A couple of years ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to interview an actor who had just landed a dream recurring role on the popular show, Supernatural. At the time, I inwardly thought, “Serves me right to be interviewing someone on a show I have no interest in watching.” As per usual, I jumped in with an open mind and not only fell in love with Mr. Ketch and the entire Supernatural universe, but I connected with the phenomenal actor who brought this role to life–David Haydn-Jones. Thankfully, he has continued to work for various networks, including Hallmark. Moreover, last year when I made my first trek ever to a Supernatural convention to meet my friend, Davey, he had just finished making a film for the network that is finally premiering tonight, Love Under the Rainbow! In anticipation of this monumental film’s debut, I had the overwhelming honor of interviewing the versatile, engaging, gifted, and humble David yet again. (You can check out our past interviews here and here.) {FYI–He nicknamed me “Legend” upon our first chat, and I call him Davey as all his friends do.}
Photo by David Muller © David Muller
RH: Davey, it is so great to get to chat with you again!
DHJ: Legend, it is great to chat with you again as well. Is all well with you?
Sure is. It’s just a busy time right now. How about you?
Busy, busy, busy time for me too. This is the time of year when they wrap up series and start new series. They take a nice, long vacation break during the holidays and make up for it with madness at the end of January, early February.
David Haydn-Jones, Jodie Sweetin, Dakota Guppy Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of Johnson Production Group
Well, it’s been something special for me lately. You are the third person this week I’ve talked to from Love Under the Rainbow. And I chatted with Mason McKenzie a while back. But I chatted with Peter Benson, Dakota Guppy, and now you!
All lovely people.
And they said the same thing about you.
There you go. It was a love fest. And it all happened under the rainbow. And there’s the end of the interview. Bye!
{laughing} Uh, no not quite. I am not going to let you off quite that easily, Davey. I’m just glad as I’m sure everyone else is that this movie is finally premiering!
I am in full agreement. I think Hallmark has different ways of obtaining the films that they show on their network, and for this one, it looks like there was more behind-the-scenes action than we’re used to. It seems like it wasn’t pre-sold to Hallmark back when we were filming it.
That’s my understanding as well. I don’t think it was even picked up till some time in the summer, and by that time, all that was left was fall movies and Christmas, and it wouldn’t work for either of those.
No, it is definitely a Spring Fling sort of movie.
David Haydn-Jones, Jodie Sweetin Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of Johnson Production Group
Absolutely. So they had no choice but to wait. And so I’m sure everyone is glad that it is finally going to be shown.
Yes, we had so much fun on it. Tony Dean Smith was our director. And it was done by the same production company that did Dear Santa. That company lets its directors shoot a little more indie-style, if that makes sense. For example, Jason Priestly, when he directed Dear Santa, was able to do more cinematic stuff than usual in some of these setups. For this one, Tony has such a beautiful eye and such a tender touch that I think there’s going to be some interesting stuff in it. I’m looking forward to seeing it myself.
This was your first time working with Jodie Sweetin, isn’t that correct?
Yes, that’s correct.
David Haydn-Jones, Jodie Sweetin Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of Johnson Production Group
Now, I’m curious. Did you watch Full House way back when?
I knew all about it, but I didn’t really watch it. It’s so ubiquitous in pop culture knowledge. It’s just one of those shows that is so huge in American culture. It was ABC Friday nights, right? So you couldn’t NOT know who they were. Then obviously, I knew about Fuller House coming back. And I knew Jodie by reputation and persona. Then what’s nice about these Hallmark events is that you get all the other female leads together, and they get to know each other and get to talking. It was Danica {McKellar} who said, “I was just at an event with Jodie, and she’s fabulous and fun.” And Danica said she’d put in a good word for me, for which I’m grateful. Jodie is all light and bright with lots of fun, laughter, and smiles. We just had a gas.
That’s so good to hear! So what can we expect from your character in this movie?
There’s gonna be a broken heart. Spoiler alert. There’s gonna be a single dad who’s suppressing a lot of pain and trying to get through taking care of his daughter. You’ve NEVER heard this story before at all, right?! He’s also under pressure at work. But the fun thing for me is that I finally got to play an architect and an engineer.
David Haydn-Jones Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of Johnson Production Group
Hey, that is good news!
So that made this character just a blast to play. In fact, I actually got to make a few adjustments to the script where there were some logic and drawing things, and I was knowledgeable enough to know that we needed to change this or that a little bit. And they were totally game for that. And Kirsten {Hansen}–I am sure all the Hallmarkies know her from her work with the network–she was just beautiful and warm and a genuinely loving and kind soul who really wants to put good content out in the universe.
Then what I think is going to be really fun and different in this is I sing acapella, and I also whistle. A little Easter egg, which I hope makes the cut. And then the other thing is that Peter Benson and I got to have a really fun buddy comedy schtick. The comedic relief is Peter Benson. He’s so funny, and he starts out as this annoying co-worker and he just wears me down with his sweetness. So I’m excited about that part of the movie.
David Haydn-Jones, Jodie Sweetin Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of Johnson Production Group
You’ve enlightened me quite a bit. Good to know, and I will definitely be watching for those items in the film. That makes me look forward to this movie even more.
I hope so. Like I said, it has the classic notes of a Hallmark movie, but hopefully, we found some comedy and some lightness. And Jodie and I definitely had some good comedy in it. At least I hope we did. It sure felt good on the day.
Well, this will be an interesting one then because you also shot it about a year ago now. So when you actually get to see it, it will be something fun and entertaining to see, I’m sure.
Dakota Guppy, David Haydn-Jones, Jodie Sweetin Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of Johnson Production Group
I know what you mean. But let me tell you. I’m always watching my stuff through my fingers on my face anyways. I’m always wincing, and of course, I’m strapped into a leather chair with a binding system and I have to force my eyes open. {laughs} And gently throwing up in my own mouth as I look at the train wreck that is “David Haydn-Head” on the screen. But, I soldier through and I learn some lessons every time.
I honestly do understand. I’ve gotten better as time has gone on, but I hate watching videos of myself.
Right. It’s the same thing with audio. I listen, and I’m like, “Is that how I sound? Oh my goodness!”
I’ve been on a few podcasts, and when I watch it back or listen to it, I think, “Ugh!”
If I didn’t love the craft and the science and the arts and the play of this job, it would be foolish to do it. You’ve got to find that balance…that existence. It can get to you, so you have to make sure you put all of those other issues in a healthy place.
David Haydn-Jones, Jodie Sweetin, Dakota Guppy Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of Johnson Production Group
Exactly. Well, hopefully, everybody in the Hallmark community and the Supernatural community will tune in.
I don’t know, we’ll see. Honestly, it is always a fascinating overlap between the two fandoms. As you can imagine and have experienced yourself. I’m sure you would have never thought in your wildest dreams that you would have ever checked out Supernatural.
Oh, you’re exactly right.
And that you would also have come to a convention!
You’re so right! But I’m so glad I did. I do notice they keep bringing you back to Supernatural. They killed you off, and yet you’re still around.
Supernatural Mr. Ketch
Sadly, I’ve only gotten to be brought back once this season, and that was just a Skype call. But hey, being alive in the universe is better than not being alive. I’m in the category of “you never know,” but I’m not holding my breath either. What they like to do in that show too is they like to give such wide gaps between characters. There’s really only four regular cast members on that show, and everyone else is a guest star. But if they call me and I’m available, I’m totally down with it. And if not, I will always treasure my time there. It all depends on where the story is going within the show too. It would appear that there’s just not a lot of room for my character right now.
So other than all of that, I’m just hitting pilot season hard and looking for what the next job is. What’s nice is I’ve got a lot of international and domestic conventions coming up. And then I’ve got a feature film offer for the spring. And the rest is this surprise journey of this wacky career that we do.
State Farm
You had a nice State Farm gig going.
Oh, that was so much fun! It was a blessing. It was a return to my roots where they really let me go and improv and play and be this comedic character which was so fun for me. They gave me so much freedom, and a lot of the stuff was improv and collaboration with the writers. Aaron {Rodgers} was such a gent, such a sport, and a total bro. That was immensely likable.
It was one of the few times I would actually watch ads because I don’t usually watch them.
Yes, and they multi-tiered it through social media and gifs and stuff, so it was really like a full character. And I got lots of good feedback.
Didn’t you also make a little movie called Mama Bear or something like that?
with Matt Cohen
I literally just did a cameo because I love Matt Cohen so much. He was doing this short for a feature script with his wife, and he pulled favors from the Supernatural convention circuit. And I was like, “Of course, dude, I love you.” He had this wonderful DP, and he wanted me to play something that was totally like nothing I ever get to play. We played with the look and the lighting. The little cameo I had was really fun, but I loved the whole gang that was in this little film. You want to go play with friends, and if you’re making high quality stuff, let me in!
Okay, well that all sounds good. I do try my best to keep up with what you’re doing.
Thank goodness for social media, right?
And Teresa {Minutolo} always keeps me updated.
Oh, Teresa’s the hawk! T-Bear’s a hawk!!
Convention Appearance
She does incredibly well for you, that’s for sure.
I am usually so busy that trying to respond to everyone on social media can be difficult. I am getting voice auditions, commercial auditions, movie auditions…on any given day, my inbox is madness. But people like Teresa and others who help get the word out about my projects and me is invaluable!
I’m glad we’ll get to see you soon on Hallmark. And I hope we’ll get to see you again on Hallmark and elsewhere. Fingers crossed we’ll see you in some more shows.
Hopefully, I’ll work again.
It was so nice seeing you on Taken last year. Honestly, your part on Taken was quite memorable.
Taken
Thank you. I really loved that role, and I loved that show. They treated me great there too. I was really chuffed that Clive {Standen} and I got to play like that. It was really fun. He’s just a generous guy.
What I can say that I am very excited to prep for this feature in the spring. It’s a really different kind of role for me, and again, I get to stretch my comedy and satire chops a little. So I’m excited about that.
Will you be live tweeting for the premiere of Love Under the Rainbow?
I wish I could, but I’ll be traveling. I’m kind of bummed. I realized I’ll be in the air when it premieres. And then I’ll be in Canada where they don’t have the Hallmark Channel. I’m gonna try to do a shoutout and try to respond a little if people comment. We can at least have a bit of conversation post mortem, shall we say?
{laughs} That sounds a bit ominous for Hallmark.
Well, hopefully, it isn’t! We hope it will be a celebration of life and the people will have decided one way or another about it. If people like it, I’ll be waking up to lots of lovely notifications. And the nice thing about what I’ve created on my Twitter space now is there is really only positivity there now. So if people don’t like it, they will just be silent. That’s just so much better than trolls. It’s just like comedy. You know if you’ve failed with comedy; you don’t need hecklers. You know you’ve failed if there’s no laughter. It’s easy. It’s like democracy.
I mean, we had amazing actors associated with this project. Dakota’s an amazing actress. Jodie is so fun and playful and pure sunshine. Great chemistry with her. Tony Dean Smith is a wonderfully talented director with a great crew. And Peter Benson and the whole cast are just great. So hopefully if the cut came together and I don’t blow chunks, we’ll have something. There’s a real sweetness and kindness to the core and some genuine pain I think. But then also some genuine comedy. So I hope all those notes come out.
I honestly have no doubt it will be fantastic. Hallmark has truly been raising the bar over the past year, and I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen.
Well, I will have to trust your judgment on that. You’re well-versed in what they do at the network. As I noticed in Michelle Vicary’s recent post, it looks like Hallmark is owning prime time cable, and I think it makes sense. Honestly, people need kindness and love in a world gone mad right now. And no one else is doing that content.
Thank you so much for your time again, Davey. Always a pleasure to catch up with you.
Legend, thank you for your consistent support and for the support of all the fans. Here’s hoping everyone will tune in and enjoy our film!
Chatting with Davey is always an experience charged with stimulating conversation, uproarious humor, and kaleidoscopic expression. As I have mentioned in other tributes to this incredible artist, he tends to elicit my “inner geek” as well as my penchant for sarcasm and humor that does not always lend itself to more formal interviews. Indeed, in my own personal experience, I am consistently thinking outside of the box, and conversing with someone like Davey, who challenges me to even go further beyond the confines of my existence is something extraordinary that not everyone can accomplish within a simple conversation. While my world is brimming with such a unique patchwork of supportive, kind, intelligent, talented souls, there are certain individuals that have the ability to stretch one beyond what one may even believe is desired within the depths of one’s being, and it just so happens that David Haydn-Jones is one of those special individuals for me.
However, this phenomenon is not limited to my experience alone. In short, a quick survey of those who have chosen to identify themselves as David Haydn-Jones fans will demonstrate that his influence is so comprehensive that people will practically travel to the ends of the earth to connect with him and meet this man who seems to make such deep connections with every individual he meets. His passion for acting is superseded only by his compassion for people. He is not interested in sitting idly by and making a name and fortune for himself. Instead, he reaches beyond culture, creed, and every potentially divisive quality that separates the vast majority of us in this world to build a community filled with love, light, peace, kindness, and genuine decency. Once someone has experienced the magnanimity and love of David Haydn-Jones, it is impossible for that person to ever view the world in quite the same way. And that merely speaks to who he is a person and an artist.
I hope that the entire U.S. population tunes into the Hallmark Channel on March 9th for the premiere of Love Under the Rainbow, a movie that will be guaranteed to tug at our heartstrings in all the best ways. Additionally, if you would be so kind as to visit all of David’s links below and consider following him where applicable, I know he would appreciate it (and you will always know what is happening in his world). Meeting Davey is still one of the moments in my life that is as unceasingly fresh in my mind as it was last year, and watching the trajectory of his career and life over the past few years is something that I count a true honor and blessing in my life. I am hopeful that even more people will come to recognize the wonder that is David Haydn-Jones, and all the finest roles and opportunities will come his way for many more years to come. As his community of fans expands and intensifies, I can only hope and pray that God will grant us more joy as we are inspired by the humility and talent of a man who continues to offer his best in a world that is often satisfied and inundated with mediocrity and dissension. I am grateful that people like David continue to remain true to who they are, no matter what, and I look forward to supporting him for many more decades to come!
FOLLOW DAVID
Behind-the-scenes
Love Under the Rainbow
Jodie Sweetin, David Haydn-Jones Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of Johnson Production Group
