Who hasn’t been captivated by the love story between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? While I’m sure there are those who don’t care that much, the general public is intrigued, and that includes me. While I have not followed their story all that closely, the idea of an American movie star (who has been on the Hallmark network) marrying into the royal family does make me reflect on Grace Kelly (I was a huge fan of hers). Capitalizing on the royal wedding mania, Lifetime is premiering a movie this weekend about their love story, and I had the opportunity to briefly interview the actress who portrays Catherine Middleton, Laura Mitchell (who is, incidentally, also a Hallmark star). 

Photo Credit: Jenna Berman

RH: Why did you decide to become an actress and how do you think your childhood contributed to that career choice?

LM: I started acting and performing at a young age. Even as a shy child, I always loved singing and dancing and creating characters to play.

I would watch all these old musicals and films and would dream of becoming these characters I watched over and over again.

Photo Credit: Jenna Berman

I grew up around nature and the ocean and was able to create an imaginative world for myself. My parents really encouraged both my sister and me to pursue our creative desires, and they put us into painting and dance and all these wonderful creative outlets for us to explore.

I believe that I wanted to be an actress very early on, but I didn’t know how to do that. I wasn’t confident enough in my choice and desire to become one so I didn’t make the decision to commit fully to the craft until much later than most.

I would always try to have “backup” plans but my heart always came back to acting and I knew I would never be able to do anything else.

What do you consider your first professional significant role and what are your memories of that role?

I guess I would have to say October Kiss. I had been a lead on other films before, but this was the first time I was in a leading role on a major network. It was a really wonderful experience, though I have to say I had some nerves for sure and at times doubted myself and my choices. I think it was a great learning experience for me and I have definitely grown as an actor since then.

Speaking of October Kiss, Hallmark audiences first saw you in this film. Were you a fan of Hallmark films before working on this movie? What are your memories of being a part of this film?

I had not seen any Hallmark films before as we don’t get them here in Canada. I love being a part of the Hallmark family and have done a few Hallmark films since then. I really enjoyed working with the director Lynne Stopkewich. I remember in the audition room the encouraging energy she had from across the table. It made me very confident in what I was doing and I could tell she was going to be so easy going and fun to work with right away. I would love to work with more female directors in the future.

Finding Santa

You have been in a couple other Hallmark films.  Any special moments from those?

Finding Santa

Finding Santa was SUCH a fun experience. It was kind of extraordinary as well working opposite Jodie Sweeten. I had grown up watching Full House and can remember coming home after school as a kid and putting it on almost daily. To be working with her and realizing that while I was in school just being a normal kid, she was growing up on a TV show. We had a chat about what kind of experience that was and how different our childhoods were. I also adore working with David Winning, the director. He is such a kind, loving energy on set and just made the whole thing a joy to be a part of. I know it sounds totally cheesy, but there is something magical about being in a Christmas movie… especially a Hallmark Christmas movie! You really feel how sweet and touching these films are and just knowing that families are enjoying them around the holidays is such a great feeling.

This weekend, we will see you play Catherine Middleton in Henry & Meghan: A Royal Romance. First of all are you a royal wedding/family enthusiast? Why or why not?

Lifetime

I am actually! I love the royals. As a Canadian being a part of the Commonwealth, we have always had such immense coverage on everything to do with the royal family. I have always been fascinated by them. I can even remember as a young girl being so infatuated with Prince William. I had a huge crush and remember reading those bop magazines with his pictures in it and dreaming of being his princess. I think that’s what makes this wedding so fascinating for a lot of people is that it truly is a fairy tale story where a normal girl gets a chance to become a princess.

How did you land this role? What kind of research did you do to prepare for this role?

Lifetime

I sent in a self-taped audition for the role and then received a callback to come into the room and audition for the director and producers. It was definitely an intimidating room as I think there were at least seven people there for the callback.

To prepare for the role, I did as much research as possible on Kate. I researched her movements, voice, and mannerisms. I think I watched every interview she has ever given! I wanted to learn about her upbringing and life before the royal family, as well as the time leading up to her becoming the Duchess of Cambridge. She went through such immense media scrutiny and pressure and I think that contributed a lot to the way she is portrayed in the film. I wanted to find out who the real Kate is and not just the Royal Icon.

Any special memories/moments from filming?

Lifetime

So many to choose from! It was truly a remarkable experience where I think everyone knew we were making something special. I do have a fun story where Burgess Abernathy (Prince William) and I realized we were filming in one of the most haunted locations in Vancouver (Hycroft Manor). I won’t say exactly what happened, but let’s just say we both ran out of the cast green room screaming.

How do you think this film will be received by audiences? Why?

Lifetime

I’m really hopeful that people will really love it. Murray {Fraser} and Parisa {Fitz-Henley} are really amazing actors and so convincing as Harry and Meghan. When I first read the script, I got teary-eyed as it really is a beautiful story where love conquers all obstacles. I think that with any subject matter that is so heavily followed and where there are so many fans and so many opinions, you can never please everyone. I learned very early on not to read the comments on a post or a tweet! I’m proud of what we did and I hope everyone really enjoys the film come May 13th.

Any other upcoming works you can mention?

I have a few independent projects coming up before June, and then I’m off to travel for a while!

If you could travel anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you go, who would go with you, and why would you choose this destination?

I would choose to go to India again with my best friend Jane. I have been twice before and it is the most eye-opening place. It can be challenging at times, but it’s worth it. The colours, the people, the food, the energy. There are so many more regions I want to explore there and I would love to go back to my favourite secluded beaches. It is truly the most amazing country.

Photo Credit: Jenna Berman

For Laura, there is no doubt that playing Catherine Middleton is an absolute dream role in which she is perfectly cast. In fact, the entire movie looks impressive, and I have no doubt that the movie will receive a wide array of accolades (in spite of any potential naysayers). And having an actress who is as conscientious and committed to her craft as Laura is going to make all the difference in this phenomenal role. Not only is Laura a flawless beauty on the outside, but her inner radiance illuminates every portion of her countenance and is only enhanced by her overwhelming devotion to her artistic abilities and her exhilaration while using her innate giftedness. I have thoroughly enjoyed her work in everything of hers that I have had the honor of watching, and I have no doubt that Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance will only demonstrate her prowess at an even more profound level.

So please make an effort to tune in tomorrow (May 13th) to the Lifetime Network for the royal premiere that will capture the hearts of royal enthusiasts worldwide–Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance. Additionally, I would invite everyone to visit all of Laura’s links below and consider following her where applicable. With her embodiment of this inimitable role of the Duchess of Cambridge, I have no doubt that Laura’s star will be elevated a hundredfold and grant her opportunities that she may not even be able to conceive at this present time. Indeed, it boggles the imagination to anticipate the trajectory of Laura’s career in the near future, and I am only too delighted to support her every step of the way!

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