As my loyal readers know, one of my all-time favorite things to do is highlight those actors that are flourishing just beneath the radar, especially in Hallmark movies. In the case of Rhonda Dent, she has been in a few well-known Hallmark movies, and her extraordinary talent is one that is sometimes inadvertently overlooked. Recently, she and I had a brief Q & A session, and I am happy to share this post with my readers today.
RH: Please tell us what inspired you to become an actress and what kind of training you have received in acting/theater.
RD: I remember being as young as seven or eight years old and just knowing in my mind that I was going to be an actress one day, like it was already part of the life plan. My first real acting experience was in grade four playing an astronaut in the school assembly and I remember my teacher saying “You are really good” (and that was my first taste of acting).
I, however, didn’t officially get an agent until I was eighteen years old; the acting industry in Vancouver was just beginning to really boom and I jumped in full force with auditions while I was a theater student at the University College of the Fraser Valley in Chilliwack, following that I went and studied for a summer in London, England at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts also known as LAMDA. In 2003, I was a part of a pilot for ABC/Disney called That Was Then and that took me down to LA to film. While I was in LA, I studied the Meisner technique at Playhouse West.
What was your first professional job in TV/film? What are your memories of that role?
My very first acting role was on Breaker High, which starred the now very famous Ryan Gosling and Tyler Labine. I played a cheerleader and I had one line 🙂 I was soooo excited as it was my first time on a real set on my own.
Over the years, you have been involved with several sci-fi shows. What are the ones that stand out to you the most and why?
Working on Outer Limits was quite an experience as I was in my early twenties and playing the younger version of Nora Dunn in flashback scenes; my character was getting probed by an alien. Working on The 4400 was also a really great experience I worked with Robert Picardo from Star Trek, and in that episode, I got to play his daughter who experienced rapid weight loss.
Hallmark viewers first saw you in So You Said Yes. Any special memories from that film?
Working on So You Said Yes was a great first experience working for Hallmark. I worked with Kellie Martin, who I had grown up watching on Life Goes On, so that was really fun to get to work so closely with someone I had admired.
Pumpkin Pie Wars
Since then, Hallmark viewers have seen you in Pumpkin Pie Wars, The Mistletoe Inn, and Rocky Mountain Christmas. Please share any special memories and/or behind-the-scenes memories from those films.
Pumpkin Pie Wars and Rocky Mountain Christmas were both great fun. I really had a great time working and connecting with Julie Gonzalo (Pumpkin Pie Wars) and Lindy Booth (Rocky Mountain Christmas); they are both very down-to-earth and lovely to work with.
The Mistletoe Inn was a blast to work on with Ken Lawson; he is a very funny man and we had a lot of laughs. The Mistletoe Inn was also my first job after I had had my baby daughter Poppy, I was only eight weeks postpartum and we shot in Squamish, B.C. in the hot, hot heat of August.
Since you have worked for this network several times now, what do you like about working for Hallmark? Why do you think they have become such a popular network?
Rocky Mountain Christmas
I LOVE working for Hallmark, I feel I am working becoming a TV movie Queen 😉 I really enjoy that their scripts are always heartfelt and that the network creates “feel good” TV. Hallmark has such a wonderful fan base and so many loyal viewers. I have learned how many of my close friends are such HUGE fans of their movies and seek them out all year round. I TRULY believe the world needs Hallmark these days, more than ever, as there are so many negative and violent shows on television. Sometimes your heart just needs to tune in and believe that LOVE does exist and that the outcomes to a conflict can turn out positive.
Very soon, Hallmark viewers will see you in Yes I Do. Please tell us about your character and a little about the plot as well as any special moments from filming.
In Yes I Do, I have a cameo role playing Madeline the bridal shop owner, I originally had auditioned for the role of Nicole, which went to the talented Jessica Lowndes. However, the director Christie Will Wolf offered me the role of Madeline just so I could make an appearance 🙂 Christie and I had worked together on So You Said Yes.
Any other upcoming works you would like to mention?
We have a lot of exciting new work coming down the pipeline.
Poinsettias For Christmas
I must ask–although the films have not aired as of yet, you have made two films with Marcus Rosner in the cast. While I do not know how much your character interacts with him, what is it like working with him?
Marcus is awesome, very great to work with; we just wrapped up on working together on Poinsettias for Christmas, which is for LifeTime Channel Holiday line up. He is very down-to-earth and friendly and our co-star, Lauren London, and I discovered his passion for Hip Hop Music throughout filming.
As a woman in the industry, how have you seen the role of women shift over the past few years? Do you plan to get more involved behind-the-camera as well as in front of the camera?
I feel that the roles I am being submitted for now are better than ever; I am so happy to see more strong female characters in various shows and I feel the best is yet to come.
As for behind-the-scenes, I have produced various projects ranging from short films, to a feature film starring Justin Rain (Fear the Walking Dead) and for many years I have produced live theater at various Vancouver theaters under my production company Paige 18 Productions.
What is your favorite summertime escape?
Well, I am a summer baby, born August 18th, so summer is in my blood, I live for the warm, sunny days of the West Coast and views of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean or one of the local lakes. I love swimming and yoga, so those are my first choices. I am also a professional photographer, so anything I can photograph during that golden hour of sunset also makes my day.
As one whose talents seem to thrive in multiple areas of the arts, Rhonda is a dynamic actress with an eye for beauty and a commitment to detail. In addition to that, she is happily married and has a lovely daughter. Her commitment to her family and to the arts is an inspiration to women all over the world, and I am honored to spotlight someone with her unique perspective and incredible dedication. Furthermore, the fact that she adores working with Hallmark is something that radiates from her entire countenance in every movie in which she is afforded the opportunity to depict an entertaining character coupled with a supportive crew and cast.
Therefore, I do hope that all U.S. viewers plan to tune in next Sunday (June 30th) to the Hallmark Channel for the premiere of the final June Weddings premiere this month entitled Yes I Do and support what is purported to be one of the most enjoyable offerings with a cast that is gushing with talent and virtue. Additionally, I would invite you to check out all of Rhonda’s links below (some focus more on her acting, and some on her photography) and consider following her where applicable. While Rhonda may be content to be a working actor who can continue her pursuits in all areas of her life while booking roles that provide her challenges and pleasure, I know that every artist appreciates the categorical support of the fans, and her affinity for Hallmark is unquestioned. As a woman who is definitely charting her own course with confidence and humility, Rhonda is the epitome of authenticity and compassion, not to mention her undeniable giftedness with a touch of positivity, and highlighting such a special woman here today is something that gratifies me to the utmost.
FOLLOW RHONDA
And thanks to Rhonda, we have a few bonus pictures! Enjoy!
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1 Comment
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I’ve enjoyed watching her in Hallmark productions
