When watching every single new Hallmark movie, I always keep an eye out for new actors that I may not recognize, and Amanda Lisman happened to be one of those. A Veteran’s Christmas was my introduction to this talented actress, and I am elated to be able to share my interview with her where we completed a quick overview of her career and even some insight into her as an artist.
Photo by Samantha Gaetz
RH: Why/How did you decide to become an actress? What kind of training have you had?
AL: I always loved acting and was always playing out elaborate scenarios as a child. My brother (who is now a cinematographer) and I would make movies together with one of those old VHS camcorders. It wasn’t until I was in university (studying anthropology!) that I did my first real play at a local community theatre in Victoria, BC. It was this experience that changed my path forever and inspired me to pursue the performing arts as a profession. I did a conservatory acting program at the University of Alberta which included classical text analysis, clown and mask work, singing and sword fighting!
Photo by Samantha Gaetz
What was your first professional job in the industry and what do you remember about it?
I was invited to be a part of a professional training program with The Citadel Theatre, which culminated in a beautiful production of Pride and Prejudice. I played Elizabeth Bennet. It was an incredible experience and a wonderful start to this career. It was a joy to bring that book to life every night.
You have been a guest star on a few CW shows. Please tell us about any special moments you have from the set of any of those.
Supernatural
Yes, I’ve been very lucky to work on some great shows! My time on Supernatural was great fun because Jared {Padalecki} and Jensen {Ackles} are so welcoming and fun to act with and I got to play such a departure from my usual type. “Tammy” was very naive, prudish and uptight! We had a lot of laughs on set with that comedic episode.
I have not seen Suits, but I understand you had a recurring role on the show. Please tell us about your time on that series.
Suits
I had a storyline in season six. I had no idea how popular that show was until I posted my Jimmy Choos (my character’s expensive footwear!) on Instagram. It’s a great cast and crew. Alas, I never met Meghan Markle (that’s the question I get almost daily now!) because her storyline in those episodes didn’t intersect with mine. Gabriel {Macht}, Sarah {Rafferty}and Patrick {J. Adams}are such pros. They have a love of the craft that is inspiring and a great rapport with each other. It’s no
A Veteran’s Christmas
surprise they are known for their ensemble chemistry!
Recently, Hallmark audiences saw you in A Veteran’s Christmas. Were you familiar with the network before you made this first film? What was memorable about shooting that film and what did you appreciate about your character and the overall story?
I was familiar with Hallmark, but had never seen a full movie. I’m hooked now. The way they create the magic and beauty of Christmastime in each movie is so special.
I made some great friends on set during the three weeks of shooting in Northern Ontario. I have such admiration for Eloise Mumford (who plays Grace, our leading lady). She is eloquent, thoughtful and so good-natured. We had so many laughs on set and great discussions about life. There’s nothing like creating a play or a movie with a team of artists! For a short period of time, a group of people comes together with a common goal of creating a piece of entertainment and work so hard to make it happen. There is something about that shared purpose and the love of the craft that bonds.
I loved playing Katie because she is so optimistic and cares greatly about making others feel welcome. I think every actor takes a bit of their character’s personality and integrates it into their own (for better or worse!). In this case, I really wanted to hold on to that kindness and selflessness that she embodies.
I loved that in A Veteran’s Christmas, we learn a little bit about the experience of women in the armed forces. We find out about her excellent education, her ambitions and the contributions she has made to society.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
It’s A Wonderful Life
I’m in Winnipeg, Manitoba right now doing a live production of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. I’m playing Mary and it’s a joy. I’ve been pretending it’s Christmas on various sets since early September and it’s finally appropriate to be singing carols. We play until Dec 15th here in this snowy city!!
I notice you also musical theater. What have been some of your most memorable roles in musical theater?
My Fair Lady
Yes! My favourite role was Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. It is a huge part with many challenges for the singer and also a great pleasure to play both some hilarious comedic scenes and to live out the drama and pathos of the more serious, realistic moments. Singing “I Could Have Danced All Night” and making audiences laugh at the Ascott scene was a career highlight.
Do you have plans to eventually do some writing/directing/producing?
I think most actors have to branch out into other areas of the business as they mature partly because of what roles are available, but also because we find stories that we want to tell. I anticipate doing some of that kind of work in the future, especially directing one day, but have been very lucky to be hired as an actor so far and given the privilege to interpret other artist’s work!
Any special holiday traditions you would like to share?
On Christmas Day, my family takes a walk on the beach on Vancouver Island. We usually send a photo to our snowed-in family out east with a “Wish you were here” message! My favourite part of the holidays is spending time with my family and friends. Sharing laughter and reflecting on the year is always something to cherish. Also, my Mom’s shortbreads are to die for!
Photo by Kevin Clark Photography
I honestly adore the fact that Amanda is a musical theater person. Indeed, My Fair Lady is one of my all-time favorite musicals (I used to dream of being Eliza Dolittle myself), and if I lived closer, I’d make every effort to see her in It’s A Wonderful Life. I am extremely pleased that Amanda was able to play such an incredible role in the amazing Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film, A Veteran’s Christmas, and I look forward to seeing more from this beautiful and talented lady in the future. In spite of her busy schedule, she took the time to answer my questions, and I cannot thank her enough for that.
If you have not seen A Veteran’s Christmas, U.S. viewers will be able to see this film on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network before the Christmas programming is over for the season–be sure to check your local listings. Canadian viewers can see this film on the W Network both today (12/4) and tomorrow (12/5)–again, check your local listings for exact times. I sincerely hope that Amanda will be back in many more Hallmark (and other network) movies and shows, and I am ecstatic to see such gifted, humble, and multi-faceted women such as she portraying strong and spectacular characters. Here’s to many more diverse and fun roles for her in the near and distant future!
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