A few years ago, I discovered the wonder and talent that is Tammy Gillis through the viewing of a simple Hallmark Channel movie. I was blown away by this incredible woman and her immense giftedness, and since that time I have had the supreme joy of interviewing her on several occasions (check out the links below for all of my interviews with Tammy). Last year, my daughter and I had the honor of seeing Tammy portray a meaty role on the hit Freeform show Siren, and my mom and I delighted in seeing her reprise her role in the Hallmark Channel sequel, Marrying Mr. Darcy. In anticipation of the fantastic season two mid-season finale of Siren season two, I am happy to post yet another informative, compelling interview with the breathtakingly lovely and effervescent Tammy!
Photo by Ashley Ross
RH: First of all, it’s so great to have you back on Siren this season! What do you enjoy most about your character in this show? Also, why do you feel this show continues to be so popular?
Siren with Alex Roe
TG: Thank you! Am so happy to be back. I love that it is a very different type of character for me and from episode to episode, I never know what to expect. I think the show continues to be popular because people are starting to fall in love with and care about the characters. Also, mermaids are such a fascinating subject and haven’t really been seen on TV before.
from the set of Siren
Without revealing too much, do you have a personal favorite episode and/or scene from season two Siren?
Some of the scenes that were in last week’s episode and in this Thursday’s episode were very fun!!
Since our last chat, you were also in A Dog’s Way Home which is currently available for Pre-Order. What did you enjoy most about working on this film?
I loved the story. It’s such a heartwarming film. I also loved that Shelby (the dog that plays Bella) was a rescue. She was only six months old at the time.
Marrying Mr. Darcy
And we also got to see you last year in the sequel to Unleashing Mr. Darcy—Marrying Mr. Darcy. What was it like being reunited with the cast and working on that film? Do you believe another sequel may be in the works? If it does happen, what do you hope for your character, Jenna?
It was incredible. I really love everyone on that movie, especially Cindy Busby. I am so grateful that movie brought us together. We were so happy that Hallmark decided to do a sequel. We would love to do another sequel, but at this time, I haven’t heard anything yet. I think it would be interesting to see where the love story between Jenna and Henry goes!
So happy we will see you in an upcoming Aurora Teagarden film. What can you tease about your character and the overall story without giving away too much? What was that on-set filming experience like?
Aurora Teagarden with Candace
I can’t really say much, but it was so great to work with the director, Mark Jean (Fixer Upper Mystery) and executive producer, Jim Head (Frozen In Love) again. They are two of the kindest men. It was so fun working with Candace Cameron Bure, she is such a powerhouse and totally hilarious. I also had the opportunity to work with a bunch of Vancouver actors who I’ve known over the years, so that is always the best!
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Yes, Torn is an independent feature film that is currently in post-production. I am just starting a new series this past week (can’t reveal that one yet) and I recently shot a very funny commercial for Amazon Prime with two incredible feature film directors, Will Speck and Josh Gordon (Office Christmas Party, The Switch).
People can follow me on social media for updates! {all links below!}
The Sweetest Heart with Clayton Chitty
What I absolutely love about you is that you are not typecast in any way. Your roles have been very diverse throughout the years. While you make it seem easy, I know it’s not. How do you prepare for all these diverse roles you have played and continue to play?
I’ve worked hard to not be typecast. I try to change up my look when I feel like I’m reading for the same thing over and over. I’m really lucky because most of the casting directors see me as playing a very wide range of roles. I love the challenge of playing very different characters and just try to be as creative as I can be while grounding them in truth.
I know a lot of the Hallmark fans would love to see one or both of the following happen: you in a lead role where you get the guy, you and your husband {Jim Thorburn} in a movie together. I know you are open to both possibilities, and of course, Hallmark has the final say, but how can the fans help move that process along?
Marrying Mr. Darcy
Oh, thank you, Ruth. That is so lovely of you to say. and I am so grateful for all my fans! Their engagement with all my projects is incredible and I don’t take it for granted! I love hearing from you all. I love working with Hallmark and would love to do either! Of course, it’s all up to Hallmark.
Any writing/directing prospects that you are working on currently?
I have a thriller that I’ve been playing with, but I also recently came up with an idea for a Christmas movie. I just need to find some time to sit down and write it.
If you were going to have a long weekend at home, what are the top five movies that you would love to have at your disposal that you would consider “must-see” movies for a relaxing weekend at home?
I love a good romantic comedy! Bridesmaids is one of my favourites. Back to The Future. When Harry Met Sally. Top Gun. Pretty Woman.
Thanks again, Ruth!! Can’t wait for you and all the Hallmarkies to see the new Aurora Teagarden!
Deputy Marissa on Siren
I realize that not all my Hallmark friends may be interested in watching an edgier show like Siren, but I want to emphasize that this show is beautifully shot and takes the world of fantasy and mermaids to new heights. For my daughter and me, it’s must-see viewing, and the fact that Tammy lends her prolific talents to this astounding show only enriches the viewing experience for all who choose to enter the enigmatic world of Bristol Cove.
Of course, Hallmark fans always cite her past work with Hallmark as a reason for the network to possibly feature her in a more substantial capacity, most notably as a leading lady. While the decision is ultimately up to the benevolent network as to Tammy’s future work with them, until that time, we will revel in the fact that her body of the work with the network is diverse, reliable, and appealing.
But permit me a personal word here about this marvelous actress. In this day and age of celebrity hypocrisy and elitist entitlement, Tammy is one who stands as a role model of what a truly accomplished artist in the film and television business should be. She is consistently a team player who is invariably an asset to every set onto which she walks, and no role is ever beneath her grasp. She regularly gives her all (and then some) to each and every project, and she approaches even the most seemingly trivial roles with the same fervor and positivity as those with a potentially larger reach. She never assumes an air of superiority when on set with those who have lesser experience. In fact, she has been known to serve as a mentor to some of those who might be considered ingenues in the business. Regardless, I see Tammy as a distinct role model and one to emulate for other up and coming youngsters in the business, and I have no doubt that as long as she remains on her current path and stays true to her values and ideals, there is no hindering a woman the caliber of Tammy.
Please consider tuning in tonight (March 14th) to Freeform for the mid-season finale of season two of Siren (stream past episodes on Hulu, Freeform, and ABC Spark). Additionally, check out Tammy’s links below and consider following her via her social media accounts for all pertinent updates (she’s an excellent resource for her past, current, and upcoming works). In the vast actress pool of the current entertainment industry, very few have the charisma, verve, initiative, and passion of Tammy, and I can hardly wait to see what the future holds for this phenomenal woman!
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READ MY OTHER INTERVIEWS WITH TAMMY
