In recent times, I have developed very special relationships with supporting actors who seem to appear in Hallmark movies on a somewhat regular basis. And in the case of Casey Manderson, he is one who is easily one of the funniest and most incredible supporting actors on the network’s roster. I got to feature him earlier this year in an interview, and all that led to a meeting in Vancouver in October as well as another interview to promote his film Mingle All the Way. Even though the U.S. premiere has already passed, thanks to Hallmark’s partnership with the W Network, the Canadian premiere will happen this coming weekend (December 8th). In light of that premiere, I am honored to finally share my most recent chat with this intriguing fellow.
Photo by Kristine Cofsky
RH: Casey, I am so glad we were able to work our schedules out to do this interview.
CM: I was too, Ruth, it’s been a busy time.
Me with Casey Manderson and Pauline Egan
And it was so good to meet you in Vancouver back in October.
Very nice meeting you as well.
Not too long ago, I sat down and watched Mistletoe Inn again. I know that was last year’s Christmas movie, and even though I had seen it before, it was fun seeing it again. That’s probably your most evil role with Hallmark.
Yeah, I loved playing that guy too. It was so fun. Certain memories percolate to that top, and that was so fun. I was so nervous on my first day, I remember, and then I was immediately not nervous. I know I mentioned this last time we talked, but Alicia Witt put me at ease right away. And I knew this was gonna be fun!!
Mistletoe Inn
Behind-the-scenes with Alicia Witt
You know, Hallmark should take your character, Garth, and build a movie around it.
Hey, I’m not gonna say no to that.
It’s funny how the fans go around calling you Garth. They may not know your real name, but they definitely know who Garth is.
You know, it would be amazing to reprise those roles again. Me and Alicia Witt? Seriously!
You can always be the antagonist.
I like that role. It’s fun, and in the end in these movies, they always lose. And that’s the fun part. Kind of foot in the mouth. And what makes it fun to play these guys is they don’t know it’s coming.
Under the Autumn Moon
Then, of course, we had Under the Autumn Moon. And you played a character similar to Garth.
Similar, but a little more redemption for that guy. I think they didn’t want to go full jerk mode. In the end, he was proud of Lindy Booth’s character for winning. It was just business for him. That one was fun. We shot it in Winnipeg. I was away from home for quite a bit with that one.
And Mingle All the Way just aired in the U.S. this past weekend. And it will air in Canada this weekend.
with Jen Lilley
Yeah, in that one, most of my scenes were with Jen Lilley. I love Jen so much; I can’t wait to work with her again. I know I say that a lot, and you never know how these things will work out. But we enjoyed each other’s company so much in between set-ups and just hanging out. And how can you not respect her? She’s a working mom, a foster mom. And she puts her money where her mouth is in terms of things she thinks are important. And she’s also continuing to have a pretty diverse career with music and acting.
Acting with her was so fun because she’s really so generous. She obviously wants to do a good job on her end, but she wants that just as much for me. We would always work out the scene beforehand, and she was always open to my ideas. That’s the important thing with me and dialogue is that there is sort of a rhythm to it. Sometimes, depending on how it’s written, I like to throw a word here or there just to make sure that the rhythm is the best it can be when we’re doing it together. And she was on board for that. So I think the end result is something we’re very happy with.
Mingle All the Way
Behind-the-Scenes
Interestingly enough, I just finished working with Alan Harmon, the director of Mingle All the Way. And I know he and all the crew and the network seemed to be happy with the way it turned out. I got a sneak peek when I did an ADR session, and hopefully, the fans all enjoy it. I find that Alan’s movies always have a really nice look to them. The shots are always set up well. The color, the set design–I was really impressed with how much work they put into making the set feel real. We spend a lot of time in the office together; Jen and I are co-workers. We have a business that we’re working on together, and our office space looks so real. I felt like I was at work and really working at this place. It didn’t feel like a set.
So is your character nicer in Mingle All the Way?
Mingle All the Way
Behind-the-Scenes
Yeah, for sure. in Mingle All the Way, I still get to use my humor and my desire to poke people in order to get laughs. But I like the give and take of it. Even in Mistletoe Inn, I felt comfortable with Alicia because she was game for that give and take. So that’s why I was able to poke her a little bit because she liked it; it made her performance fun too. With Jen and I, our characters get along; we’re friends. We work together, and I’m a hundred percent in her corner and she’s a hundred percent in mine. But I still get to kind of poke her a little bit about some of the things she struggles with about men and socializing or the holidays in general. Kind of how you are with your friends when you’re kind of playing around a bit or kind of making fun of them in the right way. So it’s more of that tone, but we still had fun playing with the dialogue a little bit. I hope it’s as much fun to watch as it was to make because I had a great time.
You had a great cast on this one, and everyone seemed to get along so well.
Behind-the-Scenes Mingle All the Way
You can’t not have fun on these movies. The guys who work on these are pretty experienced, and the days are pretty packed. There’s a lot of scenes to shoot in one day. So everyone is hustling and bustling, and the way the sets look put us at ease as actors because we are able to move around a lot and have fun rather than just be in tiny little spaces and stand still. With these holiday movies, there’s lots of people and party scenes. It really felt like we were at a party.
And that’s something else. If you think about it, you’re just hanging out with strangers for two or three weeks. You get to know each other pretty quick because you’re working together, and there’s a camaraderie that establishes itself pretty fast. But people are people, and sometimes that doesn’t happen as easily on set. It can also be more challenging if you don’t share scenes and don’t get a chance to know them. But with this cast, everyone got along really well.
Lindsay Wagner was in the cast too.
Mingle All the Way
Behind-the-Scenes
Yes, she was. I didn’t know that until I got on set. When I get my role, I work on that, and I don’t always look up the other cast members. I prefer to wait to meet them on set. And really, I don’t want to get myself flustered if I happen to be working with someone who I’m a big fan of. So I was pleasantly surprised that Lindsay was a part of the film. She’s very kind. She has a presence to her. I don’t mean an intimidating presence or anything. She’s like a breath of fresh air, and she’s very nice and humble too. She and Jen worked together before, I believe.
Yes, they did. Yes, it was Jason Cermak‘s first Hallmark lead role on a movie called Eat, Play, Love. It was a couple of summers ago. Lindsay and Lee Majors actually teamed up for that one.
That all makes sense. You could tell that they really enjoyed each other’s company. They really supported each other on set. They play mother and daughter, and they already had that natural kind of chemistry with each other.
With Tara Wilson
Once Upon a Holiday
I actually remember the first time I realized who you were. It was in that Christmas film with Paul Campbell, Once Upon a Holiday. I was doing a review of the film, and I was already friends with Tara Wilson, who was playing your love interest. And your name was not listed anywhere, so I asked her who you were, and she told me. And that was my introduction to you, Casey.
I haven’t seen Tara in a while. I know she just had a baby.
Yes, and she’s just getting back to acting now, I do believe.
I know it must sound like I love everyone because I’m always saying, “He’s so great” and “She’s so great.” But Tara is awesome. I really do like Tara too. She’s super fun and kinda goofy and obviously very beautiful. Great sense of humor and likes to play around. Her and Paul both in that movie, I remember them choreographing the kitchen scene where they’re basically doing a waltz with the plates. It was fun to watch them figure that out and have fun.
Well, my favorite part was when your character disappeared.
Where did he go? He just disappeared! He went into a wardrobe, and that was it! Is he dead? What happened?
And Jay Brazeau was in that one too. I’m good friends with him though I haven’t met him as of yet.
Once Upon a Holiday
Oh yeah, that guy’s in everything! How many times has that guy played Santa? He is the most happy-go-lucky guy who is very, very skilled. No pretensions, no self-importance or anything. He could easily have a big ego because of how much he works and how watchable he is and how skilled, but he’s just the nicest guy. You know, what a lucky career I’ve had working with all these awesome people! I get to learn from these successful, kind people. It’s just awesome!
I know you won’t be live tweeting the Canadian premiere since you don’t have Twitter. I actually think you miss out on how much of a fanbase you have because you are not on Twitter.
You know, maybe that’s on purpose because I don’t actually need to know that. I’m this weird guy who wants to exist in relative obscurity so that I can have fun doing my job and not worry about whether people are actually going to watch it. I just want to think about what I’m doing and make it fun and enjoyable for me. If I can make someone on the crew or the director laugh, then I feel like I’m doing a good job. I also believe Twitter can be addictive. I would be worried that I’d keep looking at my phone even more than I already do with Instagram. It’s crazy how often I’m reaching for my…like what? To look at the same thing I just looked at? I have to self-regulate. Instagram only on my phone, no other social media. For me, I’ve got to walk the dog; I can’t be hanging out all the time on my phone.
Even though the fans would definitely love to see you on Twitter, I think what you’re saying makes perfect sense. It can be addictive and can seem just like a job at times. So tell us about this movie you just finished filming, Casey.
Behind-the-Scenes
Snow Princess
I just got done filming a Winterfest movie that will be on Hallmark in January. The title right now is Snow Princess. One of the things I really love is that we didn’t work with fake snow. All the snow is real since we’re up in the mountains at a resort. In fact, I was able to look out my window of the room where I was staying and see a chairlift.
That’s really cool! My mom and I have enjoyed seeing you in all your movies, but as I told you when we met, she said that your characters need to be nicer.
Sounds like I’m doing my job if she feels that way about my characters.
I know that some people don’t want conflict in Hallmark movies, but if you don’t add in some conflict, the movies tend to get boring.
Yes, and that’s where humor has to come in. You can’t be too dark or mean in these movies, but humor can be a way of introducing a bit of conflict because it can hide or tone down the mean behavior.
Oh, I also wanted to say I’m going to be in a couple of episodes of the The 100 early next year. It’s for season six. I am not allowed to say anything more than I will be in it.
That is so cool, Casey! And yes, I know all about The 100. I’ve seen several episodes from various seasons.
I’m excited to get to do something a little bit different from my Hallmark roles. I love science fiction.
I like the show, and I know the fans are just rabid about the show. They are the reason I looked it up. They get very invested in the characters, and they are heartbroken when their favorite gets killed off. I know every actor I’ve chatted with about the show just loves it.
Yeah, you do get to film out in the muck, in the woods, in the middle of nowhere dressed in dystopian vibes. But surprisingly, it was not that cold. At least the first day wasn’t. We’ll see if that changes. And the crew on that show have been working together for so long. They are so tight, and I love watching them manipulate all of this gear. They do it all so efficiently; it’s just amazing. It’s always good to be around people who are so happy to be at work. A hundred percent different vibe than the scenes I’m doing in Hallmark.
In Snow Princess, I’m playing a prince. I wouldn’t say I’m playing the full-on antagonist role, but I do introduce a little bit of conflict into the lead character’s journey. And as always, I try to make the funny, especially working with the director, Alan. I’ve worked with him a bunch of times already. He likes what I bring to the table. Every day is fun, and we’ll see how it comes together. Another one to look forward to.
You’ll start out the year with all these credits in place.
You know, I’ve started getting used to the fact that time doesn’t exist for actors. The calendar doesn’t actually matter to us. Just because the year ends, doesn’t mean it ends for us. It just continues into the next one. I kind of forget that the new year is happening because work just rolls into the next month.
Didn’t you move recently also?
With His Girl
Yes, that was kind of crazy. The move was actually happening during the shooting of Snow Princess. The production was very kind to me. They flew me home on the Sunday that I had to be there so I could move. I pretty much packed over the two months prior, basically as soon as we found out we were moving. On that Sunday, I got there in the morning and moved all day, and then they flew me back up on the afternoon of the next day. I was so glad they were able and willing to accommodate me. I lived in the house I moved out of for nine years, so this is really a nice new chapter for my partner and I. We’ve been together for ten years. It was quite an experience. We got rid of some things that we needed to get rid of, and we got some new things. And it was special to do it together.
His Cat
The biggest concern of mine were our animals. We have a dog and a cat, and our cat is like eighteen or nineteen. Transitioning them was a concern, but as it worked out, I was back on November 30th, and we were able to do the final bits of moving together.
Well, I’m looking forward to seeing everything, and I truly loved Mingle All the Way.
With Alicia Witt
I thought it turned out well. And I just love Jen. As beautiful as she is, she also has a sense of humor about herself. And that’s the best combination. Can’t wait to work with Jen and Alicia again. Let’s make it happen!
You know, it would be interesting if they put both Jen and Alicia in a movie together.
I’d love to join that one. And also I want to say how much I loved working with Sandy Sidhu. I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t seen it, but she is one of the kindest people and so great to share scenes with. I hope to work with her again.
It was so great to catch up with you again, Casey. And thank you for your time.
A pleasure, Ruth. I look forward to everyone seeing Mingle All the Way and finding out what everyone thought about it.
I can tell you from experience that Casey is one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met. One of the things that meant the most to me is that when I went to Vancouver and met him, I was a little bit nervous trying to navigate Vancouver by myself. Thankfully, he sent me very detailed instructions on how to get where I was going, and he kept me abreast to every potential change in schedule. He spent as much time as he could with Pauline Egan and me, and off he went to an audition. For me, his genteel hospitality is something that spoke volumes about who he is as a person, as a gentleman, and as a caring individual. Add to that his impeccable talent, his uproarious sense of humor, and his eagerness to do whatever is required of him on set and enjoy it to the maximum…pretty accurate description of the real Casey. Casey is one of those unassuming people that you would probably never suspect as being an actor; he doesn’t fit the conventional mold. Which only makes us cherish him all the more!
If you live in the U.S. and have not had the opportunity to watch Mingle All the Way, I entreat you to check your local listings for the next showing on the Hallmark Channel. If you live in Canada, be sure that you tune to the W Network on December 8th and fasten your seatbelts for the ride of your life as you savor the Canadian premiere of Mingle All the Way. I promise you this is one movie that you do NOT want to miss! Additionally, be sure that you visit Casey’s links below and consider following him on Instagram. (If you are not on Instagram, it’s worthwhile to join just so you can follow him; he’s a hoot!) A more capable, down-to-earth, authentic, kind, and witty man you probably won’t meet on this earth (or anywhere else), and I greatly anticipate the day when Hallmark decides to feature him in a lead role. Until that time, I will be following every role he does on Hallmark and elsewhere, and I hope that everyone will join me in that indispensable endeavor!
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