped them with that. The four men spoke to me about acting out the scene with Janelle and which challenges they found difficult.
Jonathan and Melissa talked about advice they gave the contestants, many of whom were new to acting and the hoops they had them jump through. Both were really great conversations, and the series is worth a watch. Season 2 premieres 10/27 on Hallmark Channel and is available to stream the next day on Hallmark+.
Jonathan Bennett, Drake Kuyper and Marcus Brodie
Melissa Peterman, Angel Garet and Robbie Simpson
TRANSCRIPTS OF THE INTERVIEWS
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â Jamie’s coming to us from space! How’s the signal up there?
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â It’s hard to hear. [laughs] It’s nice to talk to you all. I enjoyed the first episode that we got to see. Jonathan, let me start with you. How do you feel that the show has evolved since last season?
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â You know, we took everything we learned from season one and, you know, expanded that into season two to make it even bigger and bolder than season one. I can’t believe I got away with what I got away with in season two. Like, when I said to the executives, âHey, I want to hang them from a cable in a harness thirty feet and fly them through the air,â they were like, âYeah, that’s a great idea.â And I’m like, âAre you sure?â They’re like, âYeah.â I’m like, âOkay, great. I also want to put them on skis in the first episode and make them ski down a hill while having to memorize a scene and act with the biggest Hallmark star, Janelle Parrish, and they only get one take. They have to do it, and whatever happens, happens.â And they’re like, âYeah, that’s a great idea.â And I’m like, âGreat.â So, it’s just, you know, I think my sandbox has expanded, and I’ve been able to play with all the different things in it a lot bigger.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â All right, that’s fair. Robbie and Angel, what made you both want to be a part of this?
ROBBIE:Â Â Oh, yeah. I’ve been watching Hallmark movies forever when I was on the couch with Hot Coco with my family members. So, to be able to be a part of the Hallmark universe and tell these stories that I have watched forever, I mean, Hallmark is the place for feel good entertainment. So, you know, when you click that on, you’re just going to feel good. And then also to do that with Jonathan Bennett and learning from him and also laughing with him was just a total blast and an easy yes for me.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â What about you Angel?
ANGEL:Â Â I grew up in Venezuela, and I immigrated to this beautiful country, and every Christmas I would watch movies to enjoy it and learn English, and Hallmark was my go-to. Then, when the opportunity came to be part of a Hallmark on a scripted show, I was like, âI have to do this.â I’ve been doing this for years, every Christmas, and I’m excited that I’m part of it.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â What did you two do to prepare? And did you go back and watch season one?
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â Yeah. What’d you do to prepare for this?
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â If anything.
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â If anything, they can’t really prepare what I put them through, because every day they’re like, âWhy do we have to do [that]? What, Jonathan, what are we doing?â
ANGEL:Â Â I watched season one first. I researched who this awesome host was, and then just, a lot of self-talk. English is my second language, so I had to like, tell myself, âYouâve got this.â You just gotta be present, active, listening, cheer for others, let go of ego, let go of your past, enjoy the moment, pay attention and just take as much information from the hosts, your friends, and everybody else. And the Christmas movies help too.
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â That’s right.
ROBBIE:Â Â I love unscripted television. I love watching reality TV. So, this has been a total dream for me to get dropped into my ideal reality television show, you know, being an actor.
So, I watched season one, probably like three times, just trying to figure out everything that was going on, but that helped to a certain extent. But as soon as I got there, Jonathan [was] switching it up on us constantly, so I just realized that like every day, it just was about saying âYes, and.â What are we doing today? Getting excited about that. Then, also just having fun. Like at the end of the day, I think that’s the name of the game, and that was what helped me do well was enjoying the time together and enjoying the other guys. And it was a total blast.
ANGEL:Â Â I mean, this show lets us bring our inner child out. We were kids in a playground, and that was just the best experience ever.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â And Jonathan, having been in Hallmark Christmas movies, did you find yourself trying to give them advice? Did you try not to??
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â The best way to learn how to do something is to just do it. And I’ve done, I think, twelve, thirteen Hallmark movies at this point. So, like, I’ve learned so much from doing that when I’m hosting and judging these guys. I’m able to like share all my knowledge with them. And I’m like, âHey, when you do this, you know, you might want to think about this, because this is going to happen.â Like anytime I have a chance to coach them, you know, from what I can coach, because it is a competition. So, I kind of got to let them – I’ll give them advice, but I don’t want to see â Iâve got to let them see what they do on their own first, you know? But then the feedback after they do it is usually where I’m able to help them and say, âOkay, next time do this,â you know? And they soaked it up like sponges.
ROBBIE:Â Â I think the thing that sets this show about apart from other reality television is that every day we showed up to set and felt supported, and Jonathan, Melissa, and the judges wanted us to succeed. They were helping us through that, and that’s not something you see on a lot of reality television, but it’s definitely why I think Hallmark putting their specific stamp on this show is what makes this different and why people are going to love this.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â Did you guys have more trouble with the acting challenges or with the other challenges?
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â Ooh, that’s a good question. What’d you have a harder time with? I mean, they both struggled in both of them in different ways. I’m not going to lie, but that’s part of – that’s the fun of the show.
ROBBIE:Â Â I think what was hard is that for this show, you’re doing both at the same time. So, like you’re acting, but then you’re also doing it. Do you know, like riding an animal of some sort? Do you know?
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â They’re on skis or hanging in the air or riding an animal while acting.
ROBBIE:Â Â Yeah. So, you know, you can take an acting class. You can go to acting school for as long as you want, but nothing is going to prepare you for some of the stuff that you’re doing on this show. But if you just focus and just remember, kind of who you are, what you’re there to do, and then act opposite the incredible celebrity Hallmark scene partners that we had, then you’re going to do great.
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â What about you, Angel?
ANGEL:Â Â I mean, just, it doesn’t matter how prepared you are. Just like Robbie was saying, it’s just surprise after surprise. This season brought so many twists that kept us on our toes. Yeah. So, it doesn’t matter if it was an acting challenge, a modeling challenge, or anything. Everything was out of the ordinary.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â You say that though. What surprised you the most?
ANGEL:Â Â What surprised me the most? The skis, because I’ve never skied before in my life, and I remember Jonathan was like, âAre you ready?â âNo. How do you break?â âBye! Action!â
[laughter]
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â What about you, Robbie
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â Angel falls down on his skis. We’ll do a spoiler alert.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â A lot of people fell down.
ROBBIE:Â Â Watching Angel fall was not surprising to me, but what was surprising to me was I thought that I was signing up for an unscripted competition reality show, and as soon as I got there, I realized that that’s not what this was going to be. I met the other guys, and it became a show about community, and it wasn’t about the competition. The only person you were competing with is yourself every single day, and the community and the brotherhood that was developed between all of us. I don’t even think it was something anyone was expecting on set, like crew or hosts or judges. It just was this natural melding of all these awesome guys. So, I came for a competition, but I left for the community.
ANGEL:Â Â I remember when I fell and came back to the group, the guys were already talking amongst themselves. âAll right. Does anyone know how to break?â âOh, yeah. Do this. Do that.â We’re already helping each other. Like, hey, if you have a hard time, try this or do this. So, in my head, I was like, this is a competition and people are already helping each other? Wow.
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â And that was day one. I don’t shine if you don’t shine. That’s something I tried to instill in them is like, it doesn’t matter how good you’re doing. If the people around you and your scene aren’t doing well, then you’re not doing well. So, it’s like, make everyone around you better, and if you do that, then you’re going to be lifted up.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â Speaking of scene partners, what was kind of like your first reaction, I guess, to getting to do a scene with Janelle? Were you nervous? How did you feel? Both of you.
ROBBIE:Â Â I think it was twofold, because you’re so excited to be working with these incredible actors, especially Janelle, that you’ve watched in so many networks and so many television shows, legends of Hallmark. So, you’re so nervous, but then at the same time, I had to remember, like, wait, she’s the best at what she does. So, just like Jonathan said, if she is shining, I’m going to shine. So, I was just listening to her, and being able to talk to her beforehand was really helpful. And the better she was, the better I was going to do, and that’s what I was able to give over to, and it made me feel so much better.
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â Did any of them really intimidate you, Angel, like any of the stars?
ANGEL:Â Â Her beauty intimidated me.
[laughter]
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â Janell is intimidating. Sheâs beautiful.
ANGEL:Â Â She was easy to connect. I remember introducing myself to her, and she gave me a big smile. âHi, nice to meet you.â And then, spoiler alert, I take her down with me, and I’m like, âWhat are you doing?â Time slows down. Get up. We finally get up. And it was so smooth after that. Like, we got that out of the way. We got that out of the way. So, now let’s just have fun and enjoy the scene.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â Yeah, the skiing part was hilarious. Jonathan, I want to ask you really quick. One of your first roles was on a soap opera on All My Children. What did that teach you, that experience? And do you still find yourself using that?
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â Yeah, you know, I think soap operas are the best training camp. And now it’s kind of like what they call the verticals, like the candy jar and the real shorts and all that. Those verticals are great training ground for actors, because it’s low expectations and low stakes. Like I said earlier, the best training is just to do it. And so, every day, when you’re on a soap, you’re standing in front of a camera, and you’re acting every single day. Whether it’s good or not doesn’t matter, because they’re going to shoot the next scene in two minutes. So, whatever you said is what’s going on in the air, and that’s a real quick way to learn how to become an actor. So, with, you know, Finding Mr. Christmas, I think there’s a similarity there. It’s like, just go do it. And they’re like, âWell, how do we do it?â Well, you’ll figure it out.
And to watch their growth from the beginning of the episodes to the end of the episodes, you know, throughout the whole season, to watch these boys grow, each one of them grow in a different way, and they take that with them onto their auditions.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â I know we’re almost out of time, but what are you two taking away the most?
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â Yeah, what are you guys taking from the show?
ANGEL:Â Â I’m taking so much. I’m taking joy, vulnerability, teamwork. And this experience has taught me and made me a better man. Like I’m putting everything that I learned on this show into my own life with my personal lifestyle, with my family, and I’m excited for what’s next.
ROBBIE:Â Â Yeah, thank you, Hallmark.
JONATHAN BENNETT:Â Â Yeah. This might be Mr. Christmas. You never know. Or this could be Mr. Christmas. What are you taking away possible, Mr. Christmas?
ROBBIE:Â Â I’m really taking away that being your authentic self is absolutely what is wanted in this industry and is wanted at Hallmark. All of the things that make us who we are, the community, the love, the family, all of those values that you hold dear, just letting those out and being the part of the scene, whether it’s in a conversation you’re having with someone on the crew. I mean, that’s what it takes to be a Hallmark leading man is not just who you are in front of the camera, is who you are off the camera. It’s how you live your life. And when you’re able to let out all of those things that make you an authentic person and let people in on that, that’s the joy. And I think that’s what they’re looking for on the show.
VIDEO #2 TRANSCRIPT
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â Let’s start with you, Melissa. How do you think the show’s evolved since season one? What do you feel is different this season?
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â You know, season one, I think we loved what happened there. So, we didn’t really change the sort of the foundation of that show, but, you know, Jonathan had more time to dream of bigger challenges. So, everything got a lot bigger. We asked a lot more of the guys in the acting challenges. We have, we brought in, I think, I don’t know if we even brought in more mentors. We just, everything’s just a little bit extra in season two as far as we know what worked here. So, let’s dial it up a notch. And I enjoyed watching that happen.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â For both of you, what made you want to be a part of it? We’ll just go Drake, then Marcus.
DRAKE:Â Â Yeah, I would say what made me want to be a part of this is just really how wholesome Hallmark is. Like whenever I think Hallmark, I think Christmas. And I think that like, it’s in the background whenever we’re in Christmas, I just think of, you know, my mom making cookies and it’s in the background playing. It’s just like a happy memory of childhood. So, when I heard that Hallmark was interested, I’m like, âAbsolutely, let’s do this. I’m so in, so excited to take on this role.â
MARCUS:Â Â And for me, when I first heard about the show, me and my girlfriend started watching the first season, and we were just, we were hooked. Like after the first episode, we were like, âDo you want to watch another one?â They’re like, âYeah.â And we ended up binge watching like four or five episodes in a row. So, I knew. I was like, âOkay, this is something I probably want to do.â And my girlfriend really pushed me, like, this is going to be a great opportunity to see how much you’ve grown, seen how much you’ve learned and see what you can learn from the other people on the show, the other judges, other guys. And I learned so much. So, it was great to be able to be on the show.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â Marcus, other than watching the show, what else did you do to prepare? Is there anything you can think of?
MARCUS:Â Â Oh man, I didn’t do much to prepare. I just really wanted to come into the show with an open mind, be ready to learn, ready to see how much I’ve grown, ready to open up about myself. And it took a lot for me to get to the point where I could just open up about myself and be myself. I feel like I kind of got to that point, and within a couple of days, like us guys, we’ve got so close. So, it made it easier to open up about myself because of how close and how much the other guys were opening up.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â All right. Drake, what about you? Did you watch season one, and what did you do to prepare?
DRAKE:Â Â Yep. So, I watched all of season one, and that’s what I was hoping was my preparation. Little did I know they were about to crank up the heat, and then competitions were way, way more intense. So, pretty much watching that was a big deal. I also didn’t have any experience in actually speaking lines, so I was like in front of my camera trying to practice with my brother, trying to go back and forth and get a little more experience before this, because I knew this was going to be a pretty big jump and from my experience to, you know, being on TV.
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â See, that’s what I love about this show is that we’ve got guys that [are] from all different like levels and experience of acting and the reality is anyone could win, because if you’ve got that it factor, you know, you can teach them that other stuff, because otherwise, someone can take all the classes in the world, but if they don’t have that sort of special equality that doesn’t really matter. So, I love that there’s people from all different levels of acting experience.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â That leads me into my next question. I was going to ask you, do you find yourself though trying to give them acting advice since you’ve been doing it a while, or do you feel like you have to restrain yourself somewhat since you’re a judge?
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â I’ve never restrained myself in anything whether it’s a buffet or being a judge. No, I think my job is to tell them stuff. I may not always be right. I can only speak from my experience as someone who’s auditioned a million times and worked with different people. So, I can only tell them, I think I’m supposed to tell them what I know, and I really took that seriously, because they’re going to hear no a lot. Actors are going to hear no. You’re going to be asked to get up the next day and go back in a room and maybe hear no again, and you have to really want it.
And what I loved about the show, is just like in real life, they’re going to be competing for jobs against friends or people they know, and they’re going to maybe watch their friend get the job, and they don’t. And what I try to say all the time is, âYou’re going to need those friends.â If you’re going to be in this business, you’re going to want that support group.
And what I love seeing, is these guys really did create a brotherhood that I think will continue on long after the show is gone. And you [are] going to need that in this business, because I don’t think I would have gotten through my very – anytime in LA or auditioning without having someone I could call and go, âOh, I had this audition and what do you think?â She’s like, âOh, I went in on it yesterday, and here’s what I think.â And just to really build a community, because that’s what you really need to succeed, I think.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â You say that, but for the two of you though, was that hard at all? I mean, you’re friends with each other but you also kind of want to beat each other too. So, how do you balance that?
MARCUS:Â Â It was definitely hard, because we grew so close so quick. Like, having to see anybody go home during that first elimination, it hurt. When we first walked into that first elimination, we all felt it. It hit us, because it was like, wow, this is real. Somebody really has to go home right now.
DRAKE:Â Â Yeah, definitely, the bonds we created so quickly. It reminded me of football. Like, all of us just spend hours together, you know, and then the next thing you know, you’re competing again at some an hour later. That was definitely super tough to kind of balance that, but what was great, is everyone was so supportive. It was one of those things where if you messed up, people were rallying behind you. Like, âHey, youâve got this next one.â And that was such a good feeling to just know that these guys had my back, you know?
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â I think if even, if any of the guys walked in thinking it was a competition, and I have to come in with my game face, I think the show and the format quickly strips that away. You know, they can come in thinking, âI’m not going to show I’m – game face. They’re not going to get to know me. I’m here to win.â It’s formulated that we really want to get rid of that quickly, and it sort of happens.
MARCUS:Â Â Oh yeah.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â For the two of you, what did you find more difficult? The first challenges, or, I mean, obviously I’ve only seen the first episode, but the [other kinds of] challenges, or the acting challenges, because I think they both kind of cause other problems.
DRAKE:Â Â Yeah, I would say that the first challenges felt like less pressure, because like, you’re just getting that advantage and stuff, but then the acting challenges, that’s when you had to lock in. You’re like, âThis is the part where I really need to focus.â So, I felt like a little bit less pressure from the challenges, even though it was fun and it was intense, it felt like the actual acting challenges when you really had to lock in.
MARCUS:Â Â And I would probably say the opposite. Maybe just because I have a little bit more of a background in acting, but obviously not a ton, but a little bit more, but the first ones were a little bit more about opening up about yourself, and that’s harder for me. It always has been. And the show helped me be able to do that a lot more, but I was a little bit more afraid that I was going to have to talk about myself more, and that’s almost more fearful for me than just acting or, you know, acting in somebody else’s shoes, almost.
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â It’s hard. I mean, it’s easy to play, you know, when they give you the words to say. It’s hard to –
MARCUS:Â Â Exactly, but then when you have to talk about yourself, that’s a whole ânother level. You have to really be vulnerable and show your real self.
MARCUS:Â Â Thatâs a good point.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â I was going to say, Drake, is that something you struggled with?
DRAKE:Â Â Yes. I was going to say for any of the ones where it felt like, you know, you really had to open yourself up, that did feel tough. Like there’s obviously some walls that like, it’s kind of hard to just talk about yourself.nIt’s not a character you’re playing. This is actually you. It’s like when they’re actually learning who is Drake Kiper, like it definitely is a little bit more intense and it’s a lot harder to just open up and say everything, you know, it takes a little bit. It does help though having other guys do it as well. Like, you see these guys that you’re getting close with, and they’re also showing who they are. It makes it much, much easier to share yourself.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â Melissa, obviously you’re on the other side of that, but is there anything that you found a challenge in this?
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â Eliminations. I hated them. I really hated to tell somebody that, you know, it was time; their time was over on the show, because I know what that feels like, and it doesn’t always feel great.
And that was really hard for me, because I was at that point very invested, and still am, in all of them and want them to succeed. So, I did not look forward to eliminations. And I want everyone to know, nobody walked in there without being so serious about it and thinking about it and talking about it. But also, I hope imparting on everybody that this isn’t over. This is just today, and like, that’s the life of an actor. Today is maybe not your day. Tomorrow might be your day. So yeah, eliminations were very difficult.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â Yeah, I was going to say, I’m sure this will still give everybody more opportunities, regardless of the outcome.
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â People are going to watch and fall in love with all of these guys. And somebody is going to see something that, you know, their faces are going to be in front of a lot of people, and that’s the beauty. There’s a lot of – everyone wants something different. Some days, you know, they’re looking for a Drake. Someday they’re looking for a Marcus, and tomorrow they’re looking for a Marcus.bLike that’s what’s the beauty of the business. Things can change in an hour, truly.
MARCUS:Â Â I mean, come on, they’re always looking for a Drake.
DRAKE:Â Â Yes, man, no, don’t be humble.
MARCUS:Â Â And a Melissa, of course.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â For you two, what was it like for the first time you acted against another Hallmark star?
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â Ooh, I want to hear.
MARCUS:Â Â Oh man. Well, acting for the first time with Janelle [Parrish] was amazing. I mean, I remember skiing up and then seeing her and being nervous. But then once she started saying her lines, it like relaxed me, and I was able to kind of fall into the scene. So, you could just tell she was a pro, and it made everything so much more relaxed and easy.
DRAKE:Â Â Yeah, to piggyback off what he said, it was really nice to have such a professional in there to where there’s a lot of crazy things going on with it, and you have to be able to like remember your lines and everything. And I feel like her confidence helped you gain confidence. Like, okay, this is where I’m supposed to be. This is what I’m doing. Like, let’s do it. I feel like that helped, because there’s some crazy elements in the acting scene. It’s not just, you know, two people standing there. We’re skiing, we’re doing – the weather’s crazy. Everything just comes together to become like a more difficult thing.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â Who else were you guys looking forward to getting to work with during this season?
MARCUS:Â Â That’s a good question. You know, I was really hoping that Jonathan and Melissa would hop in a scene with us and maybe do something crazy.
DRAKE:Â Â That would have been so cool.
MELISSA PETERMAN: I don’t know how much they can spoil it.
[crosstalk]
MARCUS: Â Â I wish we could have done more scenes with Jonathan and Melissa, just because they’re so good at acting.
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â Jonathan’s not even sitting here. You can just say Melissa.
MARCUS:Â Â Melissa. I was gonna say Melissa first, because I mean, she’s so quick, so witty, so funny. She brings the best actor out of you. So, I mean, I would have wanted to do everything with Melissa. Of course.
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â I’m just gonna give you another lesson right here. When you’re sitting next to the person, say them.
MARCUS:Â Â Yes, say them, Melissa. Put down Jonathan. Got it.
[laughter]
MELISSA PETERMAN:Â Â Not put down, just say. Yeah, I don’t know how much we can, because I know that they, I think people know who we have coming on for mentors, but I’m not sure that they can spoil all of them. But I will say this, that I would tell every contestant, like when you have time with the Janelle Parris or an Ali Sweeney or any of the Chris Palaha, when you’ve got people there, take that time. That’s a gift. You’re getting somebody who’s been working. Ask questions, listen to what they say, watch what they do when they walk on a set, and what they ask a director. And I learned something every day. You’re not done learning ever, ever, ever, ever. Yeah.
JAMIE RUBY:Â Â I know we’re almost out of time, but really quick, what did you two take away the most? What did you learn in particular?
MARCUS:Â Â Just to be yourself and be vulnerable, be willing to open up and just be yourself, because at the end of the day, people are gonna judge you, whether you’re yourself or acting like you’re somebody else. So, you may as well be yourself and be as happy as possible.
DRAKE:Â Â I would say definitely being vulnerable. I mean, just watching these guys open up and you just can develop such a deeper relationship when you actually know the true person. Like, don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to hide anything, like just be yourself and be vulnerable and you’ll end up making closer friends.
Synopsis: Weâre back to find Hallmarkâs next star! 10 men prove their passion for Christmas, with the goal of landing a role in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
Finding Mr. Christmas follows 10 aspiring actors who compete in a variety of outrageous Christmas-themed competitions to prove they have what it takes to land the next Hallmark leading role â from present wrapping, making gingerbread houses, dancing and even on-screen kissing. Joined by beloved Hallmark guest judges, each week, one contestant will be sent âhome for the holidays,â while the winner lands a role of a lifetime in one of this yearâs Countdown to Christmas movies.
Finding Mr. Christmas Renewed for Season 2!
Hallmark has renewed its first-ever hit reality competition series, Finding Mr. Christmas, for a second season! Hosted by Jonathan Bennett with lead judge Melissa Peterman(Reba, Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up), the reality series follows 10 aspiring actors who compete in festive challenges and learn how to become the best Hallmark leading man â from present wrapping and dancing to acting and on-screen kissing. Each week, one man is sent âhome for the holidays,â while the winner lands a starring role in a Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas movie. Season 1 winner Ezra Moreland made his movie debut as the star of âHappy Howlidaysâ alongside Jessica Lowndes.
Finding Mr. Christmasseason 2 is part of Hallmark’s new slate of unscripted series, branded as âReality TV with Heartâ. This original programming brings together friendly competition series, community building, home and lifestyle enhancement shows, aligning with the companyâs brand principles of joy, hope, warmth, connection, family and most definitely…love.
On the 1st day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, my all time favorite, Andrew W Walker, in *all* his Hallmark Christmas movies.
On the 2nd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Kristoffer Polaha in “Small Town Christmas”, “Rocky Mountain Christmas”, “A Biltmore Christma”, and “Hearts of Christmas”; and Tyler Hynes in “Three Wise Men and a Baby”, “Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas”, and “An Unexpected Christmas” (I couldn’t decide between these two men so they’re tied for the 2nd day of Christmas).
On the 3rd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Ryan McPartlin in “A Veryhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267511/ Vermont Christmas”, “The Holiday Fix Up”, and “Twinkle All the Way.”
On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Luke MacFarlane in “Maggie’s Christmas Miracle.”
On the 5th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Sean Faris in “Christmas with Holly” and “A Veteran’s Christmas.”
On the 6th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Wes Brown in “Haul Out the Holly Lit Up” and “Check Inn to Christmas.”
On the 7th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Jon Cor in “Picture a Perfect Christmas” and “Christmas on the Vine.”
On the 8th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Marcus Rosner in “Flipping for Christmas.”
On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Cameron Mathison in “A Christmas to Remember.”
On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Corey Sevier in “Northern Lights of Christmas” and “Noel Next Door.”
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Chandler Massey in “Mystic Christmas.”
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Steve Bacic in “Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas” (he does not play the male lead, but his character is an integral part of the story, and he was fabulous).
MORE INFORMATION:
Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Hallmark Media is entertainmentâs leading destination for feel-good content. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original movies, scripted series, and the popular annual holiday franchise, Countdown to Christmas. Hallmark Mystery features a unique mix of movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres, as well as its own seasonal programming event, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Family showcases timeless storytelling for the whole family centered around faith, love, and community. The companyâs subscription streaming service and membership program Hallmark+ delivers the very best of Hallmark all in one place, featuring a distinctive blend of all new, exclusive original series and movies plus monthly discounts and rewards for shopping at Hallmark retail stores and at hallmark.com
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. Angelaâs busy schedule makes it hard for her to find time for much of anythingâŠor anyoneâŠelse. 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 troopâs 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 âSister, Sister,â 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-Housleyâs work on the show gained praise and recognition; she received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series and Kidâs Choice Award for Favorite Television Actress. She returned to the screen with Tia on the hit Style Network reality TV series âTia and Tamera,â 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, âThe Real,â for six seasons. âThe 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 âA Christmas Miracleâ for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, which she also executive produced, as well as âChristmas Angel,â âSomething to Sing About,â and âSeventeen Again.â She was a series regular on âStrong Medicine,â âRoommatesâ (ABC Family) and âMelissa & Joeyâ (ABC Family). Mowry-Housley has voiced characters in the FOX hit âFamily Guyâ and Cartoon Networkâs âSuperhero Squad Show.â She also produced and starred in the Lifetime movie âDouble Wedding.â 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 âChristmas Comes Twice,â which premiered during the networkâs annual âCountdown to Christmasâ programming event in 2020.
In addition to co-hosting âThe Real,â she hosted season one of Facebook Watchâs âHelp 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 Channelâs âHome & Family.â In 2021, she also competed in season five of âThe Masked Singerâ and wowed audiences nationwide with her singing abilities as the beloved Seashell.
In June 2021, Hulu announced its upcoming baking competition series âBakerâs Dozenâ with Mowry-Housley and former White House pastry chef Bill Yosses. Set to premiere in October, together, theyâll 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 HGTVâs new design competition show, âTable Wars.â 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 bachelorâs 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 Chicken Sisters is a new original series based on the NY Times Bestseller of the same name and Reeseâs Book Club selection penned by KJ DellâAntonia. 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 Handmaidâs Tale, Good Girls Revolt), Lea Thompson (Switched at Birth, Back to the Future) and Wendie Malick (Young Sheldon, Shrinking, Just Shoot Me!).
The Chicken Sisters 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 â Mimiâs and Frannieâs â has left the foundersâ 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) â Schuyler Fiskâs long and respected acting career began at the age of 11 years old when she starred in (the now cult-favorite film) The Baby-sitterâs 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, âFisk is just terrific here, and like her real-life mom seems incapable of a false note.â Other feature films of note include, include Orange County with Jack Black and Colin Hanks, Iâm Reed Fish with Jay Baruchel, Gus Van Santâs 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 Billboardâs 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. Fiskâs 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 âPaperweight,â 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, âLife Afterâ in Sam & Kate.
GENEVIEVE ANGELSON (Mae Moore) â 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 Amazonâs 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 Huluâs The Handmaidâs Tale. Additionally, she starred as Indigo on Apple TV+âs The Afterparty with Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barenholtz, as well as Dr. Mia Castries on NBCâs New Amsterdam and Sally on This is Us.
Other past television roles include Anna Paquinâs 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) â 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 Alzheimerâs 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 âGusâ Moore) â Wendie Malick has graced screens with an illustrious film and television career for decades. She received four Cable Ace awards for her role in HBOâs 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 Peopleâs 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. Sheâs made guest appearances on Billions, Mom, Seinfeld, Grace and Frankie, CSI, L.A. Law, The X Files, and many
more. Animated television credits include âJimmy Neutron,â 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 Emperorâs 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, Malickâs work included BURLEIGH GRIMES, NORTH SHORE FISH (Off-Broadway), Big Night (Kirk Douglas Theater),The Engagement Party and The Underpants (Geffen), Donât 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. 20Â 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) â Hunter King is best known for her work as a series regular on CBSâ 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 ABCâs 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 Networkâs 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 Danielleâs 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 everyoneâs favorite baker-turned amateur sleuth Hannah Swensen and reunites with
her âThe Wedding Veilâ 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 Edenâs by-the book prosecuting attorney Chad Norton (Webster). âOne Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mysteryâ 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) â Barbara Niven is an actor, producer and speaker. Sheâs 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 Channelâs Christmas in Evergreen movie franchise in addition to Hallmark Movies & Mysteriesâ 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 Channelâs 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 & Mysteriesâ 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 HBOâs The Rat Pack continues to garner praise as âone of the top three portrayals of the blonde icon on Film & TV.â
Niven has also gained international acclaim as Hollywoodâs Top Media Trainer and Video Marketing Coach. She created her Unleash Your Star Power!âą 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 Channelâs 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? âLive your passion, connect to your purpose, make a difference. And donât give up five minutes before the miracle.â
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 Netflixâs 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 CWâs reboot, Dynasty with Liz Gillies.
Other recent television work includes recurring on ABCâs The Conners opposite Sara Gilbert and John Goodman, Amazonâs comedy pilot, People Just Do Nothing from executive producer, Ash Atalia, and guest-starring with Sterling K. Brown on This Is Us.
Bennettâs 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 MTVâs 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 Lineâs 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.
âThe Professional Bridesmaid,â premieres Saturday, April 8 @ 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel, as part of the networkâs âSpring into Loveâ programming event.
Daytime Emmy-winning actress Hunter King, best known for her roles in âThe Young and The Restlessâ and âLife in Pieces,â 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 âTHE PROFESSIONAL BRIDESMAID,â A NEW, ORIGINAL MOVIE PREMIERING APRIL 8, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL
STUDIO CITY, CA â March 20, 2023 â Hunter King (âLife in Pieces,â âThe Young and The Restless) and Chandler Massey (âDays of Our Livesâ) star in âThe Professional Bridesmaid,â 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 â 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,âA Million Little Thingsâ), is the daughter of Columbusâ mayor who is up for reelection. Alexisâ wedding promises to be the event of the summer with lots of scrutiny, so the mayorâs 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 Alexisâ 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.
âThe Professional Bridesmaidâ 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 âRIDEâ
PREMIERING MARCH 26, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL
Â
STUDIO CITY, CA â March 17, 2023 â Tragedy strikes a dynastic ranching family in âLegend of the Fall,â the series debut of âRideâ premiering Sunday, March 26 (9 p.m.ET/PT), on Hallmark Channel. Nancy Travis (âLast Man Standingâ), Tiera Skovbye (âRiverdaleâ), Beau Mirchoff (âGood Troubleâ), Sara Garcia (âThe Flashâ), Jake Foy (âDesignated Survivorâ) and Tyler Jacob Moore (âShamelessâ) 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, âValentine in the Vineyardâ), servicemember Cash (Mirchoff) and ever-dependable Tuff (Foy). Over the years, the family has grown to include Austinâs 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 brotherâs shadow, considers stepping into his shoes to save it â a decision complicated by Cashâs 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 lifeâs work. Then Valeria reappears with more secrets than answers and the family faces an opportunity that could decide the fate of the ranch.
âRideâ 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 âTHE WAY HOMEâ PREMIERING JANUARY 15, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL
STUDIO CITY, CA â January 15, 2023 â Three generations of women embark on an enlightening journey to find their way back to each other and learn important lessons about their familyâs past in âMothers and Daughters,â the series debut of âThe Way Homeâ premiering Sunday, January 15 (8 p.m. ET/PT), on Hallmark Channel. Andie MacDowell (âMaid,â âDebbie Macomberâs Cedar Coveâ), Chyler Leigh (âSupergirl,â âGreys Anatomyâ), Evan Williams ( Blonde, âVersaillesâ), and Sadie Laflamme-Snow (âThe Apprenticeâ) star in the multigenerational family drama. Alex Hook (âI am Frankieâ), Al Mukadam (âPretty Hard Cases,â âThe Detail), Jefferson Brown ( Masters of Romance, âSlasherâ) and David Webster ( Luckiest Girl Alive, âIn the Darkâ) also star.
Kat Landry (Leigh), her 15-year-old daughter Alice (Laflamme-Snow) and Katâs 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 Katâs 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 familyâs farm. Kat is disappointed that she doesnât receive a warmer reception from Del and itâs 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.
âThe Way Homeâ 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 âgo outside and playâ 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 thatâs 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 didnât know what was possible. I wasnât 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 âdoingâ something. She doesnât 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 âknowâ Florence well now, so it comes a little easier after 8 seasons đ
8. What is it like playing with the other actors in When Calls The Heart? Do you have relationships/friendships off set?
Itâs great! We have a shorthand after so many years of playing together and itâs a real collaboration. And yes, behind the scenes we have our own little âhope valleyâ style community in real life. Itâs 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 canât give any spoilers, but I will say that we will see some sides to Florence this season that we havenât seen before.
10. What has been the funniest thing you have had happen on set?
I couldnât pick one! Thereâs lots of laughter on set. Itâs a fun group.
11. I saw where you will be appearing in âA Picture Perfect Weddingâ 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?
Thereâs too many to choose from! But Iâd 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 ânoâsâ 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 âLouisaâ in her local townâs production of âThe Sound of Musicâ. Soon after discovering her love for the art she landed a small part in the tv series âWater Ratsâ playing a hostess of a swingers club. Lorettaâs 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 Hallmarkâs âWhen Calls the Heartâ which premiered February 21st. This season reveals new sides to Florence that #hearties havenât 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 CWâs âBatwomanâ, Netflixâs âA Series of Unfortunate Eventsâ, A&Eâs âBates Motelâ 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. Elizabethâs 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 mogulâs son, Josh, to shoot his sisterâs 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 â tied for SOUND OF MUSIC and GREASE. I wanted to be Olivia Newton John or Julie Andrews.
I love to travelâŠ.most favourite vacation was to Positano in Italy. Favorite place in the world â 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 đ
I am fascinated by (and terrified of) sharksâŠ.
I have been skydiving.
Loretta has many different jobs apart from being an actor including.âŠ. 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 staffâŠ.tough gig!
If I wasnât an actor/producer, I would like to be a social worker âŠâŠor a puppy cuddler
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