Sometimes, when my busy schedule allows it, I happen to notice what the top Hallmark actors are tweeting about in reference to their upcoming movies, and this is one time I struck gold, in a sense. Canadace Cameron Bure happened to tweet about one Yannick Bisson being in her next Aurora Teagarden film. Well, I, being the good little Hallmark supporter I am, jumped on this news and headed over to see who this guy was. I asked him for an interview, and for the next two months, we played “social media tag.” Thankfully, Yannick and I finally brought this game to a fruitful conclusion and carved out some time in our frenetic schedules for him to answer some questions about his upcoming film, as well as a brief examination of his career in general.
How did you get started in the acting profession? What kind of training have you had?
I began taking a kids class, “Acting For the Camera,” when I was about thirteen. I had just moved from Tampa Bay to Toronto, and I was bored. I sold my dirt bike and found the classes. It was fun, and the people there were encouraging. They also took it seriously (many today are a cash grab, sadly). At the end of it all, they provided you with lists of agents and photographers to get you on your way. I then landed an agent and started hitting the audition circuit in Toronto soon after. I landed a Bubble Yum advertisement for my first job.
Many people fondly remember you from Sue Thomas, F.B. Eye. Please tell us about your experience working on that show. Any chance of a reunion show?
Sue Thomas was a tough job–for lots of reasons. I don’t see a reunion in my future.
I recently started watching Murdoch Mysteries. Frankly, I’m hooked now. To what do you attribute the show’s longevity and success? What have you enjoyed most about that show? How did you get involved with it?
I first read for the role in Los Angeles in 2006, I think. I was heading back to Toronto for that summer and didn’t hear a thing about it for many months. There was an actors’ strike in Canada that year that halted all production. Later that fall, I was brought in for another round of meetings and was told that the network was having a tough time deciding between a younger or older actor for the role. I asked who the older actor was and….it was me. I didn’t feel too confident about my chances at that point. But as luck would have it, I was to be William Murdoch.
To be honest, I didn’t think the show would last very long, but only because of the landscape at the time. There wasn’t a single period show at the time. The story and characters were great, so I gave it my all anyway.
Ten years later, I can’t really point to one specific thing making it a success. In fact, every person that I speak to seems to enjoy completely different aspects of the show and in different combinations. Some like the mystery, some the romance, some the history and others, the comedic parts or historical figures. Never the same.
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KWIK KWOTE
Mouna Traore, co-star (Rebecca James) Murdoch Mysteries
“Yannick is a most gracious actor and working with him has been a delight. The fact that he is still so beloved as Detective Murdoch speaks volumes about who is both on and off screen. After 10 seasons, he’s as focused and supportive as ever and it’s been a wonderful experience being able to watch him work.”
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Please tell us about the upcoming Aurora Teagarden film. What is the main premise (without giving away any spoilers), and how does your character fit into things?
The Aurora Teagarden movies are fun, light, mystery movies that star Candace Cameron Bure. I was asked by the producers to meet with them for the role while in LA this year. We had a great time shooting in Vancouver, and it looks like they’ll be doing more of them. Most often, the male role in this type of movie is a bit superfluous, but my guy is pretty cool, ex-CIA-agent-turned-businessman with a spotty record. I can work with that.
What was it like working with the Hallmark brand? What was it like working with your co-stars?
Hallmark has a good thing going. They know their audience and have a good group of people making stuff. Candace is her own established brand, of course, and so are these movies. I came in for the third one. She was very welcoming and I could tell immediately that she is a hard worker. Meeting Marilu Henner was a big thrill. It was a great atmosphere on set.
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KWIK KWOTE
Giles Panton, co-star Aurora Teagarden
Picture Credit: Liz Rosa
“Yannick is a really funny and charming guy.
He got along great with everyone.
Any other upcoming works that you can mention?
Look out for Wolfcop 2, a high concept horror/comedy for CineCoup. I go completely to the other side in this one as a very bad, bad guy!
I’m filming Hellmington this weekend in North Bay. This is also part of the Coup company and is more of a traditional horror/thriller. I do a cameo as a very quirky professor (slash!) taxidermist. Creepy to say the least.
As you have a family, how do you balance your entertainment career with your family time?
Getting great time with my family has always been a big priority. It helps to balance me as a person, and my girls help me keep my ego in check. My wife has always been my biggest fan and I hers. I couldn’t do what I do without her love and support. Even when times were rough (most of our time together), one of us always stayed home while the other worked. I think that is paying very good dividends in our girls now.
Any plans/interest in the future to write, direct, or produce?
I have been directing on Murdoch for about five years, but I’m focusing more on other projects now. I’m working on optioning a series of books for adaptation to television. I’m also becoming part of an exciting new production company–more news on that soon.
![Yannick Bisson (L), Chantal Craig (M) and Jonny Harris (R) 23rd Annual Gemini Awards 2008 at the Intercontinental Hotel - Arrivals Toronto, Canada - 28.11.08 Credit: WENN (Newscom TagID: wennphotostwo061421) [Photo via Newscom] wennphotostwo061421_gemini_awards_59_wenn2194862.jpg](http://mydevotionalthoughts.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/75cae4604ee78cc5323b72b2a4e9a86e.jpg)
Credit: WENN
Follow Yannick
Charities Yannick Supports
Toronto Sick Kids Hospital (Note: this links to the Canadian foundation, not just the Toronto chapter)
Sheena’s place (a resource center for people with eating disorders and their families)
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41 Comments
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I am new to the Yannick Bisson fan club. I watch his Teagarden episodes over and over again. I’m not too attached to her new love interest. I have seen all the Murdoch Mysteries episodes. Can’t wait for Season 14 to start. I would love to follow the Yannick Bisson official fan club. Does anybody have a link? I don’t do Facebook or most other social media platforms. I would love to visit the set as one of my bucket list items. The Murdoch Mysteries have gotten me through the COVID-19 quarantine. Oh boy each episode have been my life saving. Wishing Yannick Bisson much success.
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I too feel a substantial piece missing in the quality and depth of the Teagarden Mysteries since Yannick left the show. Maybe he will return?
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Hey Janice, unfortunately there are no plans for Yannick to return. My understanding from Candice Cameron Bure is that it was his decision. But I love Niall Matter!
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My wife and I started watching the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries and the last two that Yannick was in are not being shown? We’re fans of Murdock and wondering what happened to him on the Aurora shows, did something happen to him (his character) on his last show, or was he written out like he was never on the show at all?
Thanks!
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Yannick Bisson left the Aurora Teagarden series, and so his character was written out. In the book series, his character goes overseas and dies. And while we are not aware of Martin’s death in the series, he did leave to go overseas to take care of business.
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I am one of his huge fan, I love his work in The Aurora Teagarden mysteries. Thanks for refreshing old memories of Yannick Bisson.
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I would love for Robin Daniels to come back and marry Aurora.
They do make a great couple. Also if Miranda Lynn Smith could sing a couple of songs in the movie would be great. -
Ruth I did post on Hallmark Channel how disappointed I was that Yannick Bisson decided
To leave the show especially the way he departed,I wish they had left it up in the air just in case he made a comeback.They had a wonderful storyline and Martin would not leave the woman he loved and rejoin the CIA knowing he maye not return…-
That’s great Mary! I’m glad you did that. That’s the only way we as fans can make our voice heard. I know it’s sad. And it would be awesome to see him return. I don’t know if anything will change, but at least you let Hallmark know.
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Yannick is one of finest actors I have seen in a very long time… He has a natural quality that shines through, his acting is effortless and he makes it look so easy. I loved him in the Aurora Teagarden series
and I would love to see him return….I’m not happy with the way he departed,he was such a special part of the show…-
Mary, I hope that you let Hallmark know your opinion as well, but my understanding from Candace Cameron Bure is that it was his decision to leave. But I still suggest you send your feedback to Hallmark. He is missed, and I thank you for stopping by.
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Like the others, I think the characters of Aurora and Martin made a very good couple. Adding Yannick Bisson as Martin Bartell was the best decision Hallmark made because he added a special something to the show. He had that X factor that is now missing from the show. Hopefully, Hallmark will add another Yannick Bisson caliber actor as her love interest.
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Melinda thank you for expressing your opinion. I sure hope you let Hallmark know your thoughts as it is doubtful they will see them on my site.
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I would like to know why Yannick viewed the “Sue Thomas, FB Eye series in such a negative light. I have read/heard interviews of the other cast members, and they were all positive. Several expressed interest in doing a follow-up movie or television program. Also, his decision not continue as Martin was very unfortunate, as Martin is a much deeper, warmer character than William Murdoch.
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Paulette,
Unfortunately, I have no answers and Yannick will probably never see this question here. As someone else responded further down about there being other issues involved with “Sue Thomas, FB Eye” that didn’t involve him. I honestly know nothing else than what I put here. As to his decision to leave Aurora Teagarden, these situations are very complex and often the actors themselves are not even at liberty to comment. I know he is missed in the series, but I have no idea the reason. I do know he is fantastic in “Murdoch Mysteries” and he also has plenty of other interests as well as three grown daughters. So there could be many reasons. I do call him one of the hardest working Candian actors that I know, and if I am ever able to get a follow-up interview, those are two questions I would not be asking as I feel they could be potentially explosive. But thank you for stopping by and reading this interview.
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I enjoyed Yannick Bisson on Aurora Teagarden Mysteries and wish he was still in The Show was much more interesting with him on it
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Eva thank you for your comment. I hope you share your view with Hallmark since they may not see it here.
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I think Yannick Bisson is the best addition to the Aurora Teagarden movies and would hate to see a movie where he is killed in an accident. I know he’s busy doing “Murdoch” and other movies, but… please bring him back, even if for more money. It can’t take that long to make Aurora movies.
I’m 72 years old and enjoy these movies immensely but they got better once they added him into the storyline. I truly have difficulty with Robin Daniels being her love interest. He doesn’t seem a strong enough man to be Aurora’s partner down the road.
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Sharon, I really really hope you let Hallmark know your thoughts on this issue. They will not see your post here, but I appreciate your sentiments.
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I think they are trying to “sort of” follow the books by the same name. I was told that in the books Aurora does marry Martin, but he is killed in an accident, I think, and she has to go on without him. So perhaps if in the movies they can change the storyline enough to have him come back at some point. I sure hope he wants to!!
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why is yannck bisson no longer on aurora teagarden mystery. they made a great pair
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According to Candace Cameron Bure, It was Yannick’s choice.
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I just got to see the last hour of the new Aurora Teagarden tonight and Roe was moving into a new house in town. She was with her mother and Sally on the porch giving them hugs and said she was lonely and loved her new house since Martin wasn’t going to be coming back. If nothing changes, it looks like the love of her life is gone! So sad, I,too, liked them together.
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So, banished to South America for Martin? Sorry to learn that he will not be returning to Aurora nor to all of his fans. Can’t begin to imagine the program without him. This fan will miss him big-time. Any news about his latest endeavors? If so, pleases let us know.
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Carol, I’m sorry. I have been unable to contact Yannick for a follow-up interview. Just one of those things. I know he is very busy with Murdoch Mysteries as well as his own projects that he regularly posts about. I know people will miss him, but I have faith the series will return strongly without him due to fantastic cast and crew attached.
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I hope he continues in The Aurora Teagarden mysteries. I am a huge fan, and just love him in the part, and his and Candace’s chemistry makes the show.
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Char, unfortunately per Candace herself, she tweeted that Yannick would no longer be a part of the Aurora Teagarden mystery series.
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I truly hope that the character of Martin will be back as Aurora Teagarden’s boyfriend. I was hoping to see them marry. Martin is the love of Aurora’s life and Aurora is the love of Martin’s. I did not like the end of the show last night. I just get really tired of wonderful relationships being written out for whatever the reason. I will give the show a chance to bring Martin back after he finds his friend and his friends family! Candace, if you have any say in this decision of Martin returning to your show, please bring him back. Your chemistry together is truly wonderful. The story lines between you two would be just wonderful. I will stop watching if Martin does not return.
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I just read on Candace Cameron Burr twitter that John and Martin will not be back. I too agree with you that I loved their chemistry together. This is such disappointing news.
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Yes, that is what she said, but that is often how things go in this business.
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Please say that Yannick Bisson is in upcoming “Aurora Teagarden” mystery shows. I love Murdoch Mysteries and truly enjoyed the chance to see more of this actor. The previews have not shown him. After the closeness the two of them had exhibited in the previous scripts, I expected to see him in continuing episodes. While I enjoy watching the Aurora Teagarden series because of the quality of the mysteries and the suspense, I truly enjoyed seeing Bisson in the cast and am very disappointed of his character has been deleted from the story line.
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I know he’s in the one that comes up this weekend, and that is all I know. I can’t imagine his character being removed completely. But I guess time will only tell. I, too, am a fan of him and his character.
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Will Yannick Basson continue guesting on Aurora Teagarden? He and Candance have such great chemistry.
I’ve been a Murdock fan for years. I hope he never retires.
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I believe he’s in the next one. When he was asked, all he said on twitter was that he was trying to figure out if he would. So that’s all I know.
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Having read and heard many interviews with Yannick I can say he enjoyed working on ST-FBE but it was very difficult and hard work because they had to shoot group scenes over and over because they had to make sure Sue could see everybody. Those scenes were often shot with showing everyone’s perspective, and that can be hard. I’ve heard they can take 3 days just to shoot the dinner scenes on Blue Bloods so you can understand the bullpen scenes in Sue Thomas were hard with 7 principal actors. He always wanted to play an FBI agent and it was filmed in Toronto so that helped on the home front. Please don’t read into his answers that there was trouble on the set. Yannick would never complain so he has a tendency to be closed mouth,careful not to say too much.
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Megan, thank you–I know people have asked me, and I really didn’t think anything bad of him. That was his answer, and I took it for what it was. But perhaps this will help some people who have been concerned that there were problems. I think very highly of Yannick for sure, but this might clarify things a bit.
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Thank you Ruth!!! Hard to tell if he liked Sue Thomas or not. But I do like him as an actor and can’t wait to watch Aurora this next week (been studying for finals)…
BTW, I live in WA. state as well!!! Over on Olympic Peninsula!!
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Martha–wow what a small world. We’re neighbors. It sounds as though Sue Thomas had some internal issues, but thankfully he’s on Aurora Teagarden and Murdoch Mysteries. He’s a great guy, too, which in my book, goes really far! By the way, you share my daughter’s name! Hope all goes well with your finals!
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I hope he becomes a regular on the Teagarden series, as well as continuing on Murdoch.
The thing I like best about Murdoch is that the scripts are intelligent and fun.
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I agree with you 100%!
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