Although I’m not an overzealous royal enthusiast, I did happen to watch the recent Lifetime film based on the romance between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Deborah Ramsay happened to play the role of Camilla, and I found her to have embodied the role perfectly. When I reached out for an interview with her, I discovered she had a Hallmark credit in her repertoire as well as a few other roles here and there. I am proud to present our recent Q & A session to all my readers today.

RH: Why did you decide to become an actress? What kind of training have you had?

DR: Five years ago, I was on a rollerblading trip in Florida and my roommate, an actress from New York, suggested that I go out for commercials. When I got back to Vancouver I ran into my agent David Whitmey of Moving Pictures Talent (formerly a personal trainer pal – we worked together as trainers a few years earlier), and I asked him if he needed any women in my age group for commercials. I signed with him and started getting TV auditions almost immediately! So, I plunged into classes with many of Vancouver’s most respected coaches and continue to train today.

Untold Stories of the ER

What was your first official job in the industry, and what are your memories of it?

My first official job was on Untold Stories of the ER as a hippy mom! I loved the role as a high-maintenance Mom who thinks she knows more than the Doctors!

Please tell us about the show The Support Group and your involvement with it. For you, what was special about this series?

Working with Leo Award Winning Actress and Director Tammy Gillis, who directed me in the role of Cheryl, the Therapist, was awesome! Tammy’s terrific comedic smarts helped me to sharpen Cheryl’s reactions while trying to counsel her motley group.

Hallmark viewers got to see you in Hailey Dean Mystery: Murder With Love. How did you get involved with this series, and what was it like working on the first film in what has become a very popular Hallmark series? Any chance we may see you again in a future installment?

Unfortunately, I was dead in this role! Literally! Underwater in a bathtub. For this role, I had to hold myself underwater for 90 seconds! It was exciting working with members of this highly talented cast.

{You know, I knew that, but I admit I forgot! I have watched far too many mystery films since that moment, so thank you, Deborah, for your kind response!}

Viewers recently saw you in Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance. First of all, were/are you a royal enthusiast? What was the audition process like for the role? What kind of research did you do to prepare for that role? What kind of feedback did you receive from the viewers?

I love the Royals! I have dual citizenship–British and Canadian–and have spent hours looking at Queen Elizabeth’s Official Coronation Books my Father brought back from England in 1953. I stayed up to watch Lady Di’s marriage! The audition process for Camilla was a quick one! I prepared for Camilla by watching her giving speeches and read as much about her as I could get my hands on! I was pleased to read in many Commonwealth newspapers that they would have liked Camilla to have more lines! I share a few common interests with Camilla too – riding horses, bargain hunting and compassion for women in domestic violence situations.

Do you have any other upcoming works you can mention?

Yes, I’ve booked a very fun role on the SyFy TV series: The Magicians. Also, I’m starring in a couple of indie shorts which will be released shortly.

Do you have plans to write/direct/produce?

I have a story percolating, based on an event which took place in my life, which I’d like to develop.

While you haven’t been in the industry for a really long time, how have you seen the views change towards women? And how have they changed towards actors who are aging (especially women)?

I’m excited to see more women in my age group inspired to share their diverse voices and experiences in this dynamic industry. I’m thinking of Jane Fonda’s Frankie and Grace and the film The Book Club, which shines a light on many aspects of aging as a woman today in a fun and playful way!

What is your favorite season? Why?

I am a Summer Gal!! Love, love, love the Sun and warmth because I like being active – walking, cycling, hiking, and rolling! I think summer brings out the best in people and brings them together to play!

The thing I most appreciate about Deborah is that she is a “latecomer” to the world of acting, and she is breaking the glass ceilings that attempt to stereotype older women in the industry as being defunct and no longer viable. Being a woman in my forties myself who is forging ahead with a new career at my stage of life, I absolutely adore her resolute spirit that refuses to permit passé Hollywood thinking to direct her path. She has proven that mature women can be beautiful, talented, and fierce, and I greatly anticipate her upcoming works. It would be a treat to see Hallmark cast her in another movie–maybe even a Christmas movie–and I look forward to seeing her continue to rise to meet every challenge and role that is sent her way. I would invite everyone to check out all her links below and perhaps even watch one or two of her past credits (I believe Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance is an easily accessible film to watch if you have not had the opportunity as of yet). As Deborah strives to regularly enhance her opportunities in the business and design her own path, I hope every woman (and man, of course) will join me in the quest to support creative, inspirational artists just like her!

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