Sometimes I wonder if my readers grow weary of those whom I promote with intense loyalty and passion, but there are those who merit that kind of support for a wide variety of reasons. And Brennan Elliott is one of those exceptional people. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with him for the fourth time, and he will always have the distinction of being my inaugural interviewee nearly two years ago. In that time, his projects with Hallmark and other networks have proceeded to intensify and develop in profundity and quality, and including him in a new Christmas movie appears to be a Hallmark tradition. When we chatted this week, it was undoubtedly my preferred interview with him to date, and as we both maintain such professional respect for each other, he was accessible, generous, and at times, witty, never arrogant nor rude, and he spoke candidly about his family and current situation within the entertainment industry. 

Brennan Elliot Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steve Wilkie

RH: Brennan, it is so good to get to talk with you again.

BE: Same here, Ruth. How are things with you?

Very busy. I survived the weekend, so that’s a good thing. 

Well, you are interviewing half of the planet.

{laughs} Sometimes it feels that way. But of course, you’re rather busy yourself.

Yes, it’s been an absolutely insane year. {laughs} All good, but I’m looking forward to a little vacation hopefully here in a couple weeks which will be needed and deserved.

I can only imagine. It was nice to see you on Home & Family this week. 

Yeah, they’re just great people over there. I think I’ve done that show about five times now, and it’s always a fun time.

Well, I sat down to watch it, and both of my parents came to watch it with me since you were on it. They watched the whole program.

That’s great. Say “hi” to your mom for me

I certainly will. She said to say “hi” to you and that she doesn’t usually watch Home & Family, but because you were on it, she watched.

Well, let’s hope she likes Christmas Encore.

I have no doubt that she will. She is looking forward to it, and of course, I am as well. As are all your fans. I, for one, am so glad you got cast in a Christmas movie because it didn’t seem to happen as soon as it sometimes does.

You’re right. I think it was because I was doing All Of My Heart: Inn Love which filmed all the way till September 8th, if I remember correctly. I think that made me somewhat unavailable for some projects. And there were others that just didn’t seem like the right fit. Or I was just coming off the movie, and I was a little tired. I was offered one shortly after the filming for All Of My Heart was over, but I decided to take a week or two off. In fact, there was another TV show that was clamoring for me to do their show, but I had been called about this movie, and thankfully, I had an old draft of the script that I had read. I thought it was really out-of-the-box and very different. I thought it might be interesting to play with it a little bit. And I also think Maggie {Lawson} is great, and since she was attached, it sounded great. And like I always say: “Whenever Hallmark calls, I usually end up saying ‘yes’ right away without reading some of the stuff.” {laughs} They’re family, and I know them all, and they’re really good to me. I want to do the best work I can for them, so I usually trust the scripts they send my way. When I read the script, the story just seemed more subtle and different, and so I decided to do this one.

Brennan Elliot, Maggie Lawson Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood

I remember that this one was originally going to go on the Hallmark Channel, but then it switched to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

That is correct, and I’m not sure why it changed to the other network. Those kinds of decisions are beyond my pay grade.  They call me up, and they make the decision about what they want to do, and they’re usually pretty brilliant at it. But thankfully both channels are great, and they’re both still the Hallmark network, so I’m happy about that.

While the viewership on the Hallmark Channel is typically higher than the Movies & Mystery Channel, it’s clear that viewership is on the rise and continues to grow.

Absolutely. Both channels are growing, and they’re getting more content and continue to do so. Being a part of the growth just makes you proud.

Where was Christmas Encore filmed?

We filmed in Sudbury, Ontario.

Did you know anyone else when you showed up on set the first day?

I had worked with MPCA–Motion Picture Association, Brad Krevoy. I’d worked with him as executive producer on four or five movies. I had also worked with Bradley Walsh, who directed this film. I had done the Flower Shop Mystery films with him; he’s a very good friend. I did not know Maggie, but I had obviously heard great things about her. I thought she’d be great, and that was it. I had worked with the DP and some of the crew. It felt a little like the Flower Shop crew all over again with a different cast. So there was familiarity there, and everyone was just great. You know, these movies are filmed in fifteen days, and you shoot fifteen-hour days, which can be tough at times. Actually, the weather was nice; it wasn’t too bad. Maggie was a joy–just an absolute joy. I’ve been very lucky on these projects with Hallmark. I’ve been very lucky to get such wonderful leading ladies to work with. They’ve all been professional and great actresses who love to collaborate.

Well, I think they’ve been lucky to have you too. I think it goes both ways.

Oh, from your mouth to God’s ears, Ruth.

Maggie Lawson, Brennan Elliot Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood

I knew you wouldn’t say that, so I thought I’d jump in and say it. Now, with Christmas Encore, I know you’ve talked about it some. But what can you tell us about the character and the story without, of course, revealing too much?

I play Julian Walker, who is an international television star and very famous. Although that’s been fruitful and he’s enjoyed it, he’s starting to lose that passion and wants to find something meaningful. There’s a theater where he did plays as he was growing up and his dad was the artistic director. You could say he grew up in this theater and learned how to act there. I think Julian wants to go back to that to find his passion again. I think also wants to find why he’s an actor and an artist in the first place.

Through that process, the very first play that he gets a chance to direct–which is something he’s never done–is a modern version of A Christmas Carol. Without revealing too much, there’s an actress–played by Maggie–who ends up being somebody from his past and there’s a bit of contention there between the two of them based on something that happened in the past. He believes in her talent, and she’s ready to quit and move on to a 9-5 job or at least a more reputable job. But he believes in her so much. There’s real thematic echoes of hope and belief in yourself and family as well as the spirit of Christmas encouraging you to go after your dreams.

I start to direct all these players and actors, and we start to put on this play. I don’t want to give away any more of that. That’s sort of the skeleton of it, and there’s a myriad of a million things that go on within that. I think that every little element that happens from family to having perspective to hope to having second chances–a lot of these elements are influenced by the spell of Christmas. I’ve done several of these Christmas movies, and there can be that strong, in-your-face Christmas element. You know when it’s right there, and it’s a big character. I think in the right film that is beautiful. I think within this one, it’s a little more subtle, more soft-spoken, and simple in its scope. I think you’re still being affected, and it’s under the spell of Christmas, but it’s in a more grounded, simpler, subtler way. I think they’re both great ways of depicting Christmas stories, but I found this one interesting.

Julian is the one who is kind of driving the story in regards to putting the play on and developing and directing and guiding Maggie’s character. There’s a lot of encouraging undertones and “believe in yourself” and people believing in you that support family and perspective and believing in miracles of Christmas but in a subtle way. If that makes any sense.

No, that’s fine. I understand, and you explained it well. I do remember you saying how proud you were of this project. I know you’re proud of all your projects, but what is it that is unique about this one?

What I will say is that it was a very difficult thing to shoot. There were many script revisions throughout the filming and lots of changes made. We were often flying on the fly. Maggie, the director, and I collaborated, and the three of us really became quite close. We were trying to make something very honest within the restraints that were put upon us…which were all very positive. It was just part of the process. What I was proud of was how hard we fought to make something that we all believe is an important thing to say about Christmas.

I had never played a director. I had never played something where I felt I had that much responsibility as a character. He’s overseeing all elements of putting on this play, this production. He’s the leader and driving force. I found that daunting and almost very scary at first, but within it, it was a real challenge. I was up for the challenge and had to challenge myself to work all day and then make changes on the fly and get new revisions at night and make new choice changes and collaborate with Maggie. Even on the days were were filming, we had to make changes. And it was just trying to believe in the process and believe that we could all come together to make something that was honest.

In fact, I got to see some of the scenes, and I was very proud of them. Not just how Julian came across, but the movie as a whole and the people who were involved in it. From crew to craft to even the actors who maybe worked just the one day or had one scene. Everybody really came together to try to find the voice of the movie and make something organic, honest, simple, and real…which is something I always try to fight for. Julian was a very difficult role to play, but a very worthwhile one and one I’m very proud of. We didn’t have a lot of time to make those decisions, but we jumped in and trusted each other. I think in the end, a lot of the scenes I have with Maggie are pretty special.

I know on Home & Family, you mentioned that now you might consider directing at some point. 

I know we’ve talked some about this before. I want to produce and develop projects as well as be part of the creative process. Sadly, Stay At Home Dead is something that had to be put on the backburner. But there’s other things in the kitchen that we’re talking about. I like the process of dealing with everything involved with film and TV. From the financial aspects to the casting to getting crews together to writing to creating the story to dealing with the network and understanding the brand and what they want. And that applies to any network you’re working for, whatever company that has the main responsibility of financing a project and taking care of those responsibilities. You feel responsible to make it the best it can be. So that’s been something I’m very passionate about exploring and doing.

But when I was doing this film, I would have nights when I’d go home and I’d be in this hotel room in the middle of Sudbury, and I would be having some quiet time and realizing that as hard of a shoot as this film was and how difficult it could be to have all that dialogue and to make those changes on the fly, I was really, really enjoying collaboratively directing actors–something I’d never done before and had not ever had a real interest in at that time. And now it’s kind of something that…I call it diversification of my artistic journey. You know, producing, acting, directing, writing…all things you want to explore.

Now, first and foremost, I’m an actor and I want to act. But if I got the opportunity to…or if Hallmark asked me to collaborate on something and we could produce something together…or if they came to me and said, “You know, would you want to direct something?” It struck a nerve. I mean, I’m literally playing Julian, and in the moment, I was that character. But I was really Brennan directing other actors within the scene in that context. I found it exhilarating in a different way that I had not experienced before. So the seeds have been planted. It’s there, but acting is still my passion. As my son would say, “Don’t quit your day job till you have another one.” Keep acting till someone gives you that opportunity. You evolve and you grow as a person and as a professional in this industry. Or you hope you do. There’a  lot of elements of this business that I enjoy, and acting is obviously in the forefront, but producing, collaborating, developing and writing projects and now directing would be something that could be an interest of mine. I’m young enough that I have a lot of years ahead of me, and we’ll see where it takes me. But it was an enjoyable experience.

Usually, you’re in the scene with another actor, and you’re kind of in the moment with that actor or two or three. You’re just kind of reacting to that. But when you’re playing a director in a show, if you’re an actor playing a person who’s directing, and you’ve got a cast of ten or fifteen and you’ve got lighting and you’ve got all these extras and you’ve got everything else going on and sound, you actually get swept away with it. You’re actually directing. I’ve always had a lot of respect for directors, but I even have more respect for them now. I’m like, “Wow, the amount of stuff they have to know is pretty amazing.

I hear you on that. When I interview directors, I am always amazed at what they have to do. I don’t know how they do it all. I’ve directed little musicals back when I was a music teacher, but this is on a much grander scale…no comparison.

You know, you’re not just directing the characters they’re playing and trying to tell the story. You’re dealing with people. You’re really dealing with actors and crew members, but they are human beings. You’re wearing these different hats. And the great directors, I think…Dylan {Neal} made mention about dealing with actors and that directors who deal with them on a human level get the best performances out of them. Some can do it easily, and for some, I’m sure it’s tough. So it was a really interesting experience. I had moments when I was really feeling like I was directing. {laughs}

It would be interesting to put myself into directing a project. But it’s like any role. I knew nothing about real estate until I played Warren {Cedar Cove}, and then I would realize what not to do. I did a lot of research and discovered and learned so much about the real estate business. So that is one of the great things about being an actor is that you’re able to do the research and play a part, and then you have these residual experiences from the part you’re playing.

Brennan Elliot, Maggie Lawson Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood

Will you be live tweeting during the premiere?

Yes, whether I’m still in Vancouver or back home in LA, I will be live tweeting with the fans. Even though Canada does not have the Hallmark network up here, I know the movie and I will just engage with the fans. So we will have a Twitter party Saturday night. While I haven’t seen the finished product, if I’m not back in LA, I will have to wait till I get back home to see it. I know my wife and many of my friends and colleagues will be watching. I plan on tweeting both the East coast and West coast feeds. I will be there to engage and answer questions as I can.

So I wanted to jump back and talk a little bit about All Of My Heart. I know people are still discussing the sequel. I know my family enjoyed it, and it looks like the fans did too. In fact, right before the film aired, Beth Grossbard, the executive producer, called me.

Oh, she’s wonderful. I love working with her.

Absolutely. She and I first connected probably almost two years ago now. 

She’s a wonderful woman, and we’ll be working on many things together in the future for sure. She’s just a powerful, wonderful energy on the set and understands the whole process and keeps it alive. I have a lot of respect and love for her.

She spoke very highly of both you and Lacey {Chabert}. She had worked with Lacey before.

Yes, but she hadn’t worked with me before. We wanted to work on a couple of things that didn’t pan out. I had heard such wonderful things about her and was so glad that she came on board. Sadly, Michael Ogiens, who was the original executive producer for the first movie, had passed away. He was a very good friend of mine, so it was bittersweet for me to come in, but she made it so wonderful. She respected the first movie. She respected the vision that was there before her. She brought her own vision, but she didn’t try to change the original intent or vision. She knew where it came from, but still we had to move on and make it our own. And she did that gracefully and beautifully.

Brennan Elliott, Ed Asner, Lacey Chabert Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

It was so nice to see so much of the cast come back. You basically got everybody. 

But it was a different movie, and I want the “All Of My Hearties” to know that. This series–we could do thirty movies. We could do a series. We can do as many as we want on this franchise because it’s always an extension of the next process of love, the next journey of love. This second movie was the “honeymoon,” and that’s really what this movie is. The first one was the meeting and all that. The uncomfortableness of opposites attract and coming together. And with the second one, we’re together, sharing a house. We’re wanting to get married and build a life together and we’re in this honeymoon stage. How do we work it out? And we deal with the struggles of all that. And the next one will be the wedding, and then we’ll go from there. Maybe there’ll be kids. It has all these struggles that all of us feel in life; all of us go through them. We all go through that process at some point in our lives–some more than others. And I think it’s important to share. It is called All Of My Heart, so it is about all those things that go on with the issues of the heart–love and building lives together and friendships, small-town family and all that stuff. It was great that this one had a lot of comedy and humor, much like the first one. And it had a lot of drama. It was just good.

Brennan Elliott, Lacey Chabert Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

One more snippet about this movie. Originally, the sequel to All Of My Heart was going to be a different movie. But the network wanted to do several of these films over the next few years. I don’t know how many, and nothing was set in stone, but that is what they wanted. So we had about two weeks for Karen Berger to write a different type of movie. We had a new director, executive producer and it was a crazy time with lots of things that had to get done. So this sequel was done quickly, and we had to find a story. And it worked. So the next movie should be the wedding as long as Hallmark decides to go that route. So for whatever faults people saw either storywise or whatever, I think it was partly because of the passion of the network to ensure that we have more than just one sequel.  The hope is to have three or four or whatever. They want to spread them out and see if the audience is there. This is the kind of movie that could be turned into a series or even a series of movies so you could do two or three a year. You could do this thing forever. So in Karen’s defense, she was like, “Oh, we’re not doing the wedding. We’re doing this? And when? Okay. I’d better write it then.” I think in that end that we executed it well.

Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

I know everyone wonders if there’s really going to be another movie.

Well, the rumor is that there will be one. It’s not official yet, but I think it’s safe to say that the network really enjoys them and the fans absolutely love them. It’s a very successful franchise for the network. Lacey and I are very close and the best of friends, and we love these movies. And Terry Ingram, who directed the second one is just wonderful. And obviously, Peter DeLuise, who directed the first one is amazing. And Beth and I are very close. So if they call and they want to do another one, we’ll do one. We’ll do as many of these as possible because we just feel like the fans love ’em.

One of the great things about Hallmark is that they listen to their fans. While they cannot respond to everything–they’re very busy people–they try to listen to everything everybody says and they try to give the audience what they want. I admire that about them.

Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Yes, I do too. Not trying to put any network down, but you just don’t find that at every network out there. I realize a lot goes into these decisions, and it’s not always feasible for every network to closely listen to their fans. But Hallmark does. 

Yes, and they are very good to all the people involved. They treat their talent well. Then you’ve got the executives–Michelle Vicary, Bill Abbott, Randy Pope, Pam Slay–all of them are just beautiful people. They’re not just friends; they’re like family to me. They’re close to me, and I’m close to them. And when you have that kind of relationship where you respect them and they respect you, when they call, you put everything you have into every project you do with them because you want to do something good for them. It’s not like that every place you work.

Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

I’m a big believer that respect should be reciprocated. If you’re working for someone, you should respect them and they should respect you. The Hallmark network does it in spades, and I think I can probably speak for everyone who works for them and has collaborated with them–whether actor, director, or whatever–they’re a class A organization. They are a network who believes in family first. Everyone has children, and everyone understands the perspective and makes sure family is in the right place. It comes through in the content they put on television–the heart, the love, the family…all of those elements are subtexts and thematic echoes with every project they have regardless of whether it’s a movie they have for Valentine’s Day or Spring Fling or June Weddings or any of their series. It doesn’t really matter. The elements are always there, and that’s why it’s called “the heart of TV.” It’s not a cliché; they live by it.

So you’re in the middle of filming Unreal season four?

Yes, we are. We filmed season three in the early part of this year, and they rushed us back to finish up season four. We just finished filming episode five of eight episodes for season four, two less than normal. We’re supposed to finish filming season six before we break for Christmas. Then we come back in January to finish up the last two episodes of season four. Season three will premiere in February of 2018.

I’m so glad! We’ve had to wait extra long for that season.

{laughs} You think? Almost two years to wait for season three. I mean, I don’t understand everything about that. It’s beyond my pay grade; I don’t question it. They’re a successful network, and they had some decisions to make, so I respect that.

I was amazed you guys got renewed even before season three aired. In fact, you guys tend to get renewed very early.

Yes, we get renewed early, but nothing airs early. {laughs} Like, “We’re picked up for season fifteen, but we haven’t aired season four yet!”

{laughs} That might be a little bit of a stretch, I think.

I’m being facetious. It’s a different experience, that’s for sure. It’s a different tone. But this is not my show. I’m not one of the leads in that world. The two star leading ladies drive that ship. But it’s so much fun. The responsibility is that you come in, do your work. Whereas other projects where I do drive the ship and you’re one or two on the call sheet, you realize how much responsibility you have. So I look at these ladies and realize how much responsibility they have. And on top of that, they’re directing episodes. These two women are pretty amazing. They’re from a different cloth than so many of the run-of-the-mill actors out there today. I respect them very highly.

Brennan Elliot Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steve Wilkie

In addition to all this, I assume you have other projects in the work, but you cannot talk about them.

I cannot talk about them yet. I don’t like to talk about anything until I know it’s going to go forward. I know these things are, but I don’t want to get into the details yet. So I’ll keep it a mystery for now. But it’s going to be an extremely busy year…possibly busier than this year, which I don’t know how that’s possible. I’ve made some great relationships, and it is exciting to realize I’ll be collaborating with these people in various capacities. It’s gonna be a fun next chapter, next journey in my life. We’ll see what other projects come forward, but I do have my hands in a few things that will keep me busy. And you know you’ll be the first to know, Ruth.

{laughs} Well, that sounds good to me. I’ll be waiting to hear more as will all of your fans.

Speaking of my fans, I really do see everything they post on Twitter, but it’s impossible to respond to everyone. It’s nothing personal. Earlier this week, I was on set for seventeen hours. So after a day like that, when I get off, I come home and I’m done. I try to go through stuff and retweet, like, and maybe do a quick thank you. The busier you get, the more visible you get. It gets harder, but I do see them all, and I appreciate every one of them.

Oh, trust me, your fans appreciate you so much. Whenever they talk about Hallmark actors that engage with their fans, you’re always right around the top if not at the top of the list. Your fans know you respond and interact with them, and they appreciate it.

That’s very kind of them. You know, I was taught that you have to appreciate the people that are watching you. Everybody has so much content to watch and there’s so many shows out there and movies and things you could be doing with your time. You’ve got school, you’ve got kids, yadah-yadah. To take two hours and sit down in front of the television and to watch little old me in a movie or a TV show and to take time out of your schedule to do that is humbling and awe-inspiring to me. So I have to appreciate and respect that. And that’s what I try to do on Twitter.

Brennan Elliott Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Brennan, you do a great job. And I can say that because I’ve dealt with enough actors to know that many do not respond to and appreciate their fans. And certainly not in the way you do. It is never a burden to promote your shows and movies. There are other shows and movies that don’t really excite me as much because there hasn’t been the same kind of reciprocation. It’s nothing against anybody at all because we’re all different, busy, and there’s a variety of reasons why people respond and don’t respond. But I appreciate the fact that you take the time to interact with everybody as much as you possibly can.

Thank you. That means a lot. No matter what network I work with, I always give my whole mind, soul and strength, everything I’ve got to build the best, most honest performance I can so it entertains the fans, and the network reaps the benefits of that. I know there are actors out there that for whatever reason, they do the job and that’s it. I was always taught that if you’re not gonna give it everything you’ve got, don’t do it. The fans that I have, I know appreciate that and understand how hard it is to make a scene work. And that was something great with Maggie–to see her work ethic and how hard she worked and put her effort into the project.

Maggie Lawson, Brennan Elliot Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood

A few months ago, I was talking with a buddy of mine who has never worked on the Hallmark Channel. He’s kind of out of acting now; he’s doing more directing and writing. He said, “I don’t know if I could ever do it. It seems like a lot of hard work.” I said, “What do you mean?” He said, “You get a script. You might have a week. Then you gotta shoot that thing in three weeks, and they turn out really well.” I thanked him, and he continued, ” The movies turn out like they were shot over two months or something.” I said, “You know, it is a lot of hard work, but you work with people who are good people, so you’re going to give a little extra. You’re gonna work hard for them, and the fans appreciate that.” Let’s remember that these fans are Hallmark fans. They are part of the brand, and we need to understand that. We’re visible on that network, whether doing one movie or a hundred movies.  It is our responsibility to reach out and let the fans know that the network hears them. And I don’t think it takes too much time to make that connection.

Brennan, I cannot thank you enough for taking all this time to chat with me tonight.

Ruth, my apologies to you that we couldn’t do it sooner, but it’s been busy. And there was no point in setting it up and then having to cancel. I don’t like to do that.

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that as cancellations and reschedulings are a way of life for me.

It has been crazy for me. When I finished filming Christmas Encore, truth be told, I finished at like three or four in the morning, and I was on a 7 AM flight to Vancouver, and I shot Unreal the next day, a totally different show. That day, I had a three-page monologue, introducing all these girls and guys, playing Graham. I was trying to get back into Graham’s world on a plane. It was a very stressful and exhausting month and a half. I think I’m just starting to get my feet on the ground and we’ve just shot episode five. I appreciate your patience.

Brennan Elliott Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Oh, you make it easy, Brennan. I have a lot of actors that I support, but then there’s a select group, and you’re part of that select group. 

You’re too kind. You’re very, very good to me.

I will say your kids are sure growing up.

Uh-huh, yeah. I’ve seen them all of two months this whole year. I come home and say, “Wow, you’re my daughter and you’re talking about wanting to go shopping. When I left, you couldn’t speak.” So it’s been a very interesting experience.

Just wait till they’re teenagers.

I don’t know what I’m gonna do when my daughter gets to the point of school and friends and boys. And when she wants to go out with her girlfriends and talk to this person or that person. I’m going to have to have some serious patience and I’m gonna have to learn something that I haven’t learned yet. I love her, but she’s gonna be my lesson in life. I say, “Okay, God gave me a daughter. I know why.” I’m a man, and she’s a girl. I don’t know about history, but those two are always on different sides of the page in certain areas of life. She sees the world through a woman’s perspective, and I need to try to understand that. It’s gonna be an interesting journey. And it’s one I’m embracing. I love being a dad. In fact, that other day, I was being interviewed and I was asked what my favorite role was. I said that the greatest role was being a father and a husband. Those are the hardest jobs and what I’m most proud of. The guy was thinking I was being cliché and giving a flippant comment, but then he realized I was serious. Then he was like, “Oh, cool.”

Well, you have said that from the beginning, but it’s not what people typically say in these settings. But I asked you that during our first interview, and I remember that was your response.

Brennan Elliott Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Home & Family really wanted a picture of the tree and the family, but I was like, “Usually my wife and I like to keep our family very private.” I don’t like to throw around pictures; it’s just not my thing. But my wife insisted on having a picture of the kids.

And that was really nice. I enjoyed it, and I’m sure all of your fans did. I know you have an incredible wife.

Without her, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. She’s the best of the best for sure. I’m so blessed that God gave me somebody that just works for me and I work for her. It’s special. She’s a special, special person.

Well, you both are. I’m sure she would say you’re special too.

No, she calls me her “little hot mess.” {laughs}

{laughs} I understand that, but I would say you both complement each other well.

Yes, that’s true. We’re both very different, but we both complement each other well.

So if you’re the hot mess and she’s got it all together that works.

Exactly.

Thank you so much for the chat, Brennan.

It was a pleasure, Ruth.

It was a pleasure chatting with you as well.

I hope you get to see the movie with your mom.

I’m sure we will. She’s already been asking about it.

You both have always been so supportive. Thank you so much. And to all the fans, I hope they enjoy the movie!

Brennan Elliot, Maggie Lawson Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood

To be quite forthright, my paltry words cannot do justice to the phenomenon known as Brennan Elliott. His humility is practically legendary, and his talent goes far beyond the realms of the standard, typical fare. He is an extraordinary human being in every sense of the word, and his benevolence, pragmatism, and passion for the industry cannot help but ignite an unquenchable spark within everyone who watches him on screen and/or has the supreme honor of interacting with him. He far exceeds expectations in every aspect of his career, and his values are manifest in how he chooses to live his life and where his priorities lie. The fact that he is a husband and father first and that God is the source of his strength and joy is something that is unobtrusively palpable. His joie de vivre and intensity for the industry drives his innate optimism and enthusiasm for each role he undertakes, and Hallmark holds a distinctive place in his heart, as do his fans. His altruistic nature transcends any difficulties he experiences, and he consistently highlights his co-stars without bringing undue attention to his role in the productions at hand. His entire frame of mind is to bestow the totality of his being upon all projects he is blessed to be granted, and he never complains about his lot in life whether on camera or elsewhere. He is grateful for the overwhelming blessings that have been a part of his life, and he never takes one of them for granted. He nurtures each one with massive devotion and grace, and his fans simply cannot get enough of his signature giftedness or sensitive nature.

So please tune in to the Hallmark Movies & Mystery Network tonight (December 9th) for a Christmas delight that will unmistakably surpass anything we fans have ever witnessed previously from this prolific and amazing human being. Christmas Encore has all the makings to become a new, instant Christmas classic, and I greatly anticipate savoring each moment of this movie which has fueled Brennan with such pride. Not because he is egotistical or arrogant, but because he knows how hard the cast and crew as a whole have labored to provide us with holiday entertainment that eclipses the generic rations that we see elsewhere at this festive time of year. Additionally, if you have not checked out Brennan at the links below and if you’re not following him on Twitter, I suggest you do so immediately! It will be one of the best decisions of your entire life, for Brennan is absolutely a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime marvel that continues to entertain us with his signature and quick wit as well as his debonair and dashing style, not to mention his pure and gentle nature. The man is a class act, and he is one I consider a colleague and friend whom I cannot support enough!

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