Interview With Actress Sarah Edmondson, “Salvation” & “Wedding of Dreams”

By Ruth on September 6, 2018 in Interview, movie, television
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When it comes to popular network shows that are shot in Vancouver, one of the most compelling parts of those shows for me is when I read the guest star credits at the beginning of the program. (Yes, I have been known to pause and rewind when I miss out the names!) As an avid fan of Salvation this season, I was ecstatic when I read the name Sarah Edmondson because I had interviewed her last year in anticipation of the Hallmark film At Home In Mitford. For some time, we had attempted to make a connection for a follow-up interview, and it just so happens that Saturday evening, Sarah was free at last! Needless to say, I am thrilled to be sharing with my readers one of the sweetest and most enterprising ladies in the industry today!

Photo Credit: Liz Rosa

RH: Sarah, it is so nice to be able to chat with you at last! 

SE: Same here, Ruth. I’m glad it worked out because all too often, my schedule is too crazy to chat. But tonight, my husband and my son are out, so I have some time at home by myself.

How old is your son now?

He’s four.

Oh, I remember those times. So you’re not only an actress but a very busy wife and devoted mom, and I understand how hectic that life can be. Now, the reason I reached out to interview you again is your name popped up on Salvation, and then when I looked you up, I noticed you’re on Wedding of Dreams as well. 

Oh, yes, great projects to be a part of.

As Marge Owen in At Home in Mitford

I still remember you from At Home In Mitford, which was the last time we chatted. I know some people complained that it wasn’t exactly like the book, but even though it was different, I still enjoyed the movie. And I loved your character.

I had so much fun on that one.

And now the nice thing is that is the movie is exclusively on Hallmark Movies Now, their streaming app, so if people have access to that, they can watch the movie any time they want. And from what I’ve seen, it has become a pretty popular one to watch on the app.

Really? That’s nice to know. I would love to do a sequel to that movie.

Well, you never know. I know Hallmark is going to offer their first original content on their app next year, so maybe one day they will start offering original movies on that app too.

Photo Credit:
Liz Rosa

That would be wonderful! I can assure you I’d be ready to do a sequel for that film.

When I first heard that Cameron Mathison and Andie MacDowell were going to be in the movie, I wasn’t sure how that would work, but then they blew me away. They were fantastic together.

They really were. It was so touching. And my character was married to David Lewis‘ character.

That’s right! And you two were so much fun together. 

You know, I’ve known David for like twenty years. He’s a great friend, and it was a blast to get to work with him.

Well, maybe it’s time for the fans to start requesting a sequel. I think it would be fantastic!

If a sequel ever happens for At Home In Mitford, I promise you I’d jump at the chance to be a part of it.

I was looking at your works since we last chatted, and you have done some voice work, I see. 

My Little Pony

Yes, I have done some work on My Little Pony. I am the voice of Windy Whistles, Rainbow Dash’s mom. In fact, I went to my first convention this year, Everfree Northwest. I didn’t know what to expect. I had heard that these conventions are often intense experiences. But I was really overwhelmed with how emotional I got as I heard everyone’s stories about how they found the My Little Pony community and how it helped them in their lives. I just loved it. I told the organizers that I would love to come back if they invite me. I’d come back anytime. I was really quite moved by the level of expression, acceptance, and the concept that “anything goes.” There’s no judgment. It was a great first convention experience.

From Everfree Northwest

That’s so fabulous to hear. Now, I wanted to ask you about the Minecraft Miniseries that is listed on your credits. What is that?

Good question. It’s a little short series on YouTube, five minutes each episode. I didn’t know much about Minecraft before doing this series. I’d heard that it was quite a phenomenon that existed. But it was a great foray into that world, and I learned a lot about Minecraft. My son is not at the right age to play Minecraft, so I had to research it and get in the know. But for the kids who play it, there’s a pretty solid fanbase for that world.

I only really know about Minecraft minimally because my daughter has played it in the past, but I think she’s getting too old for it now. She’s a teen, so she’s on to other games. 

I get that. But I have to tell you this. My son goes around and brags about me any time My Little Pony is mentioned. He’ll say, “My mom is Windy Whistles, Rainbow Dash’s mom.”

Oh, that’s sweet that he’s proud of his mom. So you’ve also appeared in a couple of episodes of Salvation. The moment I saw your name pop up, I watched for you, and the instant Nora was on screen, I recognized you. And my mom knows who you are too.

With Jenn Finnigan

Oh, that’s nice. Yes, it’s been a great show to be a part of. This last episode, “Celebration Day,” was probably my biggest episode arc. I got to act with Jenn{ifer} Finnigan, and we’ve actually known each other for twenty years. Her first TV show was my very first TV show, The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. It was a very old TV show, but it was lots of fun. This last episode was exciting because we got to work together again after all these years. And for those who have seen this most recent episode, you’ll notice it’s very tense. I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t caught up yet. I will say it was so nice to have that kind of role and share a scene with someone I knew so well. It felt safe to get emotional and try different things.

Salvation

I definitely enjoyed the episode, and I keep wondering what will happen next. You and Jenn were great. I’m so grateful that Salvation moved to Vancouver for the second season. 

Oh, yeah, it’s been great. Lots of local talent involved in the series.

This Saturday, Hallmark viewers are going to get to see you in Wedding of Dreams

Yes, I’m very excited about that. That was another wonderful experience. In fact, let me say that I have never had a bad Hallmark experience. It’s like a new family every time. Hopefully, the fans get that sense each time they watch a new Hallmark movie because we sure feel it on set. I’m so grateful for the experience, especially of working with somebody like Debbie Gibson. She was one of my heroes when I was growing up. If the fans have seen Summer of Dreams, you know that Debbie is playing a pop star in this sequel. My character is vying to be her wedding planner. There’s a really funny scene where my character admits to being a big fan of hers, and I get all gushy. And everyone was laughing about how easy that role was to play because everyone loves Debbie. And it was so fun to be on set with somebody who breaks out into song and dance at a moment’s notice. She was even writing music while we were there and telling us stories about her adventures as a child. She was one of the youngest to write, produce, and make all her own music. It was really cool.

I’m curious. Had you seen Summer of Dreams before booking this film?

No, I hadn’t when I booked it, but I quickly got myself up to speed.

I absolutely loved the first one. And that movie was my introduction to Debbie Gibson because, for whatever reason, I hadn’t paid attention to this cultural icon when I was growing up. So then I got myself up to speed pretty quickly. Plus, I was able to connect with her character because I used to be a music teacher. I also connected with a lot of the kids in the cast. Now, I notice your character’s name is Sarah.

Behind-the-scenes
Wedding of Dreams

{laughs} Yes, that made it easier. Debbie was Debbie and Sarah was Sarah.

{laughs} That doesn’t usually happen.

No, not that often.

So you’re a wedding planner in the movie.

Yes, I end up getting the job as Debbie’s wedding planner. Then some drama ensues, and I don’t want to give away the plot, but you know how it is.

Well, yeah, the movie is called Wedding of Dreams, but even though this is Hallmark, it can’t be absolutely perfect every step of the way. Otherwise, it might get pretty boring, and it might only be a twenty-minute movie. 

That’s right. So of course, there is miscommunication. There’s a few problems along the way. But this is Hallmark, and you can bet that somehow everything is gonna work out. Or at least we hope it will.

I’m just excited the movie is finally airing because at first, the plan was for it to air during the summer. Then the movie sort of disappeared. And now it’s reemerged as a bonus fall movie. I was so delighted to see this sequel come, and I have no doubt it will be a big hit.

I really hope so. I loved this one, and I certainly hope for another sequel. I don’t know if the wedding planner would be able to stick around, but fingers crossed.

With Debbie Gibson
Wedding of Dreams

Well, you never know. There’s got to be some more weddings going on, so maybe if there’s another one, they’ll need your services again. Well, Sarah, this is turning out to be a great week for you. You started the week with Salvation, and you are ending it with Wedding of Dreams. I think that’s pretty cool.

Yeah, I guess it’s going to be kind of like my big week. I hope everyone enjoys them both.

Now, the big question is, do you have anything else coming up? I know Hallmark fans would love to see you in a Christmas movie, Sarah.

Oh, wouldn’t that be great? Just like a dream come true. Well, I can’t talk about any upcoming projects right now because nothing is set in stone, but I do hope the fans will keep an eye out for a potential project coming up that is going to be amazing if everything comes together like we expect it will. I hope I’ll be able to share more about the project very soon, but till then, just keep on the lookout for a very special announcement from me that will involve a couple other very special people as well.

You’ve intrigued me, Sarah. I really hope it’s a Christmas movie. But I won’t press you for more information. I know I’ll be keeping an eye out. 

Thank you so much, Ruth, for reaching out and being so flexible. I am grateful to all the fans, and I can hardly wait for the viewers to catch up on Salvation and to see Wedding of Dreams this weekend. I am so thankful for everyone’s support.

Well, Sarah, thank you so much for taking some of your time tonight to talk with me. And I promise, all the Hallmark fans are going to be glued to your social media accounts until we know what special announcement is coming up! I sure am excited!!

Photo Credit: Liz Rosa

As far as I’m concerned, Sarah is a radiant example of exactly how extraordinary every Hallmark cast and crew member truly are. In point of fact, while Sarah stated that she’s never had a negative experience on a Hallmark set, I haven’t interacted with anyone associated with one of their projects who is rude, inconsiderate, or adversarial. There is something distinctive about the network and the people who are chosen to represent this exceptional network, and in my humble opinion, Sarah is the epitome of what this channel represents. She consistently places her family before anything else, and her humility, generosity, and benevolence radiate effortlessly from her innermost being. Furthermore, those same essential, intrinsic qualities follow her to every set where she is blessed to work, and her long-standing relationships within the business are a tribute to her as a consummate professional. I have nothing but boundless respect for women like Sarah, who balance a career and family with grace and composure, and I am extremely pleased to see a multitude of opportunities continuing to emerge for her in the entertainment community.

I hope that all households in the U.S. will make a concerted effort to tune into the Hallmark Channel on Saturday (September 8th) night and watch the premiere of the highly anticipated Debbie Gibson sequel entitled Wedding of Dreams. Moreover, if you have not watched Salvation on CBS, I promise you that this is one show that will resonate with viewers on many levels without being overtly offensive nor subversive, so you may wish to check out the episodes you may have missed. Additionally, it is my desire that all of my readers visit Sarah’s links below and follow her on social media lest you disregard the momentous announcement that is heading our way quite soon. When it comes to sweet and talented women who work hard in every area of their lives, I have to say that Sarah is exemplary. She does it all to the best of her abilities, and the result is a perfect combination of elegance, contentment, and stamina that is not always witnessed in women who choose to pursue their dreams in the area of performing arts. Sarah stands as a beacon of joy and positivity who constantly inspires all with her talent and cheery outlook, and I can hardly wait to see what is next on the agenda for her!

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About the Author

RuthView all posts by Ruth
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

2 Comments

  1. denise September 8, 2018 Reply

    Fun to see her playing the wedding planner tonight.

    • Author
      Ruth September 9, 2018 Reply

      Yes, I hope they bring her back if they do another one.

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