If you happened to watch the most recent Hallmark Hall of Fame movie entitled Love Takes Flight, there’s a good chance that you may remember this actress, Kwajalyn Brown, as Dr. Stadler. While this movie marked her introduction to the world of Hallmark, there’s a good chance that you may have seen her in other well-known shows over the course of her career. This summer, I reached out to Kwajalyn for an interview, and today I am thrilled to share this radiant human being with all of my readers!
RH: How did you get started in acting and what kind of training have you had to prepare you for this career?
KB: I actually started acting as a way of therapy after the passing of my dad. Before then, I minored in Theatre in college, but didn’t really pursue acting until years later.
What was your first professional on-screen credit and what are your memories of that job?
My first on-screen credit was as a nurse on the show Under the Dome. I was extremely nervous, so I didn’t do very well, but thankfully I got a chance to try again on subsequent shows. I’ve learned a LOT since then. I do still get nervous, but I am able to keep my jitters under control a little better. 🙂
Drop Dead Diva
You’ve had a few recurring roles over the years. What are some of your favorite and/or most well-known recurring roles and why do those stand out?
My favorite and most well-known role was as Judge Tara Flint on Drop Dead Diva. That was the first show I booked after Under the Dome! The cast and crew were wonderful and working on set was a lot of fun. I learned so much from everyone and I really miss our little unit.
Another role I really enjoyed was as Sheila on Cobra Kai for the same reasons as Diva. I got to work alongside actors that I’d admired over the years, and I was able to learn from watching them work their scenes on set. My time there was really invaluable.
This spring, Hallmark audiences saw you in your first Hallmark movie Love Takes Flight. What was your familiarity with the Hallmark network prior to booking that job? How was your on-set experience?
I’d known about the Hallmark Channel for years and loved watching the movies! It was so nice to be able to participate in making a film that the whole family could watch and enjoy. Nikki {DeLoach}, Jeff {Hephner} and the rest of the cast and crew were awesome! In our time shooting, we all really became like a family and I’ll always cherish that.
With Nikki
Why do you believe Hallmark is growing so quickly as a network? From your experience, what makes Hallmark Hall of Fame movies really stand out?
Quality, wholesome, feel-good programming! It’s a great thing to be able to see films and shows that warm the heart and can bring families together. I love the Hall of Fame series because it’s really cool to see a modern take on beloved classics.
With Jeff
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
I have a few projects coming out soon – Tell Me Your Secrets, Cowboy Joe and Mend. I’m not sure how much I can say publicly about the projects, but I think audiences will really connect with them.
I see you are a singer as well. Do you have plans to pursue anything musically in the future?
I’m actually hoping to resume singing very soon! I’m in a really busy season at the moment with film and TV, but I am looking into ways that I can carve out time to refresh my voice and hopefully perform again.
I see you also have aspirations to be more involved in directing and producing. What do you enjoy about these segments of the industry?
I love watching how everything works on the back end to pull a film or show together. Directors are very creative with the ways they see (sometimes) very ordinary things and can present them in extraordinary, impactful ways. That is NOT an easy skill, but is exciting to watch. Producers are very creative in the ways they can put a complicated puzzle together from a million pieces. That’s not easy either, and I’m always amazed at how they do it.
Diversity is an important topic in society today and the film/TV industry has made strides in recent years. How have you seen things change in that area since entering the industry? What are your hopes for continuing change in this area?
I do see a lot more opportunities emerging for women and people of color both in front of and behind the camera, and I’m really looking forward to seeing that continue to expand. We still have a ways to go, but I am optimistic that the efforts are gaining momentum – especially with the new crop of young, talented people entering the field.
I am extremely grateful to the Hallmark network for consistently introducing me to such amazing industry professionals whose acting talent is only superseded by their kind, compassionate nature and warm, cheery disposition. It thrills me to no end to be able to share all of these gifted artists with my readers, and Kwajalyn is the perfect representative for all the quality ideals and values that comprise what we love about Hallmark most. I hope to see her prowess on-screen again very soon, but until that time, I would invite all of my readers to consider checking out her links below and following her where applicable. While Love At First Flight will not be playing on the Hallmark Network again anytime soon (Christmas programming is already in full swing on two of their networks, and the other two are joining in this weekend.), the movie is available for purchase, and it might make a lovely Christmas present for someone special in your life. And the next time you do watch this film, I hope that you keep a sharp eye out for the vivacious Kwajalyn and let her know how happy you are that she has joined the Hallmark Family!
FOLLOW KWAJALYN
Love Takes Flight
