Unleashing Mr. Darcy is a Hallmark movie that holds a very special place in my heart. This film, which premiered in January of 2015, was one of the first movies where I had the opportunity to interview a wide variety of the cast and crew members. As a result, the friendships I now relish with so many of these make the sequel Marrying Mr. Darcy an incredibly sweet event that conjures up the most amazing recollections. Not the least of these is the time I met and had lunch with one of the kindest ladies on the planet–Lini Evans. I had already interviewed her before Stop The Wedding premiered, but discovering she was just as enchanting and engaging in person made that instance a most cherished memento. Since Marrying Mr. Darcy premieres very shortly (the evening of June 2nd), I am ecstatic and honored to share my second interview with this scintillating woman whose talent, humility, and joie de vivre emanate from every one of her pores!

RH: Since we last chatted, Hallmark audiences have seen you in Walking the Dog and Harvest Love. Do you have any special memories or behind-the-scenes moments you would like to share from either film?

LE: First off, thanks so much for having me back here, Ruth! Your gift for writing speaks for itself and you’re always so supportive of all kinds of creatives – including those who are often overlooked, eg actors #3, 4 and beyond on Call sheets and writers, directors and more – I don’t know how you keep up, but I sure am grateful.

with Jennifer Finnigan
Walking the Dog

Ok, Walking the Dog: Filmed it some time ago, but easily recall great mother-daughter synergy on that project. First with such playful, heartfelt, realistic dialogue with leading lady Jennifer Finnigan at a special time in her life just before two real babies came along (daughter EllaJack and her TV series Salvation) then my OWN mom-D synergy on set! My mom’s a semi-retired working actor on Vancouver Island where we filmed and when my director found out he kindly kept our one teeny scene together in the final edit.

Harvest Love cast

Harvest Love: My first time filming with the lovely director and writer Christie Will Wolf, who’s an avid supporter of women in film. She shared a short-hand “ease” with lead Jen Lilley that helped filming go smoothly, even in 90+ degree hot summer sun and sooty air from wildfires.

My second film with leading man Ryan Paevey and I recall many of us using ice packs, etc to at least “look” cool in our pretend-Oct/Nov sweaters and jackets. He was terrific with the young boys on set.

Recently, you filmed a short film called Last Stand to Nowhere. Please tell us how you got involved in this short film, a little about your role, and why you think this is such an exciting project. Feel free to share anything about the filming of the project.

Thanks, it’s a passion project for all involved. More so a proof-of-concept film than one-off short, we hope it evolves into a TV series ‘cuz it oozes so much story, heart, soul, grit and girl power. My role came about after I’d volunteered for years at a cold reading series alongside Michelle Muldoon, a talented writer/director. She re-imagined an all-female Gunfight at the OK Corral and I supported in ways I could, one of them being my first love of singing (ok I also had a wardrobe party at my home with LSTN’s crackerjack costume designer Flo Barrett, but that’s another story).

Last Stand To Nowhere

Michelle and her Team Last Stand assembled superb crew and cast, including lovely, warm Johannah Newmarch of WCTH by the way, and it’s now in post-production. For my part, you’ll have to wait to see what I sing in it – maybe an original, maybe my own re-imagining of a song from the 1800s, or maybe both. I loved that Michelle gave me the freedom to choose. What I know for sure is there’s few better work days for me than when I get to combine both passions of singing and acting!

Hallmark viewers are finally getting this long-awaited sequel to Unleashing Mr. Darcy. What do you think led to this film being made into a sequel?

Amazing, incredible viewers who became social media fans and an amazing, incredible network that listens to them!!!

Marrying Mr. Darcy

Hands down if not for both we wouldn’t have any sequel. Hallmark’s Bill Abbott has said that TV needs to have content as diverse as its audience and there’s not many places to find quality, family-friendly content. I West Coast-heartily agree and that need hasn’t changed since UMD’s 2015 shoot. Dystopian fare is found all over TV, but it doesn’t resonate with all viewers, myself included. We still or maybe more than ever, crave heartwarming, hopeful and meaningful stories to enjoy with our families and I applaud Hallmark for staying true to what they do best. I also applaud viewers for their devotion and downright determination to go online to let their opinions and wishes be known!

I also believe wonderful UMD author Teri Wilson and our sweet dynamo producer Sydell Albert thought a sequel might work so they created a storyline and pitched it to Hallmark. There’s just so many moving parts to be grateful for.

What can we expect from Marrying Mr. Darcy and your role? 

Like its predecessor UMD, the characters and their challenges are relatable and realistic. There is so much heart to this story, and while we may think we can predict the ending, it is no slam dunk. Just look at the recent royal wedding and Meghan’s dad pulling out! I’ve often felt that weddings are fraught with drama and pressures that can overshadow the more important part – the actual marriage. There’s so much more, right? And that’s reflected here.

Marrying Mr. Darcy

Besides the amazing chemistry between Cindy {Busby} and Ryan, I feel this entire cast has chemistry and that’s evolved more. It can’t be faked, and the heart, family, and dynamics you see on-screen are real. The writers developed these aspects beautifully in this script. Like UMD, we were also lucky to have a great director who let us suggest ideas and try them out, which doesn’t always happen.

My character, Linda Scott, is the mom of Elizabeth (Cindy Busby) and Jenna (Tammy Gillis). I own and operate a bridal shop and am invested in this Marrying Mr. Darcy (Ryan Paevey) to say the least. So you’ll see my same exuberance as in UMD, but with a bit more grounding since finally at least one of my daughters is marrying, so I can now exhale LoL! Seriously though, I’ve got work to do and a daughter’s dream day to plan and support, especially with Aunt Violet (Frances Fisher) being so… involved.

Any special behind-the-scenes moments you would like to share from filming?

There’s a scene halfway through that’s one of my very faves. All us gals are in my bridal salon to see Elizabeth try on different gowns. There’s so many special little touches and moments to this extended scene – each and every one of our characters play out. From one sister having her sister’s back to two ladies at different sides of society first meeting and interacting. Anyone who’s ever been part of a wedding will relate to it and we had a blast filming. Cindy is all shades of silly faces and fun on set (plus a true pro) and we were also served a midday candy tray by craft services so ‘nuf said. Even my bridal shop got a reboot and this one has as much character and individuality as do our characters!

Marrying Mr. Darcy

Another fave scene actually happened at circus, where our work trailers are. Elizabeth McLaughlin, who plays Gabrielle, stepped into the wardrobe trailer and overheard a lively conversation that sounded to her like I was mocking Chinese language with our Asian costume designer and her Asian assistant. Liz asked me “How do you get away with that?” Both gals turned to her and explained I really was speaking Cantonese because I do (I sing in eight languages). I’ll never forget the look on her face!! Nor will I ever forget her courage to speak up against possible racism or deriding others. Kindness is cool xx

In your opinion, do you think that we could see more “Mr. Darcy” films in the future? Why?

Great idea, Ruth! Yes I could see more and for three reasons: #1 many fabulous Hallmark fans are already suggesting it and none of us has even seen MMD yet and #2 please read my answer to your third interview question and #3 Teri Wilson just announced she’s writing a Darcy Christmas book. So Christmas came early for ALL of us!!

I know how important music is to you (and you are very talented in that). I understand that Marrying Mr. Darcy inspired you to write a special song. What would you like to tell us about the inspiration for that and the video that you made from it?

Thanks Ruth, I’ve been blessed to make a living as a singer long before I began acting. So, near the film’s end is my other favorite scene, a mother-daughter heart-to-heart that I so relate to. Brief but beautifully written and Cindy was awesome to act opposite. Right after that and filming out of order, I then shot a scene without dialogue. I chose to hum and wanted a wedding song, but one that didn’t trouble Hallmark to get copyright approval – so in the moment I came up with a tiny bit of a tune and a few words “my baby’s getting married”. I was very inspired by Cindy and by what we’d all been through in this story.

Well, I couldn’t get that little hook out of my mind for days. I’ve also honestly never been more inspired by a role or circumstance – all the parts of this wedding movie and parts of my real life kept filling my heart and mind. So being a singer and sometimes-songwriter, I wrote the rest of the song along with my co-writing pal Ray. I couldn’t wait to share it with Cindy and the others so then spent a few days putting together a little video to go along with the lyrics.

Voilà, here it is if you’d like to listen: https://www.linievans.com/forever-friend

Any other upcoming works you can mention (either acting or music or anything else)?

Before I got that magical phone call from Sydell asking me to do this sequel, I’d decided to re-balance my focus concerning acting and singing. Both are very demanding careers and my deepest wish is to combine them as often as possible.

I’d LOVE for Hallmark to pursue more music in its movies and think viewers love it too. I can’t wait to see LeAnn Rimes sing in their Christmas movie! In my dreams, I’d sing in Hallmark films too… or say in Chesapeake Shores as Jesse Metcalfe’s singing aunt…?! Hey, the dude is crazy talented and as my mom always encourages me “If not you, who?”

My most exciting upcoming project is doing my first full-length album this summer. It has a combination of originals and languages and I have a fantastic producer who’s worked with Kelly Rowland, Jessica Simpson, 98 Degrees, Amy Grant, and more.

I’ll continue to travel and sing Live shows too. My last concert was in Nevada just before we started filming MMD and at my VIP Meet & Greet luckylini even got to meet some Hallmark fans!

As a mature woman in the business, how do see the world of acting changing for other actresses who are your age and even older? 

Great question. I got my mom into acting during her retirement, so there’s hope for anyone who believes it’s never too late to become what you’ve always wanted. Yes, great roles may lessen for women over forty, but again, I think Hallmark is at the forefront of improving that, as they recognize that audiences are maturing, eg Baby Boomers. My 2016 film Stop the Wedding featured two distinct storylines for women, and all leads were over thirty!

I also look to dedicated actors, producers, directors, and writers like Michelle Muldoon and other girlfriends (Frances, Joan, Stevie and you, Ruth!) who are BEING the change they want to see. I’m so proud of women creating their own content and leading the way for others to jump on board. It’s a very inspiring climate and community right now who’s time has come.

Do you have plans to do any writing in the near future? 

Yes. And who ever thought I could do a short answer ; )

Thank you again, Ruth, and for being the change, no matter how challenging it can sometimes be!!

Marrying Mr. Darcy

Within the entertainment industry (and even the global society of today as a whole), the push is to celebrate and support women, especially those who are confident and willing to take risks to advance their career, pursue their passions, and take their legitimate place within society. While women are encouraged to promote other women, unfortunately, a myriad of things can prevent this essential support. All too often (at least in my experience), women who appear self-confident and are enthusiastic when pursuing seemingly precarious avenues which lead to some semblance of success can foster jealousy and even eschewal from their peers and co-workers. I have no doubt that all of us have encountered that at some point in our lives, but no doubt those in the entertainment industry are well aware of the indisputable truth of this occurrence. 

What I would like to state for the record is that the “Mr. Darcy” franchise is one portion of the entertainment industry where I see and experience unmitigated support from all members of the cast and crew, regardless of race, creed, or gender. I don’t know exactly what it is, but the trio of Cindy, Tammy, and Lini (as well as Yasmeene {Ball}, Frances, and others) is such a tight-knit group of women who are loyal to the project, each other, and the fans that envy, bigotry, and exclusion are never an issue. While Lini is the only one I have met within the group (and I am hopelessly devoted to her as an artist, a person, and a humanitarian), the bond between these women in this franchise is something rare that I think should be a model for other casts and crews even beyond the confines of the Hallmark network. There is something extraordinary about women being able to support women despite any differences, potential prejudices or biases, and I am so honored to be able to be a part of helping to advance this wonderful film series.

To attempt to even put into words just how exceptional Lini is to me professionally and personally is something that I could not adequately do, for the confines of language do not illustrate the genuineness of Lini’s heart, the engagement of her soul, and the vivacity of her spirit. Lini is one who is an ideal role model for women who may be past their twenties, but still long to reach for their dreams. And in this way, Lini continues to inspire me both musically and artistically.

I hope that everyone in the U.S. has made plans to watch Marrying Mr. Darcy on the Hallmark Channel tonight (June 2nd) so that you can judge for yourself if the words I have penned here hold true. Additionally, please visit all of Lini’s links below and consider for yourself if my approximation of Lini Evans is germane. No matter what Lini’s future may provide, whether success in acting, music, writing, or more, there is no doubt that I will be right there endorsing this gifted and lovely woman, and I hope that all of my readers consider supporting her as well!

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