If you were amongst the viewers who watched and enjoyed Once Upon A Christmas Miracle this year (either on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries or on the W Network), you were a part of record-breaking network history. There is no doubt about it that this based-on-a-true-story movie resonated with an extensive segment of viewers this holiday season. There is also a chance that you noticed Cassandra Potenza, who played the role of Ashley Kreuger, in this heartwarming film. Recently, Cassandra agreed to do a quick interview with me, and I am happy to share it with my readers today.
RH: Why did you decide to become an actress? What kind of training did you have to prepare you for this career choice?
CP: Well, I grew up in the arts as a professional dancer and singer. I was heavily involved in musical theatre, which eventually transitioned into acting. When I began taking acting class everything kind of clicked for me and I was like, “Oh, this is what I’m meant to be doing.” The training never stops for me! I think it’s important to be constantly learning and evolving. I graduated from George Brown Theatre School and continue to take classes at film/TV studios around Toronto. I just finished up my first term with David Rotenberg at pro actors lab!
What was your first professional job in the business? What are your memories of it?
My first professional job in film/TV was luckily right out of theatre school. I was on a TV show called Forbidden for Investigation Discovery and just remember learning so much from that experience. I played a twin and to this day remain very close with the girl who played my sister. (I’m going to be in her wedding party come next April!) I just loved the collaborative process of being on set and getting to meet other hard-working artists. There’s really no better feeling.
I believe A Dream of Christmas was your first Hallmark movie. Before coming on board for this film, what did you know about Hallmark and its movies?
Yes, it was! I’ve always been a huge fan of Hallmark movies. There’s just nothing quite like cozying up with a hot cup of cocoa and watching a heart-warming Christmas love story. My mom loves watching them too, so it’s kind of become our thing!
Please tell us what it was like working on A Dream of Christmas. Any special memories?
Oh, I received such a warm welcome on the set of A Dream of Christmas! I only had about three lines, but I remember the whole environment was so comforting and extremely focused. Gary Yates had directed A Dream of Christmas, and I was extremely lucky enough to get to work with him again on Once Upon A Christmas Miracle!
I notice you have a recurring role on the show Burden of Truth. Please tell us about your role and how your character fits into the overall premise of the show. Since the show was renewed for another season, will your character be returning (or can you say?)?
Burden of Truth
My character Georgia Lewis appears in the first season and is one of the girls who’s become sick with Tourette-like symptoms along with a few other girls at her school. Joanna Hanley (played by the amazing Kristen Kreuk) is a lawyer who comes to her hometown to help the girls in discovering what is causing the mysterious illness. I will not be in the second season, but I absolutely cannot wait to see where they take the storyline- it looks like it’s gonna be epic!
Hallmark viewers saw you in Once Upon a Christmas Miracle earlier this holiday season. Please tell us about what it was like making that film and playing a real person? What was the on-set filming atmosphere like?
Filming Once Upon a Christmas Miracle was a very special experience that I know will be a stand-out for years to come. It’s not too often you get to be a part of a project based on a true story and such a beautiful one at that. The real Heather and Chris were just the loveliest people, and we were lucky enough to have them visit the set for a few days. It was really cool to get to contribute in sharing such an incredible story with the world. We had a lot of fun on set, and everyone was so lovely to work with. Thom Zimerle, who plays my father in the film, had actually already played my father on Forbidden! So it was a kind of a reunion for us! Overall, I just had such a great experience and got to drink a lot of eggnog and eat a lot cookies 😉
I know that this movie was the one that Hallmark chose to feature at their Christmas party/gala. Did you attend that event?
I did not attend the event, but couldn’t be happier about the news! It was so cool that so many people came together to celebrate the film!
Why do you believe this movie was so popular with the fans?
That’s great to hear! I think because it’s just such an inspiring story about hope, kindness and generosity with a whole lotta Christmas! But more importantly, because it sheds light on the crucial subject of organ donation. I personally learned so much about organ donation in my preparation for the film. For example, did you know that it only takes approximately three months for a liver to regenerate back to its full size? Amazing! Lastly, I believe it being based on a true story makes the film even more special!
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Unfortunately, nothing I can mention!
What would be your “dream” way to spend the Christmas holidays?
As long as my family and friends are by my side, I’m having my “dream” Christmas
As this is her second role with the Hallmark network, it would appear that Cassandra is earning a definitive position in the Hallmark family due to her dedication, her collaborative spirit, and her unquestioned talent. While Cassandra’s credits are still relatively small, it is clear that she is investing the necessary work and patience in order to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and she is already receiving accolades for her roles across network lines. I am grateful that Hallmark has highlighted her, and I look forward to seeing much more from Cassandra in the future.
In the meantime, if you have not had the opportunity to see Once Upon A Christmas Miracle, I would invite you to check it out on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network (U.S.) or the W Network (Canada) before the season reaches its conclusion and it is retired until next year. Additionally, please feel free to visit all of Cassandra’s links below and follow her where applicable. As an actress who has been making a splash in the world of entertainment over the past couple of years, Cassandra has proven to be a genuine delight, and I look forward to supporting her in her next project, whatever that may be.
FOLLOW CASSANDRA
