For many, Hallmark evokes images of heartfelt greeting cards and festive movies, weaving tales of romance and holiday spirit. Fans of the holiday film genre often notice a recurring storyline where a busy professional returns to her small hometown, confronts family issues, and unexpectedly finds love, often with an old high school connection, all emphasizing the real essence of Christmas.
Surprisingly, many Hallmark films are produced in Canada, primarily during summer. Thus, it’s no wonder that a significant number of Hallmark’s favorite on-screen personalities are from Canada. Keep reading to discover some noteworthy Hallmark talents you may not have known were Canadian.
Jessica Lowndes: A Talented Performer from British Columbia
Jessica Lowndes burst onto the Hallmark scene with the Christmas film “Merry Matrimony” in 2015, followed by a series of seasons films, including “A December Bride,” “A Magical Christmas Ornament,” and “Yes, I Do.” Her recent work includes the 2024 film “Happy Howlidays.” A Vancouver native, which is often called “Hollywood North,” Lowndes has truly made her mark in this genre after her earlier success in “90210” and a role in the comedic spoof “A Deadly Adoption” with Will Ferrell and Kristin Wiig. In addition to acting, she embarked on a music career, releasing her first EP in 2012 and multiple singles afterwards. Notably, she gained attention in 2016 for a fake engagement with comedian Jon Lovitz, promoting her song “Deja Vu (Remix).”
In an interview, Lowndes shared her longing for Vancouver, particularly reminiscing about family and the city’s changing seasons. Surprisingly, she even mentioned a fondness for the rainy weather in her hometown.
Cameron Mathison: An Actor with a Soap Opera Legacy
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Cameron Mathison boasts a versatile career in the entertainment industry. He is well-known for starring in numerous Hallmark movies, as well as the “Murder, She Baked” and “Hannah Swenson Mystery” series. Additionally, he has hosted popular shows such as “Entertainment Tonight” and “Home & Family.” Mathison gained fame in two well-known soap operas, playing Ryan Lavery in “All My Children” for over two decades before joining “General Hospital” in 2021. Hailing from Sarnia, Ontario, he also participates in Canadian productions, including the home-renovation series “Game of Homes” on W Network.
Recently, Mathison left Hallmark to join Great American Family, founded by the former president of Hallmark. Despite his emotional decision to switch, he remarked that his connections with the team at Great American remind him of home. The transition involved saying goodbye to familiar roles and co-stars, particularly from “Hannah Swenson.”
Rhiannon Fish: A Canadian Spirit with Australian Roots
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Rhiannon Fish, originally from Calgary, Alberta, moved to Australia as a child. It was here that she first showcased her acting skills, landing the role of Summer Hoyland in the hit Australian soap, “Neighbours,” a debut role she described as her first professional acting experience during an interview with The Perfect Blend. After a successful stint on “Neighbours,” she spent time on the soap “Home and Away” before transitioning back to North America, where she secured roles in film and television, including a recurring part on the sci-fi series “The 100.”
In 2020, she joined the Hallmark family with a role in the romantic comedy “You’re Bacon Me Crazy,” which paved the way for leading roles in Hallmark films such as “The 27-Hour Day,” “Journey of My Heart,” “A Splash of Love,” and the upcoming “A Costa Rican Wedding” set for release in 2024.
Montreal native Andrew Walker is a Hallmark favorite
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Andrew Walker’s acting journey began in elementary school in Montreal, where he participated in a drama program. His teacher recognized his talent and began submitting him for auditions. By age 12, Walker secured his first audition and fell in love with acting. As he later shared in an interview with From the Desk, his father supported him by driving him to auditions.
At 20, Walker moved to Los Angeles with a friend to pursue acting full-time. He debuted on the Hallmark Channel with “A Bride for Christmas” in 2012 and has since starred in over 20 productions, including holiday favorites and the “Curious Caterer Mysteries” series. His 2024 lineup features two Christmas films: “Jingle Bell Run” and “The Wiser Men and a Boy,” which is a sequel to “Three Wise Men and a Baby” released in 2022.
Walker expressed how enjoyable his experiences with Hallmark have been, stating, “Nothing really feels like work with Hallmark.” He enjoys festive events and the camaraderie among the cast, as shared in his interview with TV Goodness.
Cindy Busby launched her career on a famed Canadian TV series
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Cindy Busby, a Canadian actress hailing from the suburbs of Montreal, has always aspired to be in the acting world. As she reminisced in an interview with Voyage LA, her career breakthrough came with her role as Ashley Stanton on the critically acclaimed Canadian series “Heartland,” which she was part of from 2007 to 2014. “Heartland” became a global favorite, airing in over 81 countries and has a significant presence on Netflix.
Her Hallmark journey began in 2014 with “Lucky in Love,” followed by a role in “Cedar Cove.” Since then, she has appeared in numerous Hallmark projects like “Unleashing Mr. Darcy,” the “Hailey Dean Mystery” series, and movies like “Chasing Waterfalls” and “A Whitewater Romance.”
Busby’s affinity for nature has made her a favorite for Hallmark’s outdoor romantic films. During an interview with Just Jared, she expressed her appreciation for the outdoor-themed scripts that come her way.
Victor Webster transitioned from stockbroker to actor
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Victor Webster, who grew up in Calgary, made a notable mark on the Hallmark Channel after starring in his first movie, “Puppy Love,” in 2012. Since then, he has been featured in franchises like “Hannah Swenson Mystery” and “Matchmaker Mysteries,” as well as various romantic films.
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Victor Webster’s journey to acting began unexpectedly. Initially, he pursued a conventional career as a stockbroker while also dabbling in modeling. This path ultimately landed him a role in the daytime soap “Sunset Beach” and later in “Days of Our Lives” from 1999 to 2000. Over time, Webster expanded his repertoire to include roles in popular series like “Charmed,” “Melrose Place,” and “Castle,” beyond his notable appearances in Hallmark productions.
During an interview with TV Goodness, Webster expressed his enthusiasm for Hallmark films. He enjoys reuniting with familiar actors and believes these films spread positivity. He stated, “What I love about Hallmark is that viewers feel uplifted after watching.” He values the message of hope and positivity that Hallmark movies deliver, which motivates him to continue working on these projects.
Brooke D’Orsay’s journey in Hallmark holiday films
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Toronto native Brooke D’Orsay initially aspired to be an athlete, training in gymnastics from a young age. However, her path shifted when she was cast in a commercial as a teenager. This role, where her gymnastics skills were highlighted, helped her secure her acting union membership.
After landing guest roles and working as a voice actor on “6Teen,” D’Orsay gained recognition for her part as Paige Collins in “Royal Pains.” With multiple Hallmark films under her belt, she values the genre’s growth and hopes audiences watch for joy and positivity. “At the heart of it, people just want to feel good, and these films succeed at that,” she remarked in an interview with The Harlton Empire.
Brennan Elliott emerges as a Hallmark favorite
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Calgary-born actor Brennan Elliott kicked off his career with a music video for Tom Cochrane’s “Life is a Highway,” which paved the way for minor roles in various films and television shows. His significant breakthrough came in 2000 with his role as Dr. Nick Biancavilla in “Strong Medicine.” Over the years, he guest-starred on series such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Desperate Housewives.”
Elliott’s debut Hallmark film, “Cupid,” was released in 2012, leading to a series of further collaborations, including in “Cedar Cove” and both the “Crossword Mysteries” and “Flower Shop Mysteries” franchises, often alongside Lacey Chabert. He appreciates Hallmark’s recent efforts to diversify its storytelling in a 2024 interview with the “Suspenders Unbuttoned” podcast, noting a shift from traditional narratives while maintaining the charm of their signature tropes.
Pascale Hutton shines in Canadian drama series
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Pascale Hutton is widely recognized for her role as Rosemary Coulter in Hallmark’s immensely popular series “When Calls the Heart,” known affectionately as “Hearties.” Hutton grew up in Creston, British Columbia, where she developed her acting skills in college before relocating to Vancouver. She soon secured various roles in shows produced there, including “Dead Like Me,” “Smallville,” and “Supernatural.” Her talent and dedication have made her a notable figure in the Hallmark genre.
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Pascale Hutton Transitioned from Drama to Heartwarming Romance
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Canadian actress Pascale Hutton, known for her role in the series “Arctic Air,” made a transition to lighter fare with “When Calls the Heart.” In an interview with The PC Principle, she shared how stepping into a more cheerful character after a serious drama was refreshing and fun. Hutton expressed her enjoyment in diversifying her roles.
Beyond “When Calls the Heart,” Hutton has made her mark in several Hallmark films, such as “My One and Only,” “You Had Me at Aloha,” and “The Perfect Bride.” Recently, she explored new avenues by starring in “Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement,” potentially starting a new franchise.
Tyler Hynes Started Acting at Age 8 in Toronto
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Tyler Hynes, a Toronto native, began his acting journey at just eight years old with a production of “A Christmas Carol.” His theater work paved the way for various television roles in Canada, including hits like “Heartland” and “Saving Hope.” He currently stars in Hallmark’s 2024 romantic comedy “Holiday Touchdown” and has appeared in numerous Hallmark films, establishing himself as a favorite in the genre.
Making his Hallmark debut in “It’s Christmas, Eve,” Hynes shared his surprise at becoming part of the Hallmark family. “I had no idea what was going on,” he remarked, highlighting the unexpected nature of his new career path.
Kimberly Sustad: From Star to Screenwriter
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Kimberly Sustad, hailing from Ottawa, has been involved with Hallmark since her early role in “A Bride for Christmas.” Over the years, she’s starred in numerous Hallmark films and is also venturing into screenwriting. Teaming up with Paul Campbell, she co-wrote “Christmas By Starlight” and the successful “Three Wise Men and a Baby,” which led to a sequel titled “Three Wiser Men and a Boy.”
Luke Macfarlane Embraces His Authenticity
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Luke Macfarlane, from London, Ontario, has found success in various genres, gaining attention for his roles in shows like “Brothers & Sisters” and the sci-fi series “Killjoys.” In addition to his work in Hallmark films, he has been openly gay since 2008, a decision he made despite concerns for his career. He’s shared his gratitude for the opportunities that Hallmark films have provided throughout his career.
Reflecting on his time with Hallmark, Macfarlane acknowledged his surprise at how many films he’s made, stating, “I would’ve never thought when I did my first Hallmark movie seven years ago that I’d end up doing 13 of them.” He appreciates the joy these romantic comedies bring.
Sophia Michaels
