I will never be sorry that I wholeheartedly supported Cedar Cove as I did when it was on the Hallmark Channel because without this show, I wouldn’t enjoy some of the special friendships and connections that came my way as a result of this Hallmark series. Barbara Niven is one of those extraordinary people whom I am privileged to know, and as I have continued to follow her career since that time, it is thrilling to notice that Hallmark continues to grant her incredible roles in spite of the fact that she is no longer a young woman. On November 18th, Hallmark fans watched the premiere of her most recent Christmas film, Christmas In Evergreen: Letters To Santa. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Barbara about this film and more, and I am honored to share this interview with my readers today.

Barbara Niven Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Brendan Meadows

RH: Barbara, I am so glad we finally get to chat again! It’s always wonderful to catch up with you!

BN: Ruth, I am so glad we finally made it work too. I just love our chats.

You have had quite a year, Barbara.

Yes, it’s been very busy.

Chesapeake Shores

Your new Christmas movie has just come out, as a matter of fact. And then you were in season three of Chesapeake Shores. And it was just wonderful to see you in that. I really liked what they did with your character, Megan, this past season.

Oh, thank you. It was really wonderful to peel back more of the layers on Megan this season. I don’t think we went far enough yet. As an actor, I always want to push for more and to go deeper with my character, so hopefully, we’ll get a season four so we can do that.

I think Chessies have a universal hope for season four. And I want to make sure I tell you that my mom just loves your character on that show. That’s one of her favorite storylines on Chesapeake Shores.

Oh my gosh, please tell her “thank you” and give her a big hug for me! That means a lot. I always like to portray people with all their imperfections and flaws. My hope is always that people can identify with them and hopefully solve some problems in their own lives as they watch our characters solve our problems on screen.

with Treat Williams

I know it was very hard to watch the family go through all these difficult things this past season. And seeing Megan go through all that pain with Bree with the writing of that book was hard. But I understood exactly where Bree was coming from since I’m also a writer. I think sometimes you have to open up those wounds and deal with the pain and talk about it because if you don’t, the problems just sit there and you never solve anything. 

Exactly. And people have to start being honest. Not honest to hurt people, but honest with their own feelings so they can have some kind of resolution. We all need to come to an understanding of how the other person feels.

With Diane Ladd

So we’re all hoping for season four.

I know! We have not heard yet at all. It’s hard to not hear!

Well, maybe they’re waiting till after Christmas and announcing it at the TCA’s in January. So while it would be nice to know, I think they sometimes have to make us wait a little bit. 

I know. In this business, it’s hard to plan your life. And I think that’s partly why I like it. There’s always new things coming along and new doors that open when windows close. Or however that saying goes.

That’s right.

The Crossword Mysteries

In fact, I did film a new murder mystery series called The Crossword Mysteries. We just filmed the first one with Brennan Elliott and Lacey Chabert. I’m excited for everybody to see that, and supposedly everybody really likes it so far. So fingers crossed!

We are very excited for The Crossword Mysteries series. I’ve chatted with Brennan about it, and I was very happy when he told me that you were not just doing one film, but you were going to be a part of all of them. And according to what he said, they’re planning to do twenty episodes.

Oh my gosh! I’m in! It was really fun to create this new character. I play Aunt Candace, who is Lacey’s aunt. She’s very different from the other characters I’ve played on Hallmark. I don’t know how much I can say exactly, but she’s just a blast. Another force of nature. Hopefully, people will think she’s fun. I can also tell you that she’s a shrink to the stars. She knows where all the bodies are buried. Plus, she also understands human behavior which means she’s gonna be able to help them solve some of the mysteries.

That sounds so cool. I can’t tell you how excited we are to see it, Barbara. I think this may become my new favorite mystery series. 

If I remember right, you met Bill Abbott and Michelle Vicary while you were up in Vancouver, right?

Yes, Barbara, I did, and they were just as wonderful as you’ve always told me they were.

With Bill Abbott

Aren’t they just the best? Those two are the real deal, and I know that’s why Hallmark connects so much with the hearts of the viewers and why I’m so proud to be a part of the network. Bill and Michelle are real people, and they really do care. It’s not just ratings and numbers with them and all the harsh stuff that usually goes on in my industry. They really care. And they care enough to keep the actors busy too. Especially an older actress like I am. It’s just incredible. I am so blessed to have so much work at this age because it’s not supposed to happen. And it’s happening because of Hallmark.

I love being able to see the wide range of actors they have on their network. Sure, I love the young people, but when you get into your forties, it’s nice to see the older actors on screen too. And it’s not just some tiny part, but it’s a role that is integral to the overall storyline. Now, let’s talk about your most recent Christmas movie.

Yes, Christmas In Evergreen: Letters To Santa. It premiered last night! I can’t believe it’s already that time!

I know we got to see you in Christmas In Evergreen last year, and that was a big fan favorite.

I’m so glad that people watch. I keep Countdown to Christmas on in my family home as well. It just changes the energy. Out walks all the negative that happens in the outside world, and you remember what’s important. And it’s so important now as we’re going through the horrors of these California wildfires. It just puts it into perspective. All of these people…so many of them have lost their homes and everything, and they’ve just escaped with their lives. But they mostly escaped with their loved ones. My heart just breaks for the people who’ve lost everything and lost their family and friends and their animals as well. It’s heartbreaking. We just have to remember to count our blessings and do what we can to help them now.

I think people are going to love this Christmas In Evergreen one almost more than the first one. The story just delighted me. And again we’ve got that magical snowglobe that can make wishes come true. We’ve got Holly Robinson Peete back, Ashley Williams back. Jill Wagner and Mark Deklin have been added to the cast. It was just amazing. And we were directed by one of favorite Chesapeake Shores directors, Sean McNamara.

Wow! There’s so much incredible talent in this movie! 

Christmas In Evergreen: Letters To Santa Cast

Yes, and I’m really glad to say that Hallmark is bringing more diversity into its casting. And I think that’s so beautiful! I want to make movies and projects and art that reflect life where people can see themselves in our stories. That’s how I think art can make a difference.

I agree with you, Barbara. I’ve been so happy to see the diversity in the casts at Hallmark as well. But they’re still keeping their heartwarming stories and they’re not sacrificing anything to bring in the diversity. I keep saying that Hallmark has totally raised the bar. Every time I watch a Hallmark movie, I think, “Oh, that’s my favorite movie.” But then I see the next one, and I find myself saying the same thing! I really struggle to pick my favorite Hallmark movie right now.

I know what you mean. And with you, especially, you know everybody. You can’t pick a favorite. We all know and love you and vie for your attention.

With Andrew Francis
Christmas In Evergreen: Letters To Santa

I love getting to interact with you guys and support your work. It’s honestly just an honor and I never would have imagined I would be doing this. 

Well, you’re becoming famous yourself, my dear. And it’s because you do great work, and you do it with a heart. When I read your interviews about people that I know, I always see a different side of that person or read a different thought that they have never expressed in quite that way before.

I honestly love getting to do that, Barbara. And when I get to go back and do updated interviews like you and I are doing now, those are just my favorites. We already have a foundation, and we get to build from there. 

That’s right. Parent to parent. Woman to woman. Heart to heart.

With Ashley Williams

As far as this Christmas movie, I got to interview both Ashley Williams and Mark Deklin. 

That’s wonderful, Ruth! What’s cool is that Ashley is such a real person. She’s just amazing. I’ll never forget last year when we did the first Christmas In Evergreen, she just had her baby who was about four months old at the time. We always work such tight schedules and long hours. And Ashley is just so normal about everything. I remember we were sitting on set, and she was getting her makeup touched up. During all that, her baby was breastfeeding. And she said, “Deal with it, everybody!” {laughs} Priorities remain priorities in the right way.

I have been impressed with Ashley for some time now, and I just find the more I interact with her, I’m even more impressed and blown away by her. 

And Mark is just awesome as well. And he’s so normal too. We had such a good-hearted cast. No divas, no problems. It was really a great experience.

Marlon Kazadi, Barbara Niven, Rukiya Bernard Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Owen Strongman

I hear that a lot with Hallmark casts and crews, and that is just so good to hear it was like that for you guys.

You know, it doesn’t always work out just like that. Not even on every single Hallmark. Most of them are that way, but you know there are issues that we can’t control, such as location and weather. And there are times that people get grumpy on set. But thankfully on this Christmas In Evergreen film, nothing like that happened. Everyone really cared about each other and took care of each other.

Those of you who are returning are playing the same characters, right?

Yes, we are recreating our characters from the first one last year. And what’s really cool is Hallmark sent me a box of all these amazing items that are for sale at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores and online inspired by our film series. They actually created all these ornaments and Christmas decorations around the theme of our movie. You can see the video on my social media account. They have this card series and all sorts of different decorations that all reflect Christmas In Evergreen. It’s just extraordinary.

Barbara Niven, Holly Robinson Peete Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Owen Strongman

That’s amazing! And you know Hallmark publishing has a book that is a novelization of the first movie from last year. 

Oh, I wasn’t aware of that. Good to know.

So do you think there will be another movie next year in the series?

Hopefully, we’ll come back with another movie next year. I think that was the original plan. I’m very grateful to be in one that seems to be enjoying a long run. And if has a great message too.

That’s great! I know Jill Wagner was added this year too. And I know that when she got added to the cast, the fans got really excited. 

Yes, she was a fun addition. And it was a sort of reunion when they added Andrew Francis since he plays my son on Chesapeake Shores.

That’s right! I know I’m excited for this one, and it looks better than the first one, just like you said. 

Barbara Niven, Malcolm Stewart Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Owen Strongman

I know we did some promotions for the movie. I did a special  Facebook live and all that right before the movie. I was happy that all worked out and that the first didn’t prevent us. I live in an area that’s not in the hills, but you can smell the smoke. And when you look up, you can see the sun and moon are both red from the fire. My grandson said that the sun looked really angry, so we’re hoping that this fire gets contained and under control soon. It’s really hard right now.

I know you also did some work with the Humane Society, if I remember right.

Thanks for bringing that up, Ruth. They’ve actually been working with the disaster relief here with the fires. But yes, I was able to go on my first deployment with them. We rescued over two hundred and fifty puppy mill dogs. They said it was the worst puppy mill situation that they had ever seen. All the communities came together with a lot of different rescue groups, including American Humane. As soon as law enforcement said that we could take them, we got those dogs out and into foster homes and rescue organizations. It was amazing to see firsthand how this group works. They do incredible work, and I was just honored to be a part of it. I helped with manual labor while I was there. I helped with lifting the crates and cleaning up poop. And as a result of going, I now have created my own bag of things I’m going to take with me the next time I go. I included a back brace. That’s probably going to be my most prized possession on the next trip.

I think that is amazing that you went and did that, Barbara. Some people as they get older, don’t do things like that any more. And there you were going in spite of the fact that you’re not in your twenties or thirties any more.

Ruth, I was absolutely grateful to be able to go and help. And really, everyone can help. If you can’t go, you can give money. And if nothing else, you can just go to the shelters and love on the animals. There is a way for everyone to help, no matter your age or abilities. It is very important for animals who are in these shelters to get used to being around people, and that is why just going to the shelters and being around the animals as a volunteer can help more than people realize. It makes it much easier for the animals to get fostered and then adopted out because they get used to being around humans.

Barbara, I just thank you so much for chatting with me today. I so enjo0yed this Christmas film, and I can hardly wait for The Crossword Mysteries next year. But I want to make sure I tell you just how much I admire and respect you. As a woman and a professional, a mother, a grandmother, an activist, and everything else you do. You are a phenomenal role model for me and for women in general. I am constantly amazed and inspired by everything you do.

You know what? You inspire me too. Sometimes the more you do, you actually fill up other people’s wells instead of your own. And that’s why we all need to come together. Listening and watching your journey inspires me and helps fill me back up again. It’s like the analogy of a flight of geese. I don’t know if you know that story, but there’s always one leader in the “V” formation. When that one leader starts to get tired, it moves back, and another one takes its place for a while. So that’s what I feel like we’re doing. The more kindness and inspiration we put out there, we can all do much greater things together than on our own. And you’ve been a real blessing to me.

Thank you, Barbara. I hope everyone gets a chance to see Christmas In Evergreen: Letters To Santa!

After speaking with Barbara, I have to say that I always feel energized and encouraged. This marvelous human being has a way of shifting the focus from her accomplishments to those of the other person, and that is a rare gift in today’s society, especially amongst those in the entertainment community. While I constantly come in contact with industry professionals who are humble, generous, and kind, Barbara is one who takes these positive qualities to a new level. Her entire focus is to inspire others to greatness, and in so doing, she finds a life calling that extends far beyond acting. Witnessing her skillset on camera is something that is stimulating and even mesmerizing at times, but there is no doubt that she also cares about everyone in her sphere of influence more than many might realize. She is the ideal embodiment of one who not only believes that one person can change the world for the better, but she actually puts into practice those core beliefs. She is not one who prefers to sit idly and permit the world to pass her by; she is one who effects resolute change through her humane and confident actions. Moreover, she proceeds to breathe life into rather diverse characters within the Hallmark universe, and she thoroughly relishes the season of life in which she finds herself at present, all without complaint or regret.

If you had the opportunity to watch the premiere of  Christmas In Evergreen: Letters To Santa on the Hallmark Channel Sunday (11/18) night, I sincerely hope you were not only entertained but that you were reminded of what is most important at this season of the year. However, if you were unable to see the film, be sure to consult your guide for additional airings, and if you are in Canada, catch the premiere of this film on the W Network on December 9th. Furthermore, if you truly desire to add some authentic motivation to your life, I would invite you to visit all of Barbara’s links below and consider following her on social media. I cannot thank her enough for all the support with which she has showered me over the years, and I intend to unfailingly support her throughout the tenure of her career not only because of her undisputed giftedness, but also because of her warm and loving spirit as well as her down-to-earth and cheery disposition. To be quite frank, she is essentially a walking advertisement for the Hallmark Channel and we fans are remarkably fortunate to be able to see her so frequently on our screens. Long may that continue!

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