All of us have those singular moments that forever alter us for good or ill, and more often than not, those milestones are eternally embedded within our minds until the day we pass from this earth. Hopefully, we are granted more good than bad, but regardless, I always choose to celebrate the positive over the negative any day. As I prepare to share this interview, I can say with unequivocal certainty that interviewing Paul Greene in person at the Hearties Family Reunion is one of those exceptional occasions, and it marks an overwhelming epoch in my life. First of all, Paul has the distinctive honor of being the first person I’ve interviewed four times. Secondly, Paul is one of the first people I have interviewed in person one-on-one. (Andrea Brooks actually preceded his by about fifteen minutes, but his is being shared first.) And finally, Paul’s first-ever interview on my site is still the reigning post–getting close to sixty thousand views. In fact, his other two interviews often appear in the top ten as well. And I take no credit for this. I share this only to illustrate the phenomenal nature and skillset of Paul on and off the screen.

As I begin this interview, it behooves me to share a little background information. Before HFR3, I had only ever talked with Paul on the phone. We had never met, and all of our interactions had been digital in nature. I never doubted that Paul was who I had ascertained him to be, for one of Paul’s core qualities is his trademark authenticity. Hypocrisy is infinitely far-removed from this man, and meeting him is one of those instances that will consistently be at the forefront of my cognizance.

The first part of our interview, he was a part of a group which included Andrea Brooks and Charlotte HegeleCharlotte Hegele. Due to time constraints, we had all of five minutes before the next panel discussion, but for the purposes of this interview, I will focus on Paul and his responses.

When I asked Paul and the others if they were all in the When Calls the Heart Christmas movie, Paul’s response was, “Actually, only I am.” After recovering from my outspoken shock, I joked, “Are you serious? That’s it! Then I’m not watching!” I think they may have been a little startled that I uttered that, but my smile and laugh revealed I was just kidding. 

When I shared my mom’s theory (and other Hearties have mentioned this too) about Dr. Carson potentially getting paired up with Abigail, Paul looked rather intrigued, but I didn’t press him since I knew he was unable to give an answer. However, Paul did have a response.

PG: Well, of course, I know the answer to that, but I cannot answer.

{I actually missed the obvious humor in his eyes as he made that outlandish statement.}

RH: Well, I hope you know. It’s your character. 

Immediately he and the others jumped in with instant refutations.

And Paul said with a smile and a laugh, “Of course, I don’t know! I don’t even know what we’re shooting tomorrow. They don’t give us the scripts far in advance for a reason. So we’ll have to see what the writers come up with. It is an interesting theory, however.”

RH: So, since you are in the Christmas movie, what can you tell us about it?

PG: Well, I can’t really tell you too much.

Are we going to hear you sing?

For the Christmas movie? No, not this time. But I’ll be singing a little at this next panel today.

Yes, I overheard you might be. Definitely looking forward to that. 

Hopefully, they won’t mind me singing.

I don’t think you’ll have an argument from the Hearties.

But there is some great stuff coming up in the Christmas movie. Hearties will be pleased, I think. Great scenes with everyone in the town.

And with that, Paul and the rest of the cast were whisked away to the next panel. But before he left, Paul confided to me, “I am happy to continue our interview after this panel, but I’m not sure if I’ll have any juice left.”  

I wasn’t about to hold him to that. After all, he had signed autographs, took selfies, and interacted with fans for hours. And now he was about to participate in a When Calls the Heart panel discussion followed by a soulful rendition of Alleluia in which he invited all the Hearties to sing along on the chorus (which I did with much aplomb and in my signature trained voice that cast the typical glances my way that have long put a damper on my singing career).

Following the panel, I was hesitant. I longed to go back and determine whether Paul was available for the completion of our interview, but I didn’t want to be presumptuous. Actually, it was Andrea who requested that I come back for an interview, and I must admit I was rather honored. Following my chat with her, Paul said he had time to finish our interview as he was waiting for his ride (thank you Charlotte!)

Before we settled into the interview, I thanked him for the song and told him how wonderful it was that all of us sang along. But I intimated that I sing rather loudly and I got a few looks my way when I sang. To which he responded, “Singing loud is the best way to sing.” I didn’t pursue the discussion then, but I appreciated that he was not dismissive of what I had stated. I wouldn’t be surprised that at a later time, he may be interested to hear the rest of the story (I was a music teacher and am a trained musician who at one time had plans to be on the stage), but this is Paul’s interview, so let’s get back to the man of the hour.

Photo: Paul Greene Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen

RH: What do you hope for Dr. Carson in season five?

PG: Well, last season was kind of hard on Carson. I hope this season to be an important part of the town and have a strong character arc. I think it makes a difference when you’re in the whole season instead of coming in halfway. And since he got his family trouble worked out, I hope that Carson can go on from there. After all, Hope Valley does need a doctor.

And maybe Carson will have some romance?

Well, we’ll see. I know there’s a lot of talk about that from the fans.

I know in the past, you have talked about wanting more scenes with kids in When Calls the Heart. 

Yes, I really do enjoy having scenes with kids. I have a fourteen-year-old son of my own, and I always enjoy getting to act with the kids. And the kids on When Calls the Heart are absolutely the best ever. I couldn’t ask for better actors, and it is a joy to share scenes with them. And I think kids are the best part of Christmas, so you will see me in the Christmas movie sharing the scenes with the kids and hopefully more throughout season five. I tell you those kids are just amazing. And for me, I never see them as stealing the scene or anything like that. They are professionals in their own right.

Now, also, be sure that you watch the special preview and interview segments on the Hallmark Channel because shortly after HFR3, I went down to LA and Hallmark recorded a short that will run on their channel to promote the When Calls the Heart Christmas movie where I talk about special Christmas traditions I remember from when I was growing up.

Oh, I remember them doing something like that last year! We’ll definitely be watching for that. Now, of course, with your mom and her condition, I was concerned you wouldn’t be able to make HFR, and after posting our picture, people are continuing to ask me how your mom is doing. I think it’s so sweet.

You know, every Heartie I met today made it a point to ask how my mother was doing. They said they were praying for her, and I have to say it is amazing. They are a force, a positive force, and I cannot thank them enough for their support and prayers. You know, she planned on coming with me. And it was touch and go for a while. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. And she felt bad about not being here. And if I wouldn’t have come if I didn’t think she would be all right without me. But she is steadily improving. It will be a slow recovery, but it was encouraging to see her doing better little by little.

The first thing I saw this morning was your post about her condition and the one about wishing you could take away her pain and realizing that there had to be many times in her life as a mother that she wished she could have taken away your pain.

Well, it’s true. I had never thought of it that way. There had to be so many times that she wished she could take away my pain, and now here I am in the same position. It’s hard. But what I noticed is that when I am around her at the hospital, she isn’t resting quite as much. When she knows I am around, it excites her a little bit and she tries to use the little energy she has to be present and assure me she’s all right. So I thought that as hard as it was, if I was away for awhile, maybe she would get some rest and a chance to heal.

So what can you tell us about your upcoming film Christmas In Angel Falls?

Well, I can say it is one of the best scripts I have ever read. I loved working with Rachel Boston and Beau Bridges. Just wonderful people. And if you liked Highway To Heaven with Michael Landon, you’re going to love this one. It kind of reminds me of that show. I play a firefighter named, Jack. Rachel plays the angel Gabriel, known as Gabby. And Beau plays Michael the Archangel. We filmed it up in North Bay, Ontario, and I had never filmed up there before. It is beautiful up there. It is a wonderful Christmas story, but I don’t want to give too much away. It was just so easy working with Rachel, and we had so much fun working together. Also, I loved working with our director, Bradley Walsh. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast or crew.

Well, that sounds wonderful. Honestly, you are one of our favorites in my household, and I’m not just saying that. Everyone knows who you are, and we all watch When Calls the Heart together. 

Thank you for that, Ruth. Be sure to tell everyone “hi” for me.

I sure will. You know, my daughter has never forgotten how you told her you were proud of her grades. She smiled so big when I relayed that message to her. So are we ever going to see you in a Hallmark mystery film or something like that?

You know, I don’t know. If I was in a movie, it would probably have to be with Lori, and I’m not sure if it would be a mystery.

I hope one day we see you in a little bit of a different role. Not that we don’t love you as the romantic lead, but–

I think I know what you mean, and I think when you see me in Christmas In Angel Falls, you will see me in a different kind of role. Jack is a very different character than one I’ve ever played before. Actually, Hallmark has been growing so much, it’s amazing. With both channels and then Hallmark Drama, once it gets going, I think this growth will continue. They are a network that continues to provide such wonderful family-friendly shows and films, and I am proud to be able to work with them.

So do you have any other upcoming things you can mention besides these two Christmas movies and When Calls the Heart season five?

Yes, actually, I do. My girlfriend and I are pitching some things to Hallmark. One of them is a Valentine’s Day movie. Very sweet, but that’s all I’ll say about it. And the other one is a Rock ‘N Roll Christmas, so it involves music.

Oh, Paul, that would be fantastic! That’s one thing your fans just love about you–your music. Speaking of that, any word about an album?

Well, I will say it’s in the works. Also, I plan to do a Facebook live gospel concert for the Hearties soon. Maybe when I get some downtime, but it’s been pretty busy lately.

What about charities? I know you work to support ALS, and you’ve done some wonderful charity events in the past. Any upcoming events?

Well, there are a couple things. First of all, recently I attended the twentieth-anniversary celebration of an organization where Beau is a board member–Wishtoyo. Actually, Rachel and I both were able to attend, and it was our first time, but the organization is right in line with some of the things I feel very strongly about, such as saving our oceans and our earth. I think the three of us are similar in wanting to preserve our earth and being ecologically-minded.

Also, fellow Heartie and incredible artist Jordan Blackstone has a painting that she did of me, and we are going to auction it off in February somewhere around the time when season five kicks off. And she is donating the proceeds to ALS. So stay tuned for more details about that.

Oh, I have seen that painting! Jordan is just amazing! Well, that is something to watch out for then. Well, I think that was everything, Paul. I can’t thank you enough for giving of your time. I know it’s been a crazy day.

Ruth, it is always a pleasure. Thank you and all the Hearties for your and their continued support. And don’t forget to tune in on Saturday!

While Paul and I connected during our very first interview, there is truly nothing like meeting a person face-to-face and realizing that everything you believed about that individual was one hundred percent accurate. And in the case of Paul Greene, it was and is. As I watched him greet the Hearties at the convention, I literally became quite giddy as I waited my turn. Of course, I was excited to meet him, but to realize that he was granting each of them as much time as possible and attempting to make a genuine connection with each one is something that just blows my mind. Paul has shared so much of his journey with us, and the second we see him on screen, it’s as if we are watching a cherished member of our family or a dear friend. It is rare to witness someone in today’s fast-paced society who is willing to take the time to reach out in spite of his busy schedule and courteously, calmly, and seamlessly interact with such a diverse group of fans. His random posts, pictures, videos and live interactions (who else would do an Instagram live while landing in Vancouver?) never fail to bring a smile to my face no matter the time of day or night.

On a personal level, I never intended to be a “Paul Greene” ambassador, but I cannot help but support him personally and professionally. His limitless energy, his inspirational attitude, and his sensitive nature combined with a toned physique (come on, I HAD to mention that) and profound talent make him one of the most authentic people I’ve ever met inside our outside the entertainment industry. His talent is as dynamic as his personality, and the way he chooses to live his life is one that motivates and encourages us to be better versions of ourselves. His characteristic humility places him right alongside us in the day-to-day battle to improve upon who we are, and you couldn’t ask for a better co-laborer or unofficial life coach. 

So I would invite everyone to tune in on Saturday, December 2nd to the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network (December 3rd in Canada on Bravo) to witness a film that I consider the absolute zenith of his career to date–Christmas in Angel Falls. I had the supreme honor of screening the film today (reviewing tomorrow before the premiere), and I can declare beyond the shadow of a doubt that this is my new favorite Christmas film, and Paul brings staggering passion to his character in a way that has me dumbfounded (not to mention, an emotional basket case!). Also, please consider checking out all of Paul’s links below and follow him if you have not previously. I can promise you that this will not be the last time I interview Paul because I not only consider him an actor of superlative caliber, but I also consider him an esteemed friend and colleague whom I shall always support from the depths of my very soul. Indeed it’s truly the least I can do for someone as altruistic, selfless, and engaging as Paul!

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