I think there are some actors we see in several of our favorite Hallmark movies and more, and all too often, we don’t take the time to learn their names nor investigate their other works. Trust me–even I do it! It was only because of Tammy Gillis that I was ever introduced to the talented Jim Thorburn (who just happens to be Tammy’s husband). Thankfully, Jim is being featured in the third and final movie of the “Father Christmas” series (Marrying Father Christmas), and recently, I was able to chat with him (for the third time!) about this movie and more!

RH: Jim, I am so glad we get to chat before Marrying Father Christmas premieres.

JT: Ruth, thank you for reaching out. You sure look like you’ve been busy.

Yes, I have been busy. I never quite expected things to be quite as busy and involved as they are, but I couldn’t be happier.

Ruth, you are doing incredible work. I love reading your interviews, and I’m just happy that you reached out to chat with me again.

My pleasure, Jim. When I was up in Vancouver for the When Calls the Heart convention, we Hearties got the chance to watch Marrying Father Christmas ahead of time, so I have seen it, and I love it! Definitely the best of the trilogy.

I’m glad you got to see it, Ruth.

with Wendie Malick

And by the way, I thought your character was much nicer this time.

{laughs} Wendie {Malick} said to me during the filming of this third film, “Finally, Peter, you’ve loosened up.” And obviously, because Ian and Miranda are getting married, I think there is a much warmer tone to the film. It was a nice closure for the other two movies. A real bookend for a Christmas movie.

Now, I noticed that they did have to recast one of the characters.

Yes, there was a conflict. Aliyah O’Brien had a recurring role on a network series, so they did have to recast her character of Ellie.

I did notice it, but it didn’t ruin anything. It still worked out.

I think she was a little bummed she couldn’t be with us, but it’s one of those things that happens in this business. For the cast, doing these movies was like going to Christmas acting camp. It was so much fun, and you’ve already worked with these people previously. It’s light and a good message. But recasting sometimes does happen.

Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Your character was nicer, as I said, and Wendie’s character got a little bit of romance this time around.

I agree that was a neat arc for her.

And the production value of the film was incredible, at least in my opinion. It was beautifully shot, and I think everyone who sees it this season is gonna love it.

I’m so glad you were able to see it and truly enjoy it, Ruth.

And Niall Matter‘s acting–oh my goodness! I love Niall and Erin {Krakow} together, but the part with the wedding…I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say Niall nearly had me in tears he was so authentic!

That’s great. I’m so glad to hear about how much you enjoyed the film. I seem to remember that part and how Niall really did have to work a bit to keep it all together. It was very real, that’s for sure.

And how much I’m going to enjoy seeing it again! Now, I also appreciate the serious issue they dealt with in this film. Again, no spoilers for the readers, but the main issue in the story is something not normally dealt with on this network. And they handled it perfectly and relatably.

Yes, that nuance and that closure was a bit of an interesting risk for Hallmark–at least in my opinion–but I think a lot of people are going to identify with this story. At least in some way.

With Erin & Niall

How many of us have rifts in the family that may go unresolved? I think it is probably more common than we might realize, and the simple message in the film really comes across to speak in a non-threatening but real way.

Right, it’s a good message. And the man they brought in to play that pivotal role, Bill Dow, he was great. I got to work with him a few scenes. And Erin enjoyed working with him as well.

And thankfully Canadian viewers will get to see Marrying Father Christmas on the Super Channel Heart & Home less than a week after we see it here in the States–November 10th.

Oh, that is good news! So often, unless I’m vacationing in the States, I don’t get to see these Hallmark movies I’ve done.

Also, I almost didn’t recognize Callum Seagram Airlie. I met him at the Hearties convention, but he was so tall, I almost didn’t recognize him! And he has certainly matured in this third movie.

It is amazing to see how much Callum has changed from the first one to the third one.

And to see that your character–Peter–has softened. I really think people are gonna like that.

That is so true. In the very first one, I was more protective and a little edgier. But I’m hoping the viewers agree that this change will be a nice touch.

With Jason Bourque The Chronicle Mysteries

Do you have anything else coming up that you can mention?

Yes, are you familiar with The Chronicle Mysteries?

Oh my goodness, yes!

Well, I’m in the first one of the series. I won’t tell you anything about my character. This is a mystery after all, and I don’t want to give away anything.

Well, I hope you’re not going to be a bad guy, but all too often, that is how they cast you in these Hallmark films.

All I can say is that we shall see. You’ll have to watch for yourself.

I remember your very evil character from the Lifetime thriller Woman On the Run. I really hope that Hallmark has decided to cast you in a nice role for a change.

My understanding is that The Chronicle Mysteries are supposed to start airing on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in March of next year, but we’ll see if that changes.

I tell you, Hallmark is certainly expanding and diversifying. It looks like there are going to be a lot more opportunities for everyone, and it will be great to see you in the first of The Chronicle Mysteries. Had you worked with anyone else in the cast previously?

I had worked with Emily Holmes before. She actually played my wife once in Fringe. On that series, I played a guy who got possessed and turned completely white, and she had to deal with that. {laughs} That was kind of fun.

But it was your first time working with Ali Sweeney and Ben{jamin Ayres}?

That’s right. They were both awesome to work with. And then there was our director, Jason {Bourque} who I had worked with before. I had also worked with a few other crew members as well. In fact, a few of them I had worked with them on Aurora Teagarden. In The Chronicle Mysteries, it was fun because there are some flashbacks that happen and I get aged up quite a bit. So you’ll see me in gray hair and glasses.

With Yannick Bisson from Dead Over Heels: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery

Speaking of Aurora Teagarden, that was one film where I thought you might be the murderer and you weren’t.

I have hopes that one day they might bring me back in that series. It hasn’t happened yet, but I think that’s why they didn’t have me murder anyone. Or at least I hope that’s the reason. We’ll see what happens.

Anything else coming up then?

Well, all I can say is that I am auditioning like crazy. I don’t have anything official to announce right now, but I’ll let everyone know when I can. I am going out for all sorts of great projects, and I can only hope the right one comes my way soon. It can be a strange time to be in this position right now, but it can also be good. I find that during these kinds of moments where I audition so much that I have to flex my muscle in a lot of different kinds of roles that I don’t normally do. And since Christmas time is coming, a lot of the Christmas movies I’ve been in in the past should be showing on various networks.

Oh yeah, that’s what’s great about these Christmas movies. They tend to play them from year to year.

I think there’s about six total ones I’ve done over the years, so that means people are going to be seeing my face this Christmas on Hallmark, Lifetime, and Up as well as the W Network and Super Channel Heart & Home.

That’s great, Jim. And I’m sure Hallmark will be replaying Marrying Father Christmas in addition to Engaging Father Christmas. And my understanding is that Finding Father Christmas is only available this year on the Hallmark Movies Now streaming service, unless someone buys the DVD or a digital copy.

I wasn’t aware of that, Ruth. That’s good to know.

Thank you so much, Jim for taking some time to chat with me today. I will definitely be watching Marrying Father Christmas, and I can hardly wait for The Chronicle Mysteries. But here’s hoping you get cast in something else very soon.

Ruth, I appreciate your support over the years. It means so much. And thanks for thinking of me. I hope everyone watches and enjoys Marrying Father Christmas. I know I’m looking forward to it!

Working actors like Jim are the very reason that we viewers can savor so many amazing shows and movies from diverse styles. While Jim may never be a household name, he is perfectly content to work with exceptional people on amazing projects as he continues to hone his craft and pursue his passions. I cannot tell you just how much his support means to me personally, and his kind encouragement, positive outlook, and contagious enthusiasm for the business remind me of the importance of my work and embolden me to proceed to highlight industry professionals just like him. His insights and support keep me stimulated and invigorated, and I am so looking forward to both of his upcoming projects.
If you are in the U.S., be sure to tune into the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries network for the premiere of Marrying Father Christmas tonight (November 4th), and if you are in Canada, tune into Super Channel Heart & Home on November 10th for your chance to see this masterpiece. I would also invite you to visit all of Jim’s links below and consider following him if you are so inclined. I truly appreciate Jim’s expertise in the business, and I could easily “talk shop” with him all day as he is quite a knowledgeable and intriguing individual (not to mention, he truly does have a wonderful sense of humor that is normally not highlighted in the roles for which he is cast). I hope that everyone will watch specifically for the welcome changes in his character of Peter Whitcomb in this third of the “Father Christmas” series, and I hope that Hallmark (and other networks) will continue to cast him in meaningful roles that entertain, motivate, and even challenge our beliefs and perceptions. Indeed, Jim is a treasure and an endearing person that I am honored to know!
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