So let’s talk Signed, Sealed, Delivered for a moment…only my favorite movie franchise on the Hallmark network and definitely one of my favorite TV programs ever! And it just so happens that I discovered Jill Morrison as a result of those fantastic films. However, I actually saw her before that without realizing it: When Calls the Heart, A Cookie Cutter Christmas, and even NYC: Tornado Terror. For some time, I have been attempting to land an interview with Jill, and then the opportunity fell directly into my lap. With a career that spans over a decade and includes a diverse body of works, it is a delight and a privilege to now share this distinctively enchanting professional with all my readers.

RH: What inspired you to become an actress and what kind of training did you take to prepare you?

JM: I’ve known since I was a child I wanted to be an actress. Before I was ten, I was creating my first characters with a set, props, the works. I loved movies and knew that was what I was supposed to do. The opportunities were not extensive growing up in a small country town. I did what I could to be involved in any kind of community theatre. I raised money for the only play we did in high school by making and selling chocolate suckers. My costume didn’t fit me, so I had to make sure that my back was never exposed to the audience. At a local theatre festival, I remember a judge saying, “get that poor girl a new costume”! In my last years of high school, I applied to universities and colleges for acting. A successful audition got me into the University of Windsor’s Bachelor of Fine Arts acting program. My training was incredible, and my amazing experience there made me realize that acting was all I wanted.

Mean Girls

Your first IMDB credit is listed as Mean Girls. How did that role come about and what are your memories of filming it?

That’s right! Mean Girls was my first film audition and role. At the time, of course, I didn’t know what the movie was or what it all meant. No one did! I was very excited when I booked it, but was also starting at ground zero in the film and TV world. I was pretty nervous on set, but enthusiastic to learn. My scene was in front of hundreds of extras and Tina Fey, whom I was already a fan of at the time. Mark Waters, the director, was very cool. I did that scene probably 25-30 times, all in different ways and at a very fast pace. I was trained for that from theatre school. It was both exciting and scary. At the wrap party, I got to hang out with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, who were so cool, funny, and nice. I’m grateful for the experience Mean Girls has given me!

Before coming to Hallmark, we saw you in a few fun holiday films–Deck the Halls, A Valentine Carol and here to name a few. Any special moments or memories from any of those holiday films that you would like to share?

Holiday films are so fun to do. A Valentine Carol was special. It was one of my first leading roles and I had to fight for it. I went in for a few auditions, but they decided they were going to search LA for the role. I was to let it go – this is the life of an actor, of course. The Friday before Monday filming, I was at home hosting a dinner party (drinking only water, of course) and my agent called me quite late. He said, “Hello, Gillian”. Obviously, my name is Jill, but the character’s name is Gillian. They had auditioned people and decided that yes, the director was right, I was the one for the role. I thank Mark Jean for that. I had so much fun and it was just wonderful!

You also have done your share of sci-fi as most Vancouver actors do. Any special moments from any of those works you’d like to share?

Sci-fi is the coolest. I most recently played a role on Van Helsing, very different from anything I’ve ever done. I’m excited for its third season to come out. I can’t say much about it, except I felt like an action star! But one of my favourite roles in the supernatural world is in A&E’s The Returned. I loved working on that show. The caliber of the crew was magical to me – I felt like I was dancing with the camera! My character’s tongue was eaten by her cats, which was an interesting challenge, prosthetics-wise. My mom won’t watch when I die in a role.

with Lori Loughlin When Calls the Heart

While I cannot guarantee it, I believe here was your first official Hallmark work. Please tell us anything you would like to about your character and time with that show.

I loved working on When Calls The Heart. I think it’s a wonderful show. Since then I have been lucky enough to work with the producers and cast members. Erin {Krakow} and I have worked together a couple of times since and I love our connection from that show.

With Loretta Walsh

As well, my long-time friend Loretta Walsh is on it as Florence, and booking it at the time was so great for us. I loved watching her character develop and grow. It was so interesting playing Carla, heavily pregnant and recovering from an abusive marriage. Her widowhood was unique in the way that she was free, in a sense. It was challenging and lovely to play that darkness and sense of hope. I think of it fondly.

On Hallmark, we have seen you in fan favorite A Cookie Cutter Christmas. Please tell us about your experience with that film and any special memories/interactions with the cast and crew.

With Erin Krakow

A Cookie Cutter Christmas was awesome. I love working with Erin. It’s not hard to play her best friend. Our director, Christie Will, is so creative and open to trying new things and allowing the characters to connect and have natural, fun moments. I think that’s what made this movie special… when the positivity behind the camera is carried forward. I like being a part of stories that make people feel good in a dark world. That’s important to me. I also like when I get to be silly. I loved the scene where we are cooking in the kitchen. I had fun playing with the ingredients. I love filming montages, so fun! Who doesn’t like getting paid to eat cookies? Not this gal!

Postables know you as Hazel from the Signed, Sealed, Delivered franchise. How did you land that role? What has been your favorite one so far? What is so special about this group of films in your opinion?

Jill Morrison as Hazel

I agree that Signed, Sealed, Delivered is so special. I had auditioned for the show before, so Martha {Williamson} knew me. I went in and had a great audition for Hazel. I love playing a gossip and a nosy mail lady. I think they really enjoyed when Hazel made an appearance and stirred the pot in her Hazel way. It adds a different spice and I think the audience enjoys that. I love having a relationship with the Postables and I honestly think Hazel cares so much about them. The cast and crew are wonderful, both on the show and in real life. When I’m on set, it feels like a family, and that is carried through onto the screen. It is honest, true storytelling. Which is the reason it’s done so well, I think! It’s hard to pick a favourite, but I think my first one with from From The Heart because it was my first time working with Eric {Mabius} and Kristin {Booth}. They are both so talented and professional.

Please tell us about any current and upcoming works that you are able to.

I just wrapped up a TV series called Project Blue Book on A&E’s History channel. It takes place in the early 1950s, a fact-based fiction about the U.S. Air Force investigation into the UFO phenomenon. I am privileged to play a role in this. I learned so much from working with actors like Aidan Gillen and Michael Malarkey and from the creativity of the directors, writers, and producers. It was incredible to watch these storymakers in action and to be a part of it. I can’t wait for the series to come out in the fall.

Next, I’m working on a comedy, Benchwarmers 2. I know I’m going to be working with top talent and can’t wait to play my character, who’s a nut bar!

Also, please make sure to check out my not-so-sane side in Season three of Van Helsing.

I am also proud of My Daddy’s In Heaven, a movie that was recently released. This movie deals with grief and finding joy again. It’s a wonderful story to tell and I’m glad to say it’s doing very well right now! {Buy the movie on Amazon here.}

9. All too often, women in the industry are expected to have a certain look or they may be told they cannot be successful. In your case, your unique look has garnered success for you. While I believe things are beginning to change for the better, how have you been able to “beat the odds” and be a successful working actor in spite of any naysayers?

I honestly think it’s because, to me, it’s always been about being a good actor. It’s always been about my love for my craft. All the criticism, rejection, and the many unkind comments said by all kinds of people are part of it. It goes along with the blessing of being able to do this with my life. It can be hard, hurtful, but I guess I’m saying that it’s all worth it. I hope you’re right when you say it’s changing. I’ll see it when I believe it. But I do know one thing, the world has always embraced talent and uniqueness. I’m glad for that!

What is your favorite season/holiday and why? Also what is your favorite holiday and why?

My favourite holiday? I would say the big one, the mother of all holidays – Christmas! The lights, music, decorations, spending time with my family, I always enjoy all of it. Especially the chocolate.

In truth, there is little I treasure more than a person who determines to be true to himself/herself and even flaunt his/her uniqueness in spite of criticism and hostility. Since I only recently found a place where I seem to belong, so much of what Jill stated resonated with me on a profound level. Jill is one who has followed the sage advice that Frank Sinatra shared so long ago when he sang, “I did it my way.” While we all desire the admiration of those who are dearest to us, each of us has our own niche in a world that is overburdened with those who place too much emphasis on things that matter minimally. If we choose to neglect the calling and our specific role in this environment, we may very well miss that fleeting chance to follow our dreams. We all only go around this world only once, and it is diligent visionaries like Jill who are able to succeed in a cutthroat business and a ruthless society that preaches conformity while tearing down the very people who go against the grain and add the spice to what could be a rather humdrum life. Jill’s vivacity and enthusiasm (not to mention her impeccable giftedness) are traits that have served her well in this career that fuels her passion, and I genuinely believe that her career is going to continue its upward trajectory as long as she purposes to follow the beat of her own drum as opposed to the deafening metronome of conventionality.
If you have not had the chance to watch Jill in any of her TV or film works (or if you need a refresher course on her works), please feel free to check out all of her links below and perhaps consider watching a film or two. Several of her non-Hallmark works can be found on the Hallmark Movies Now streaming app (A Valentine Carol, Baby Bootcamp), and her Signed, Sealed, Delivered movie appearances should be available along with My Daddy’s In Heaven as stated above. Furthermore, if you would enjoy a veritable treat, I invite you to follow Jill on social media in order to keep up with her busy schedule of expected TV and movies roles. While Jill has encountered losses and setbacks throughout her career of ups and downs, her passion for the screen, as well as her commitment to authenticity, portray each character to which she has been assigned. Jill is a true professional with a soul that inspires and an outlook that beams pleasure in every circumstance possible. In short, we need more people like Jill in the business today… a real team player who brightens and encouraged the spirits of every cast and crew member on set.
FOLLOW JILL

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

IMDB

—

Spread the love

Tweet