What an incredible “Countdown To Christmas” time period it was on the Hallmark Channel this past season! I discovered all sorts of amazing actors with whom I was not previously familiar, and thanks to Lacey Chabert and Brendan Penny, who starred in Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe, I became aware of the very gifted Morgan David Jones. When I reached out to him initially for an interview, the holiday season was in full swing, and I assured him that it would be perfectly acceptable to post this interview after Christmas. What I did not anticipate is the special programming that the Hallmark Channel would be providing for most of 2019–a Christmas movie every Friday night! In anticipation of Friday (February 8th) on which a bonus showing of this favorite will be featured on the Hallmark Channel, it is my honor to share my interview with one of the other stars of this fun holiday flick.
RH: Please tell us a little about your background and how/why you got started in acting.
MDJ: I’m Australian, born in Brisbane, a long time ago–haha! I’m the youngest child of four, with three older sisters. My parents thought I was very shy, so they thought it might be good to enroll me into an acting class to help open me up. Boy, were they right! I found acting class to be an incredibly freeing experience. I was finally able to let go and just play, and I utterly loved it.
None of this made me want to be an actor though. I remember it like it was yesterday. My family went to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. I complained and didn’t want to go, kicking and screaming, just the usual youngest child tantrum. Once the play started, everything changed. I was mesmerized. I still remember the actors and set and costumes. The production took me to a world where I wanted to live and explore. It was magical, I didn’t want it to be over. I remember walking to the car afterwards saying, “I want to be an actor!”
What was your first professional work in the business and what are your memories of that job?
My first professional acting job was playing Prince Richard in Richard III when I was fourteen. I was cast out of the acting classes I took. It was fantastic. It was the biggest learning experience. I watched every actor prepare in their own way, create their characters, play, challenge each other and ultimately watched as we all brought this story to life. I feel like I was a sponge during this show, just soaked every second of it up. I remember one of the lead actresses had to leave the production one week before opening. An actress came on board last-minute and blew me away. Her professionalism, her tenacity and dedication were incredible. I admired her from the beginning. Watching her work really set me up for how I would approach my career. I feel eternally grateful.
You have guest-starred on several shows throughout the years. What are your most memorable/significant? Why do those stand out?
Supernatural
To be honest, every single job is memorable. I’ve really been taught never to take anything for granted. We fight so hard to be working in this industry that when you get the opportunity, enjoy it, ride the wave and work hard. The standouts would be due to the type of characters I got to play.
I loved working on Supernatural. I love playing a villain. I feel like it allows me to really let go have a blast. Often, they are written with more gusto, so I had fun diving into my sinister side.
Arctic Air with John Reardon
Another standout was in Arctic Air. I played a pilot trying to start over, but pulled down by emotional demons. This was a fantastic experience. This role allowed me to really create a well-rounded character. A character that we may not always like, but is deeply human. I connected with him. I felt for him.
Tell us about working on Molly’s Game. What was most memorable about that filming experience?
Molly’s Game
Molly’s Game was incredible. Seriously. Incredible. I had met Aaron Sorkin in the callback auditions, so I felt I had a great rapport with him before we started filming. Cut to first day on set, there I am with Aaron, next to JC MacKenzie, and sitting opposite me is Idris Elba and Jessica Chastain! First day. In a room with these incredible actors and I had to pretend to be cool, calm, collected–haha! Oddly, it was easier than I thought. Everyone was amazing to work with. I just sat back and watched as they played. It was a master class in acting and directing, and I had an interactive front row seat to it all. The most memorable experience was learning. I got paid to learn from everyone around me.
Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe
This past Christmas, your first Hallmark movie premiered–Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe. What did you know about Hallmark before making this film? What was that filming experience like?
Hallmark is a family. That’s the greatest thing about working for the network. Everyone feels like one big family. I was welcomed immediately and the great thing is this attitude continued throughout every day of filming. Filming can be stressful, long, tiring and did I mention stressful? But on the set of a Hallmark film, it was calm, respectful and ultimately a riot. I loved working with everyone and would jump at another chance to work with the studio.
What did you enjoy about creating your character, Carl, for that film? What was it like working with the two leads?
Carl was a funny one. He ended up just popping up out of the blue at the most awkward times for Darcy. He seemed like a bit of an annoyance for Lacey’s character, but I couldn’t play him like that. So I had fun making sure he came across as genuine, warm and caring. He really did care for Darcy; he just wasn’t the right fit for her.
with Lacey
Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe
Lacey and Brendan were truly wonderful. Brendan had me in stitches every second he could. His stories, his acting, everything; he is one of the most entertaining actors I’ve worked with in a long time. Lacey is a gem. She would have to be one of the most professional actors I’ve ever worked with. On our final nights of filming, she was sick as a dog and we were outside in negative temperatures, and she never complained. Not one bit. Lacey even stopped for photos and autographs for fans in between takes. Also being free to create and play in every scene with her was amazing. I definitely would LOVE to work with both of them again.
Any other upcoming/current works you can mention?
I have a new Netflix series coming up in the spring. It is called V Wars with Ian Somerhalder.
Do you have plans to write/direct in the future?
Right now I don’t, but I know later in my life, directing is something I would love to explore. Being able to tell stories. Giving platforms to those who have no voice or are too scared to share. To be able to create change.
Any special holiday traditions that you would like to share?
Holidays for me is being surrounded by family and friends. I’ve just recently spent three weeks home in Australia being overrun by my nieces and nephews and spending quality time with my family.
While Hallmark audiences have only recently become acquainted with this upstanding actor, there is no doubt in my mind that he made an indelible impression in this Hallmark Christmas movie. Morgan joins a long line of Australians who have found their niche in the North American film and television market, and I definitely look forward to seeing more from him in the future. If you are so inclined, I do invite you to tune into the Hallmark Channel this Friday night (February 8th) for a reprise of the Christmas hit entitled Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe, featuring the charming duo composed of Lacey and Brendan in addition to Morgan’s entertaining portrayal of the “other guy.” Additionally, I would invite you to check out Morgan’s links below and consider following him where applicable. As Hallmark continues to branch out beyond Vancouver, LA, and more, I have a feeling that more opportunities may be headed Morgan’s way as there is no doubt his role in this film was memorable. Furthermore, as more networks, casting directors, and producers become aware of his pleasing persona and his obvious skill, I have a sense that Morgan may be one of the actors to watch in the years to come. I am glad to have highlighted him today, and I can only wish him every success under the sun as he continues to pursue every one of his dreams within this bustling industry.
FOLLOW MORGAN
