You will probably hear this time and again from me, but I revel in featuring the actors who are just beginning their quests within this business, and I admire the fact that the Hallmark Channel often gives these novice actors some of their earliest and best screen time. In the case of Lesley Mirza, that is verifiably true! The fans of Chesapeake Shores had the opportunity to catch an impressive glimpse of Lesley this season, and I tend to think it won’t be the last time we see her featured on the network. Recently, she agreed to answer a few questions about her developing career.

RH: What inspired you to become an actress? Please tell us a little about your background and your path to becoming an actress?

LM: I’ve always loved performing and entertaining people. I started off creating plays with friends and acting them out for my parents, then went on to perform in several school theatrical productions. My first big break was in the 80s (in the U.K.) when I was cast as a schoolgirl in the Children’s Film Foundation feature film, Friend or Foe, and several years later I was cast in Dennis Potter’s mini-series Lipstick on Your Collar.

In the 90s, circumstances found me moving back to Canada, specifically to Vancouver, and acting was put on hold indefinitely…until three years ago when I thought it might be fun to work as an extra. Within a few months, my love of acting was re-ignited and I knew that I wanted to be in front of the camera, rather than in the background. I registered for acting class after acting class to develop my skills again, got an agent, and volunteered for student and independent films. I love being an actor and am excited for each new opportunity!

I understand you made an appearance in Chesapeake Shores Season three. How did that role come about? What was your on set experience like?

Chesapeake Shores With Jesse Metcalfe and Meghan Ory

I have been a fan of Chesapeake Shores since the beginning and was thrilled when I was asked to audition for the role of Diane, the female fan. I taped my audition on a Thursday in April and booked the role that Sunday – I was over the moon!

In May, I ferried over to Vancouver Island to film my scene with Jesse Metcalfe and Meghan Ory in Nanaimo.

With two seasons already under its belt, the production is an extremely well-oiled machine and so organized. Everyone was very kind and helpful from the moment I arrived to the moment I was dropped off at the ferry to go home. And working with Jesse, Meghan, and our director, Terry Ingram, was a tremendous experience.

Before working with the Hallmark Channel on this show, what did you know about the network?

Working as an actor in Vancouver, you realize that Hallmark films a sizeable amount of its movies and shows here, which we are so thankful for. But I was actually aware of Hallmark long before having the opportunity to audition and work on such productions – my husband and I have been watching Hallmark movies since the 90s and love them!

Pass the Salt

Any other upcoming/recent works you can mention?

I love to keep busy and work on many independent films. Last month, I wrapped up filming on Brother, I Cry, a dramatic, feature-length movie, written and directed by budding filmmaker Jesse Anthony, in which I play a doctor. And a fabulous short film, Pass The Salt, that I worked on earlier this year, which aired on Canada’s CBC channel this month.

As you still getting established in the film/TV world of acting, what are the best things about this career choice? What are the challenges?

Timeless season one

The support that other actors have offered me as a newbie is overwhelming. There really is a feeling of camaraderie in our close-knit community. And every time my wonderful agent, Jenn, contacts me with an audition, I do a happy dance.

The challenge of starting up an acting career later in life is that other actors of the same age have many more years of experience under their belt than I do and are more well-known to the local casting directors. Though I am super-excited and raring to go, I realize that I have to pay my dues, keep training and know that what is meant to be will be.

What do you like to do in your free time when not working?

I’m a bit of a homebody and love to watch movies on TV while curled up on the couch with my two pugs, Oscar and Grissom, and my husband. And I have quite the sweet tooth and am always hunting for the best pastry shop in town.

Training for any actor is important, so I am continually pushing myself. Currently, I am in scene-study class with Jill Morrison at Jeb Beach & Associates, and I get audition coaching with Sarah-Jane Redmond, two phenomenal actors.

Are there any causes you feel strongly about and/or support?

I adore animals and drop off supplies and donate to the SPCA on a regular basis.

Lesley’s enthusiasm for acting is readily apparent and decidedly infectious. All one has to do is visit her links (listed below) in order to witness the diverse array of photos and posts that demonstrate her gratitude for her opportunities and her willingness to avail herself of every experience to the utmost. While she has always had an affinity for this business, I commend her for taking a risk and pursuing her dreams in spite of any obstacles that may have presented themselves. Whenever I chat with actors, I regularly uncover the fact that there truly is no one path to success in the world of film and television, and Lesley has demonstrated that in her own inimitable way. She continues to be a representation that age is merely a number and no dream is out of reach, and I greatly anticipate what is coming up for her as she continues to pursue her passions. Be sure that you check out Chesapeake Shores episode four as she mentioned (Hallmark Channel carries the show in the U.S., and Super Channel Heart & Home carries it in Canada.) if you have not already, and be sure to also check out those links below as I suggested earlier. Let’s collectively cross our fingers that we witness Lesley in another production on Hallmark (or elsewhere) very soon so that we can behold more of her outstanding skills in action!

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