While it is true that I only discovered Cameron Mathison through the most wonderful network on earth–Hallmark–my support for this talented man has not wavered since I first recognized his prowess in the inaugural Murder, She Baked film. From that time on, I have explored many of his other projects and always celebrated his professional and personal successes whenever I could. This Saturday (October 20th), Hallmark fans will have the opportunity to see Cameron in a fantastic Fall Harvest film entitled Love, Of Course. Recently, Cameron and I took a few moments to catch up in this our third interview.

RH: Thank you so much for making the time to chat today, Cameron.

CM: Absolutely my pleasure, Ruth. Let’s get going!

Photo: Danica McKellar, Cameron Mathison Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood

Since our last interview, you have been in two Hallmark movies. Very, Very Valentine and A Summer To Remember. Are there any special moments from those that you would like to share?

In Very, Very Valentine, that was my first opportunity to work with Danica McKellar, and that was a real treat for me. We sparked a great friendship, and I really got to see firsthand just what a wonderful person she is. She is kind, prepared, thoughtful, and super sweet. That was a real highlight for me working on that film.

Catherine Bell, Cameron Mathison Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allan Stephen

In A Summer To Remember, was sort of ditto for Catherine Bell. She’s ridiculously amazing in every way. But equally as amazing was the location. We were shooting in Fiji, and I was playing golf in the morning before we started to shoot. And with working on the beach and the jet skis…it was a real crazy sensory overload experience.

That’s great! Those were both favorites of mine, and I know the Hallmark fans enjoyed them as well. And this weekend, we have Love, Of Course coming up. What can you tell us about your character and how he relates to the overall story?

In this movie, I am a professor and a die-hard environmentalist, and I care a lot about the crops and harvesting. And that’s what I teach about. In the film, a mom, played by Kelly Rutherford, comes to the school with her daughter (Makenzie Vega), and it’s the first time they’ve ever lived apart. Kelly’s character and mine butt heads at first, but I need a little bit of help with this Harvest Festival because I’m not that good at throwing these festivals. I make it all about the harvest, and nobody really cares about that as much as I do. She comes into play as the festival party throwing expert, and she helps raise the bar of the festival if you will. Those are the parameters, but ultimately, the story’s about taking a second chance–taking a chance at love, going out on a limb a little bit. And I think there’s a lot to learn from it.

I believe this is Kelly Rutherford’s first Hallmark movie.

Yes, that is correct.

Had you both ever worked together before?

We had never worked together before. But we met the day before we started production. We met at a line dancing rehearsal for the film. In the film, we line dance. And the director wanted to get us together before the film started shooting so we could learn how to line dance, and that’s how we met. Which is a good way to break into that chemistry.

I understand Gabby Douglas is also in this film, and it’s her first Hallmark film. What was it like working with her?

First of all, she’s very humble and sweet. You know, when you’re a little outside your element…I know she’s starting to work more as an actress, but that’s not obviously the main way that we know her. But it was nice that she came in and that she was sweet and humble and open to learning. She did a really good job. I only had a couple of scenes with her. It was a very big deal. She’s a pretty amazing athlete, and I remember watching her compete. But seeing her cross crafts like that and working as an actress…it’s not easy. Some people think that anybody can be an actor, but it’s not easy. Gabby did a very nice job though.

Honestly, this movie sounds like something a little different for Hallmark. It still is keeping within the general framework, but it sounds like a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to seeing it.

Me too.

Recently, you became the new permanent co-host at Home & Family. I know you’ve had a lot of experience with doing these kinds of shows, but how was the transition into this show?

It’s been so good. I love ET, and luckily, I still get to work with those guys. I co-host the weekend show. But the things that we do on Home & Family is really all based on helping others and benefiting others, being positive, uplifting and empowering. And that’s how I like to live my life. So not only is the content of the show very in line with me and who I am, but also the people there have been so welcoming. Debbie {Matenopoulos} is the best of the best, and I’ve known her for a long time. We used to host a show together called Instant Beauty Pageant. So it’s like coming home.

Now, it’s intense, don’t get me wrong. From the moment I get out of my car in the morning to the moment I leave, I don’t stop. I’ve never had a job ever like that, other than maybe Dancing With the Stars. I’m going nonstop. Actually, even with Dancing With the Stars, I had breaks. I don’t have a break, and I know I’m not the only one to say this. It’s a really intense 8:30 till 3:30. But it is very fulfilling.

Credit: © 2018 Crown Media United States, LLC | Photo: Jeremy lee/ Alexx Henry Studios, LLC.

I’ve been very impressed watching you. You seemed to make the transition easily. It seems now like you’ve always been there, and then I realize it’s been a relatively short time. 

Thank you, I really appreciate you saying that. I feel that in many ways I’m settling in nicely. I still feel like I’ve got a lot to learn. You know, every show has got its unique set of skillsets. Good Morning America has got theirs, and ET has theirs. As an actor, if I’m doing a TV movie, it’s one thing. If I’m doing a soap opera, it’s another thing. Everything functions slightly differently. You’ve got to get used to those idiosyncrasies. It’s those subtle differences that I think make everyone feel settled in, confident, and relaxed. I’m getting more and more used to those differences and making it my own. I’m starting to know where I get tripped up a little bit sometimes and understanding why that’s the case. And I feel really good about it, and mostly I enjoy that I get to be more myself. It’s really Cameron on there and not like I’m presenting. With ET, there’s still some Cameron there, but mostly I’m the presenter on that show. And obviously, in these TV movies, I’m playing these characters with a little bit of Cameron mixed in there. But being on Home & Family is really as close to me that I’ve ever been in any job ever, I’d say.

Credit: © 2018 Crown Media United States, LLC | Photo: Jeremy lee/ Alexx Henry Studios, LLC.

That makes perfect sense. I think you mentioned something similar to that at the end of one of your recent Home & Family shows. Now, I know we have Love, Of Course this weekend, but mostly, the fans are concerned that since you’re hosting Home & Family now, are you going to keep doing TV movies?

Well, I will say this. I guess I’ve got to leave it up to the powers that be and Hallmark. But it has always been in the discussion that they’ll figure out a way for me to do one or two movies a year. It was always a part of our agreement and discussion. Now, obviously, things change.

While I don’t have anything locked in or lined up right now, we know these movies usually come together very last-minute. Maybe they won’t now because we need more notice. But I know there’s a lot of great fill-in hosts. I know Ken Wingard would probably fill in and maybe Kym Douglas would fill in if I was gone for a while. I would also try to host from location, like a taped segment from the set. So while we don’t have anything locked in, it is definitely everybody’s intention for me to be able to still do movies. And if that doesn’t happen, then I would be as surprised as the viewers. And I’m grateful that the fans are asking. That feels good that they’re asking.

Cameron, that’s so comforting to hear. I think that might calm the fears of some of your fans. Now, last thing. One of the things that the Hallmark fans and I appreciate about you is that in spite of your busy schedule, you are still a devoted father and husband. You always make time for your family, and you share that with us when you do. What are your secrets to being able to balance it all as you do?

The Mathison Family

Thanks for noticing that; that feels good to hear. Definitely, it’s an effort. One of the things I do is I get up before everybody and I do a lot of my “me” time before everybody wakes up. I’ll get up at 5:00 or 5:30, and I’ll do my sort of version of a workout at home. And I’ll do a little meditation and my spiritual time in the morning before they wake up so it doesn’t take away from my time during the day.

I really try to fit in either my couple’s time with Vanessa or my personal time that usually has to do with golf or working out. I don’t really do a whole lot else, and that’s the other problem. I need to work at balancing my friendships because I have friendships at work and obviously, my wife is my best friend. But I need to work more time into my schedule for my friends, and maybe I can include that in golf somehow.

I try to do all of it as early as I can, and I try to schedule the “me” time when my kids are busy or when they’re off with their friends so that they don’t feel it as much. So when they’re around, I’m around. That’s really important to me, but it doesn’t always work. Still, I like to think I’m pretty good at it. I do a lot of drop-offs and pick-ups because that’s a good time to catch up with my kids. I also spend a lot of time working with them on homework. And I do schedule in family time. For example, Friday night, my son has other plans, but I have planned a Daddy/Daughter date night with my daughter. I try to adjust it accordingly to everybody’s schedule.

Whatever you’re doing, Cameron, it seems to be working. I know we all have things we can work on, but at least from what I can tell, it’s a testament to you and your family that you all seem very close. You make family the priority, and I commend you for that. And I know I’m not the only one who notices that. 

Thank you so much, Ruth.

You’re very welcome. And we are very excited for Saturday night. Thanks for taking the time to chat today, Cameron.

Ruth, it was great catching up with you, and I appreciate all the support of the fans. And I hope everyone enjoys Love, Of Course this weekend.

I cannot tell you what it means to have Cameron share with me so authentically. He has always gone out of his way to respond to me and to make interviews happen when I inquire. Furthermore, the fact that he prioritizes his personal and professional life as he does is a testament to his longevity in this business, at least, in my humble opinion. He is never satisfied with the status quo, and I recognize in him that remarkable quality that consistently strives for perfection in every area of his life. I do not believe Cameron will ever become stagnant in his career, and even though we viewers are enthralled with such dynamic and compelling performances from Cameron, no matter the genre, he is willing to consider his craft objectively and recognize what he would like to improve for next time. While I am convinced that many actors possess these qualities, very few are confident enough in who they are to actually share that concept with the fans. And for that, again, I commend his forthright sincerity. Moreover, from my perspective, he’s pretty darned near perfect, and while I’m glad he continues to endeavor to meet his self-imposed standards, I am impeccably entertained by his captivating presence, his overflowing enthusiasm, and his warm persona whenever he is on camera.

I hope that everyone in the U.S. will tune to the Hallmark Channel on Saturday (October 20th) to watch the premiere of Love, Of Course–be sure to check local listings as times may be different from normal. Additionally, please visit all of Cameron’s links below and consider following him where applicable. While I will be unable to tweet this weekend (I am headed up to Vancouver for the Hearties Family Reunion), my DVR is set, and I can hardly wait to see the magic that Cameron and Kelly are guaranteed to accomplish on screen. Additionally, the assertion that Cameron plans to continue his acting career is a valid cause worth extolling, and I am exhilarated to know that his acting talent does not appear to be vanishing from my screen any time soon! Thanks to Hallmark, viewers can feast their eyes on Cameron five days a week, and I am grateful for the steadfast diligence he continues to invest in each aspect of his life and career. 

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Kelly Rutherford, Cameron Mathison Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steven Ackerman

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