Interview Eliza Bennett

TV Interview!

 

Eliza Bennett stars in "An American in Austin" on Hallmark Channel. (Photo from her Instagram)

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!

 

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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. Genre: Romance, Romantic ComedyEliza will co-star in the Paramount + series, Sexy Beast alongside Sarah Greene, Tamsin Greig, Steven Moyer, and James McArdle. The show is a prequel to the 2000 film which delves into the origin tales of Gal, Teddy, and Don; it is now streaming worldwide.

Audiences may recognize her work from Netflix’s current hit feature, Do Revenge, with Sophie Turner and Camila Mendes. The film re-teamed Eliza with her Sweet/Vicious, writer/director, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. She also starred as Amanda Carrington in two seasons of the CW’s reboot, Dynasty with Liz Gillies.

Other recent television work includes recurring on ABC’s The Conners opposite Sara Gilbert and John Goodman, Amazon’s comedy pilot, People Just Do Nothing from executive producer, Ash Atalia, and guest-starring with Sterling K. Brown on This Is Us.

Bennett’s breakout came when she played Jules, a college student living a double life, one as a typical sorority girl and the other as a campus vigilante committed to eliminating abusers in MTV’s dark comedy series, Sweet/Vicious.

Variety said: “Eliza Bennett plays Jules, a sorority girl who likes sunset pictures on Instagram and has a bedroom straight out of a pastel Pinterest page. Bennett is asked to sketch all the layers of an earnest character who is pretty square and conformist, but who is also full of confusion and rage and dryly funny from time to time. She pulls off all those rapid transitions without missing a beat”.

Bennett began her career in the United Kingdom on both stage and screen. Her feature credits include the lead role in the New Line’s Inkheart, alongside Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, and Andy Serkis, critically acclaimed, Nanny McPhee, opposite Emma Thompson, and the Julian Fellowes feature From Time to Time, with Maggie Smith and Dominic West.

Bennett is a seasoned theater performer having starred in numerous West End productions including the lead in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the musical Loserville.

She is a singer/songwriter, having released singles Late Twenties, Visit Me In Georgia, and Hate to Love You in 2022 and a Christmas single, All I Want for Christmas is You with Liz Gillies in 2021.

Bennett splits her time between Los Angeles and the U.K.

 

An American in Austen

Cast: Eliza Bennett, Nicholas Bishop

Synopsis: Harriet, who thinks that no real man compares to Mr. Darcy, is transported into Pride & Prejudice and gets an unexpected chance to find out.
Genre: Romance, Romantic Comedy
Eliza Bennett stars as Harriet in "An American in Austin" on Hallmark Channel. (Photo from Hallmark's site)

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Interview with Hunter King

TV Interview!

 

Hunter King of "The Professional Bridesmaid" on Hallmark; photo from Hallmark site

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.

 

MORE INFO: Preview Official Site

Key art for "The Professional Bridesmaid" from the Hallmark press site

“The Professional Bridesmaid,” premieres Saturday, April 8 @ 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel, as part of the network’s “Spring into Love” programming event.

Daytime Emmy-winning actress Hunter King, best known for her roles in “The Young and The Restless” and “Life in Pieces,” plays Maggie Bailey who has turned being an expert bridesmaid into her career. Her latest client is the mayor’s daughter, however no one can know Maggie is a “hired bridesmaid”. Maggie must hide her identity while working to coordinate three unhelpful bridesmaids, and keep Henry (Chandler Massey, “Days of Our Lives”), a local reporter assigned to the society story, focused on the wedding, even as she begins to grow closer to him. Hunter shines in this heartwarming film about love and friendship. I would love to gauge your interest in speaking with her about her role in this Spring into Love movie.

Hallmark Channel logo

HUNTER KING AND CHANDLER MASSEY STAR IN ‘THE PROFESSIONAL BRIDESMAID,’ A NEW, ORIGINAL MOVIE PREMIERING APRIL 8, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL

STUDIO CITY, CA – March 20, 2023 – Hunter King (“Life in Pieces,” “The Young and The Restless) and Chandler Massey (“Days of Our Lives”) star in “The Professional Bridesmaid,” a new, original movie premiering Saturday, April 8 (8 p.m. ET/PT) on Hallmark Channel.Photo: Chandler Massey, Hunter King Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Years ago, Maggie Bailey (King) realized she had a particular skill set for being an ace bridesmaid – and she went pro. Now she uses her talents to help brides navigate the tricky emotional and social dynamics that go along with planning their big day in addition to the practical. Her latest client, Alexis Shepard (Francesca Bianchi,”A Million Little Things”), is the daughter of Columbus’ mayor who is up for reelection. Alexis’ wedding promises to be the event of the summer with lots of scrutiny, so the mayor’s team hires Maggie to join the bridal party and help keep everything on track. But no one can know that Maggie is a hired bridesmaid, so she is introduced as Alexis’ old friend Maisie. Unfortunately, Henry Whittington (Massey), an ambitious local reporter assigned to the society story is sniffing around hoping to get close to the mayor for a scoop on the pending development of local park land. To pull off her assignment, Maggie must coordinate three unhelpful bridesmaids, and keep Henry focused on the wedding while hiding her identity, even as she begins to grow closer to him.

“The Professional Bridesmaid” is from Lighthouse Pictures Inc. Marguerite Henry is executive producer. Shawn Williamson, Jamie Goehring and Robert Lycar serve as producers. Peter Benson directed from a script by Carol Starr Schneider, Gregg Rossen and Brian Sawyer.

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Photo: Ecstasia Sanders, Hunter King Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

 

Interview with the cast of “Ride”

TV Interview!

 

2023 Hallmark Channel's RIDE Red Carpet Premiere - Tyler Jacob Moore, Tiera Skovbye, Nancy Travis, Sara Garcia, Beau Mirchoff, and Jake Foy attends as Hallmark Channel celebrates the upcoming premiere of its all-new original series "RIDE" (premiering March 26 at 9/8c on Hallmark Channel) with stars Nancy Travis, Tiera Skovbye, Beau Mirchoff, Sara Garcia, Jake Foy and Tyler Jacob Moore at the London Hotel on March 21, 2023 in West Hollywood. Credit: ©2023 Hallmark

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.

Cast photo montage by Suzanne Lanoue. 2023 Hallmark Channel's RIDE Red Carpet Premiere - Nancy Travis (Isabel) and Beau Mirchoff (Cash) attend as Hallmark Channel celebrates the upcoming premiere of its all-new original series "RIDE" (premiering March 26 at 9/8c on Hallmark Channel) with stars Nancy Travis, Tiera Skovbye, Beau Mirchoff, Sara Garcia, Jake Foy and Tyler Jacob Moore at the London Hotel on March 21, 2023 in West Hollywood. Travia and Mirchoff photo Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Jordan Strauss. Tiera Skovbye as Missy. photo credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Christos Kalohoridis

 

Photo montage by Suzanne Lanoue: Sara Garcia, Jake Foy and Tyler Jacob Moore in "Ride" on Hallmark. Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Christos Kalohoridis

 

MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

Key art for "Ride" on Hallmark. Premieres Sunday, March 26, 9/8c - Following a tragic event, a renowned ranching family must pick up the pieces to save their Colorado ranch.

 

A DYNASTIC RANCHING FAMILY FACES AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES IN THE SEASON ONE DEBUT OF ‘RIDE’

PREMIERING MARCH 26, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL

 

STUDIO CITY, CA – March 17, 2023 – Tragedy strikes a dynastic ranching family in “Legend of the Fall,” the series debut of “Ride” premiering Sunday, March 26 (9 p.m. ET/PT), on Hallmark Channel. Nancy Travis (“Last Man Standing”), Tiera Skovbye (“Riverdale”), Beau Mirchoff (“Good Trouble”), Sara Garcia (“The Flash”), Jake Foy (“Designated Survivor”) and Tyler Jacob Moore (“Shameless”) star.

Isabel McMurray (Travis) is the matriarch of a small-town ranching family going back a generation. After losing her husband years ago, she has resiliently kept the ranch afloat and singlehandedly raised their three sons: illustrious champion Austin (Marcus Rosner, “Valentine in the Vineyard”), servicemember Cash (Mirchoff) and ever-dependable Tuff (Foy). Over the years, the family has grown to include Austin’s talented wife Missy (Skovbye) and Valeria (Garcia), a one-time runaway the family had taken in. One day, just as Cash returns home, tragedy strikes, leaving Missy a widow, the family grieving and leading Valeria to leave town without a word. A year later, as the McMurrays continue to grieve, the fate of their ranch is uncertain. Cash, who has spent a lifetime in his brother’s shadow, considers stepping into his shoes to save it – a decision complicated by Cash’s long simmering feelings for Missy. Missy struggles with her place in the family without Austin and considers new opportunities, while Isabel who has faced more than her fair share of loss, struggles with putting Cash at risk, even if it means losing her life’s work. Then Valeria reappears with more secrets than answers and the family faces an opportunity that could decide the fate of the ranch.

“Ride” is a Blink49 Studios / Seven24 Films Production. Executive producers are Rebecca Boss, Chris Masi, Sherri Cooper, Alexandra Zarowny, Paolo Barzman, Greg Gugliotta, FJ Denny, John Morayniss, Carolyn Newman, Virginia Rankin, Elana Barry, Josh Adler, Jordy Randall and Tom Cox, along with co-executive producer Alejandro Alcoba. The series is produced by Brian Dennis. Lesley Grant is supervising producer. Paolo Barzman directed from a script written by Rebecca Boss & Chris Masi. — HALLMARK CHANNEL —

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Photo: Beau Mirchoff, Nancy Travis, Tiera Skovbye Credit: ©2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer: David Brown

Interview with Sadie Laflamme-Snow

TV Interview!

Sadie Laflamme-Snow of "The Way Home" on Hallmark

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.

 

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The Way Home When three generations of women reunite after being estranged for more than two decades, they embark on an enlightening – and surprising – journey toward healing none of them could have imagined as they learn how to find their way back to each other.

THREE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN REUNITE AND BEGIN AND UNEXPECTED JOURNEY IN THE SEASON ONE DEBUT OF ‘THE WAY HOME’ PREMIERING JANUARY 15, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL

STUDIO CITY, CA – January 15, 2023 – Three generations of women embark on an enlightening journey to find their way back to each other and learn important lessons about their family’s past in “Mothers and Daughters,” the series debut of “The Way Home” premiering Sunday, January 15 (8 p.m. ET/PT), on Hallmark Channel. Andie MacDowell (“Maid,” “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove”), Chyler Leigh (“Supergirl,” “Greys Anatomy”), Evan Williams ( Blonde, “Versailles”), and Sadie Laflamme-Snow (“The Apprentice”) star in the multigenerational family drama. Alex Hook (“I am Frankie”), Al Mukadam (“Pretty Hard Cases,” “The Detail), Jefferson Brown ( Masters of Romance, “Slasher”) and David Webster ( Luckiest Girl Alive, “In the Dark”) also star.

Kat Landry (Leigh), her 15-year-old daughter Alice (Laflamme-Snow) and Kat’s mother Del (MacDowell) are all strong, willful and independent. More than 20 years prior, lifechanging events prompted Kat to move away from her small, Canadian farm town of Port Haven and she and Del have been estranged ever since. Alice has never met her grandmother and is unaware of the reasons for their fractured family. With Kat’s marriage coming to an end and having just been laid off from her job, she decides to return home after receiving an unexpected letter from Del urging her to come back. Although Alice is none-too-thrilled, Kat and her daughter arrive at her family’s farm. Kat is disappointed that she doesn’t receive a warmer reception from Del and it’s clear that there are wounds that need to heal. Wanting to escape the tension, Alice explores the property and finds herself on a surprising journey.

Scene from "The Way Home" on Hallmark

“The Way Home” is a Neshama Entertainment production in association with MarVista Entertainment. Executive producers are Heather Conkie, Alexandra Clarke, Fernando Szew, Hannah Pillemer, Larry Grimaldi, Ani Kevork, Arnie Zipursky, Mary Reed, Lauren MacKinlay, Andie MacDowell and Chyler Leith. The series is produced by John Calvert. Kyle Hart is supervising producer. Jessica Runck serves as consulting producer. Grant Harvey directed from a script by Conkie & Clarke, from a story by Reed, Conkie & Clarke.

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Sadie Laflamme-Snow of "The Way Home" on Hallmark

Interview with Loretta Walsh

TV Interview!

Loretta Walsh of "When Calls the Heart" on Hallmark

Interview with Loretta Walsh of “When Calls the Heart” on Hallmark by Krista 3/19/21

This was an interview done by email. We’re always glad when an actor takes the time to type their own answers to our questions because it’s less work for us! As you can see, her answers are very kind and professional.

1. I see that you grew up in Queensland, Australia. What was that like?

It was a very sheltered and “go outside and play” childhood in rural Queensland. I had a wonderful community and big family, but I knew at a young age I would need to leave for a bigger city to pursue my dreams of being an actor.

2. I read that you grew up in a family of actors. What was it like growing up with your family and did you know from a young age that you also wanted to act?

I knew that I wanted to dance from a young age and imagination and play were always a big part of my childhood. I was usually deterred from pursuing a career in the arts by those who knew how challenging a career it can be, but I knew in my heart that’s what I wanted, so I went for it!

3. I saw your first production was as Louisa in The Sound of Music. What was it like being in your first stage production?

Thrilling! I loved the collaboration, creativity and community of making theatre together. I was absolutely hooked!

4. When you first started acting, did you plan to act in all venues, theatre as well as TV and movies? How is it different to act on stage in theatre versus acting on a television show?

When I first started I didn’t know what was possible. I wasn’t focused on one particular medium. But after getting some experience, I knew that I wanted to work both on screen and on stage. The big difference is that on camera, the camera is your audience, on stage your audience is further away. Plus in theatre, the audience reaction is immediate and in real time (no second takes!)

5. You are returning as Florence Blakely in Season 8 of When Calls The Heart. What drew you to accepting this part?

I was really wanting to do an ensemble show that focused on women and the important and deep friendships of that sisterhood. I thought WCTH was that project.

6. What do you enjoy most about your character Florence Blakely?

I enjoy that she is a character who is always “doing” something. She doesn’t wait for things to happen to her – she takes action!

7. What has been your biggest challenge in playing the part of Florence Blakely?

Florence is quite a different person than Loretta, so finding those elements that are different and not playing them as a characature can be a challenge, but I feel that I ‘know’ Florence well now, so it comes a little easier after 8 seasons 😉

8. What is it like playing with the other actors in When Calls The Heart? Do you have relationships/friendships off set?

It’s great! We have a shorthand after so many years of playing together and it’s a real collaboration. And yes, behind the scenes we have our own little “hope valley” style community in real life. It’s a real gift in my life.

9. I saw where Florence will go through a physical and emotional transformation? Can you tell me more about that and what it involves?

You will have to watch as I can’t give any spoilers, but I will say that we will see some sides to Florence this season that we haven’t seen before.

10. What has been the funniest thing you have had happen on set?

I couldn’t pick one! There’s lots of laughter on set. It’s a fun group.

11. I saw where you will be appearing in “A Picture Perfect Wedding” later on, can you tell us a little bit about that movie?

Photographer Lindsey gets asked by a New York mogul’s son, Josh, to shoot his sister’s wedding. Sparks fly as Josh and Lindsey prepare for the ceremony, but as the big day arrives, what will their hearts decide? I play the villain in the movie “Maxine Bower-Smythe”.

12. Any other upcoming projects you can discuss?

The Sinners, a thriller/horror movie on VOD now!

13. I understand you founded your own theatre company. Tell me more about that.

I love theatre and have been deeply impacted by it over the years. I want to share the respect and love of theatre I have with others which is why I started Kindred Entertainment.

14. If you could pick any actor/actress to co-star with, who would you pick and why?

There’s too many to choose from! But I’d love to work with Emma Thompson as I love her authenticity and how she speaks about being a woman and an actor.

15. What piece of advice would you give to someone with a desire to act either on stage or on TV/movies?

Go for it! Study – take great acting classes, build a community, care for yourself and get ready for a marathon (not a sprint) Believe in yourself no matter how many “no’s” you get – good things will come your way!

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

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Loretta Walsh of "When Calls the Heart" on HallmarkBorn and raised in rural Queensland Australia, Loretta Walsh has enchanted audiences since a young age. She comes from a family of actors, and wanted to pursue acting as a career after playing “Louisa” in her local town’s production of “The Sound of Music”. Soon after discovering her love for the art she landed a small part in the tv series “Water Rats” playing a hostess of a swingers club. Loretta’s unique ability to transform and emobody a vast array of characters keeps audiences on their toes – this year will be no exception with her upcoming projects.

This year audiences will see Loretta return as Florence Blakeley in season eight of Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart” which premiered February 21st. This season reveals new sides to Florence that #hearties haven’t seen before as she goes through both a physical and emotional transformation. Loretta will also appear in a supporting lead role as the villainous Maxine Bower-Smythe in the upcoming film A PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING, premiering later this year.

Loretta has worked on numerous TV shows and films including CW’s “Batwoman”, Netflix’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events”, A&E’s “Bates Motel” and the award winning teen thriller film THE SINNERS (aka The Color Rose).

Along with captivating audiences in film and TV Loretta has made an inprint in theatre, not only founding her own theatre company Kindred Entertainment, in Vancouver but appearing on various stages in a wide array of productions.

Loretta loves the variety and range of roles she has been privileged to play over the years and is motivated to represent women on screen and their stories that are surprising, complicated and imperfectly human.

SERIES: WHEN CALLS THE HEART"When Calls the Heart" poster

ABOUT THE SERIES: More surprises and challenges are in store for the residents of Hope Valley. Elizabeth’s relationships with Nathan and Lucas continue to deepen, Faith and Carson must make choices about their future, a new family arrives to town, Lee and Rosemary get some unexpected news, Bill is asked to return a prized possession and the whole town joins in the excitement as another wedding takes place.

CHARACTER: Florence Blakeley

PREMIERE: February 21, 2021 on Hallmark

FILM: A PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING

ABOUT THE FILM: Photographer Lindsey gets asked by a New York mogul’s son, Josh, to shoot his sister’s wedding. Sparks fly as Josh and Lindsey prepare for ceremony, but as the big day arrive, what will their hearts decide?

CHARACTER: Maxine Bower-Smythe

PREMIERE: 2021

Get to Know Loretta

My favorite movies when I was a kid – tied for SOUND OF MUSIC and GREASE. I wanted to be Olivia Newton John or Julie Andrews.

I love to travel
.most favourite vacation was to Positano in Italy. Favorite place in the world – the beach – Noosa, Australia.

I love fashion and getting dressed up, but I put high value in being cozy (think Uggs, slippers, cashmere sweaters and pajamas 😉
I am fascinated by (and terrified of) sharks
.
I have been skydiving.

Loretta has many different jobs apart from being an actor including.
. at KFC, being a nanny, a bartender, a teacher, a producer, working in events, a wine company rep, worked for an airline, a temp, a tour director, worked ONE night as catering staff
.tough gig!
If I wasn’t an actor/producer, I would like to be a social worker 

or a puppy cuddler

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Loretta Walsh of "When Calls the Heart" on Hallmark