There are some especially talented interviewers and bloggers out there, and in this case, Francesca of Simply Entertaining is the one who highlighted and alerted me to a When Calls the Heart actress back some time ago. Due to scheduling conflicts, this interview sat on the back-burner for quite a while before coming to fruition, but when my friends over at the Hallmarkies Podcast interviewed this lovely young lady, I knew we had to facilitate this interview as soon as possible. Thankfully, Hannah was of the same persuasion,  and God has shown yet again that His timing is ALWAYS perfect as I present our recent Q & A session in anticipation of Hannah’s big premiere tonight (August 12th)!

Photo Credit: Jenna Berman

RH: What inspired you to become an actress? 

HP: I love this question because I’ve always wanted to be an actress, but I was actually pursuing a soccer career.  I seriously injured my ankle/foot/lower leg, was forced to quit soccer, and at the last minute signed up for theatre school. Little did I know, it was God’s wonderful plan all along. What ended up feeling like heartbreak at the time was really a miracle in disguise. What inspired me to become an actress would be my love to perform, and to tell stories. I love being able to make someone realize something about themselves, their lives and to learn a little more about humanity in doing so. 

What was your first professional job and what are your memories from that job?

Supernatural

My first role on film was in Supernatural and at the time, I would have truly called it the best day of my life. I felt like I belonged, and I felt like I was where I was meant to be. Also, I got a play a Christian girl and the episode tastefully poked fun at some things I could really relate to about my experiences as a Christian. 

You had a recurring role on Strange Empire. What did you enjoy about creating that character? 

Strange Empire

Oh my, Strange Empire still brings a smile to my face whenever I hear its name. The overall experience was empowering, working with a strong female cast portraying very powerful women in a time before our own; it was an honour. It made me even more grateful to the women who came before us so that we get to live the lives we live today. 

Murder, She Baked

Hallmark fans also saw you in Summer Love.  What are your memories of being on set and filming that movie?

It was super quick and fun. I was a bit sick at that time, but what I do remember was that is was a blast even with a cold. Loved the cast. 

Murder, She Baked

You made an appearance in Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe. Tell me about it? 

Murder, She Baked was a turning point in my career because I got the room to really develop the character of Paige Miller. Also, the behind-the-scenes team on set became like family to me! 

A couple Christmases ago, you were in what I believe was your first Christmas movie Every Christmas Has A Story. What did you enjoy about making this movie?

Every Christmas Has A Story

I loved working with a team of people I already knew! It was so nice getting to walk onto set and already know most of the cast and crew. I’ve worked with Lori Loughlin a few times now and she is so great at what she does; it’s an honour to learn from her! 

Hearties got to see you on When Calls the Heart. Please remind us of your specific role. What did you love about being on that show and creating that role? 

When Calls the Heart

Oh the Hearties, I love you all so much! Bless you! Hearties changed my Hallmark life because they were the most amazing fans and they made me truly feel what it’s like to be part of the Hallmark family. It’s great to find a home within this industry! I played the role of Francine Fessler, who had some unfortunate life experiences that she, with Elizabeth’s help, turned into positives. That’s what I really appreciate about When Calls The Heart; the stories always turn the negatives, the struggles, and the troubles into positives, and great life lessons. 

You got to be a tiny part of The Perfect Catch. Anything memorable from that movie?

Yes, it was a super quick shoot, but I just remember really connecting with Andrew Walker. He was such a lovely person. 

Most recently, you’ve been on The Good Doctor.  What was that experience like? Any chance you’ll be back?

Oh, I hope so! You’ll have to watch to see! 

Any other upcoming works you can mention? 

Photo: Hannah Pederson Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

Yes! Hallmarkies, get ready for one of the most exciting roles for which I’ve been cast. My first lead role in a Hallmark movie, Garage Sale Mysteries: The Mask Murder. I Can’t wait to live tweet with the Garage Sale fans when it comes out this weekend!

As a young woman in the industry, what is your advice to other young actresses who are considering a career as an actress?

Know that you’re enough. Your worth is not decided by whether you book the audition or not. It’s not decided by a casting director, a producer, a fan or even another actor (one of your peers). Be yourself, because, at the end of the day, that is who you are going home to at night; that is who you need to be happy with. All your quirks, your intellect, your beauty, it is yours and no one can take that from you. I’ve had a casting director tell me that I could never be on a certain network because my face was too round. Oh, how it makes me laugh because I’ve already been on that network multiple times because I didn’t let someone make that decision for me based on their opinion of my face. God gave me this face and no matter what it looks like, it is mine, and I am grateful for that! So be grateful for what you have; it makes the road much more enjoyable! 

It never ceases to amaze me just how many of the people I interview cite their faith as an integral part of who they are as well as being a defining force in their career. Hannah is one who has labored in the virtual shadows and has waited for the moment when her star would begin its steady ascent. There are many who are not aware of her obvious talent, her dogged determination, and overwhelming zest to create diverse characters on screen that inspire and entertain viewers, but all of that is about to change for the gifted and sweet Hannah as her first significant role with the Hallmark network illuminates the screen this evening. In spite of the naysayers, Hannah has remained true to who she is mentally, emotionally, and spiritually with a drive that rivals some of the most successful working actors in the business today, and I applaud her uncanny fervency to strive to be the best person possible in all areas of her life while maintaining her innate authenticity to who she is. There is no doubt that God is bringing about His purposes within her life, and it thrills me to the depths of my soul to see an immeasurably kind and profoundly skilled woman in her position beginning to attain the goals and dreams that were birthed within her many years ago.

I invite everyone to tune in to the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network tonight (August 12th) for the premiere of the next chapter of the insanely popular Garage Sale Mysteries films which is subtitled The Mask Murder. Moreover, keep a sharp eye out for this delightful, young woman who is portraying one of her most exciting characters to date. Additionally, please click on all of her links below and consider following her on social media where applicable because something tells me that this actress is about to witness some of her wildest dreams becoming reality. It is finally her time to spread her proverbial wings and fly, and I have no doubt that in the weeks, months, and years to come that Hannah is only going to become more prominent in the world of television and film due to her unfaltering work ethic, her amazing humility, her extraordinary dedication to her craft, and above all, her singular loyalty to her faith.

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