I remember the first time I noticed Larissa Albuquerque in When Calls the Heart, and shortly thereafter, I interviewed her and featured her for the first time. Fast forward nearly three years later, and her career is continuing its upward spiral, and again, I am interviewing her (for the third time) in anticipation of her first standalone Hallmark Christmas movie tonight (December 1st). How incredible is that?
Photo Credit: Melody Davis
RH: Larissa, I’m so glad we found the time to chat before your big Christmas movie premiered.
CM: Ruth, I am too! Thanks for reaching out. It’s been a great year for me.
I’ve been noticing how your career has been taking off.
Yes, I’ve been getting busier than I’ve ever been. Hopefully, that keeps going for this next year. The dream thing would be booking a pilot, but I’m just so grateful for all the work this year.
Oh, that would be awesome if you booked a pilot. So, that brings me to When Calls the Heart. Are you in the upcoming season, or can you say?
No, unfortunately, I’m not.
The ladies of When Calls the Heart
I kind of figured that since we hadn’t heard anything about you being on set for the show. So, I guess that means Mr. Yost’s daughter must have taken off.
I’m just not sure. I think originally, Katie was only technically supposed to be in season three, but they kept me on and put me in some of their storylines. But after the season five finale, with the death of Jack, they did some rewriting. They did ask me how I would feel about having a bigger role in the show. I told them I would be interested, but as sometimes happens in this business, that never developed. I think they wanted to focus on some of the relationships that were already a part of the show, and they also added some new girls to the cast. And I can see why there would be a need for that. But I guess Katie just didn’t have a place in this season.
If you remember, originally, that whole love story with Katie and Murphy. Unfortunately, that actor, Matt Clarke, had a family issue and had to return to LA. So that storyline remained unfinished.
Oh, that’s sad when those kinds of things happen. Well, the good thing is that you never know when they might bring you back because it’s happened with other actors.
With Neal Fearnley
That’s right! Max {Lloyd-Jones}, who is a really good friend of mine, came back last season. He played Jack’s brother. In fact, I was staying at his house in LA when he got called back to return for an episode of When Calls the Heart.
Oh, that’s kinda cool. Well, I know your character was never a huge part of the storyline, but if this show keeps going on for more seasons, as we all hope, and since the Hearties know and love you, it would be perfect if Katie came back.
That’s right, and if they want me back, I would definitely come back. These kinds of things happen, and I understand completely.
You have a great attitude about it, Larissa. And the best thing is that your career is continuing.
Photo credit: Noah Asanias
Yes, and I’m still in that Hallmark family. I really enjoy working with everyone there. I feel like the writers and directors are always on my side as well as the actors. In fact, Erin {Krakow} reached out to me a couple months ago and asked out of the blue if I was left-handed. And I responded, “Yes.” And she was like, “Good to know.” I was like, “Why do you ask?” And she was like, “Story development.” I have no idea why they asked, but it’s nice to know they are still thinking about me.
Well, it wouldn’t surprise me if they are already thinking about season seven even though season six hasn’t aired yet. I think the writers have to think far in advance like that. So I guess we’ll see. But it was nice for Hallmark audiences to see you briefly this summer in Wedding March 4.
Wedding March 4
Yeah, I was in that one for a little bit.
I understand you filmed at a beautiful location.
Oh my gosh, yes! That was so nice! It was a golf course and just beautiful.
Now, what I was really excited about was Counterfeiting in Suburbia. I had interviewed Jason {Bourque} about it, but I finally sat down and watched it on Netflix this summer. And oh, Larissa, that was awesome!
That one was super awesome, and I really liked doing that one. And it was the first project where I really was the lead. So I got the script and really worked on feeling like I knew the character really well. It wasn’t like I was coming in for just a few days. And being able to work with a cast and crew like that for twenty-one full days was just awesome. And we got along so well.
Jason was really creative on set. He didn’t work in the box; he is definitely an out-of-the-box director. He would make the most “mundane” shots really exciting and stylistic. So that was very interesting to watch and be a part of. He makes everyone on the crew feel special–the camera and lighting guys and everybody–because he is so creative.
Behind the scenes
Counterfeiting in Suburbia
I got plenty of good feedback from the movie. A lot of people specifically in the States watched it, and I got some new fans from it. And that inspired people to really get into it, which is always the goal. If I can do that for people, then that’s awesome for me. I got a really good boost for my career from it. I got some good clips for my demo reel, and I was able to apply for my visa so I can work in the States.
Oh, that is good news! So, Larissa, let’s talk about Mingle All the Way.
Absolutely. When we shot it in September, it was called Holidate. And it changed recently to Mingle All the Way. I had so much fun shooting this film. Lindsay Wagner was in it. She was so awesome to work with and such a vet. And Jen Lilley was awesome!
How does your character figure into the storyline of this film?
With Larissa Albuquerque & Serge Houde
The storyline centers around my older sister. It’s actually kind of funny because usually, it’s the opposite way where the younger sister is the one that needs advice. But in this one, I am the one giving advice to my older sister who is very business-oriented and wants the business she has started to take off. Lindsay Wagner plays my mom, and she wants her daughter to get together with someone and settle down with them. And I’m the one reminding my mom to give her time. And I’m supportive of my sister in the movie; that’s my role. I give her the emotional support that she needs to do what she needs to do. And my character is the one who’s like, “Let’s break the ice. Let’s break the tension.” I want everyone to be a happy family during Christmas. I don’t want there to be all those questions and tense moments in the house.
So from what I could tell, it looks like you had lots of fun on set.
{laughs} Oh, yes, definitely! We did a lot of funny group selfies. It was one of those casts that mingled really well and meshed well. I actually got along really well with Jen because we kind of come from a similar upbringing. We both come from Christian homes and got married really young, and we talked about that on set for a bit and how that is being in the industry and being away a lot and working strange hours. It was cool getting advice from her on those issues.
I have gotten to interview Jen a couple of times, and she seems like one who gets along with everyone.
Photo Credit:: Melody Davis
Yes definitely. She is very spunky and has a positive, bubbly personality. And she’s definitely humble even though she is the lead. I think that’s how everyone should be, but it’s not always the case. She cares for and respects every single person on the team, no matter who they are. That’s what I always strive to do on my projects as well. I mean, you never know who that person is standing next to you holding the light is. Or what story they can tell or where they’ve come from. I think that’s something that is cool about working on set is that you meet so many people from different paths of life.
Well, it’s good to know that Hallmark fans can see it in the States, but this year, Canada can see it on the W Network as well. I’m so happy that came about.
Me too, Ruth. But I have another issue as well because I have family that live in Brazil. And they’re always asking, “When is it coming out here?” I’m always trying to help them out and send them copies of the movie when I can because all too often, it doesn’t make its way out to Brazil.
Photo Credit: Tamara Weilmeier
Oh, wow, that’s tough. You know, it’s truly amazing that these Hallmark movies and shows are popular with people all over the world. I forget about that sometimes. There is such a diversity of fans from Australia, Germany, France, the UK…even Fiji where two of the Hallmark films from this summer were filmed. It’s amazing to think that people are so hungry for this kind of entertainment.
Oh, I know you’re right. I had a dentist appointment recently, and while I wouldn’t say I’m famous, but someone recognized me from Hallmark and said, “Oh my gosh, I love those movies! It’s my favorite time of year now!”
That’s cool, Larissa! So in addition to Mingle All the Way, do you have anything else coming up that you can mention?
Behind-the-scenes Family Pictures
Yes, I was a lead on another movie that I recently finished. It’s called Family Pictures {Tempting Fate}, and it’s a Lifetime movie. It was really cool. The director’s name is Manu Boyer, and the executive producer was Kim Raver, who I was really excited to work with. She’s a series regular on Grey’s Anatomy. She co-directed this movie, and it was cool being directed and produced by someone who has been doing this so long on a show that I personally watch myself.
with co-directors Manu Boyer and Kim Raver
And these two are actually married in real life. They’re such a power couple, so it was good to work with both of them. I love personally connecting with the director. And sometimes I don’t know why we connect so well, but we just do. You can’t explain why you get along with some people more than others. And that was three weeks of a wonderful experience. I’m really excited to watch how that one turns out.
I honestly enjoy Lifetime movies. I love Hallmark, but occasionally it’s nice to watch something a little darker or heavier. And I find that these movies sometimes really make you think about different situations and scenarios.
Photo Credit: Melody Davis
And that’s what good about working on these as an actor too. It brings up so much emotion in your scenes and you really think about how that person would react. It’s great. Justina Machado plays my mom, and she’s a series regular on two Netflix shows right now. And she was great to work with.
As far as anything else goes, I think I also may go down to LA for little chunks of time, especially with pilot season coming up. I don’t have any immediate plans to move down there, but I’m not opposed to it in the future if that is the way things eventually work out. I like being up in Vancouver, and I can do a lot from right here, but we’ll see what the future holds as far as any permanent relocation plans. For now, I know my managers want me to at least come down and get in the audition rooms and meet the casting directors.
That sounds incredible, Larissa! And we’re so excited for your movie tonight. Thanks for taking the time to chat.
As always, Ruth, thank you for your wonderful support. And I really hope the fans enjoy Mingle All the Way. I know it’s gonna be fun!
I am particularly pleased to witness the way in which Larissa’s career has progressed over the past couple of years especially. She has not lost her incessant gratitude nor her genuine humility, and people are finally recognizing the powerhouse talent that she is. As Hallmark continues to feature her in their productions (as well as Lifetime and other networks), I couldn’t be happier for her absolute success, and I tend to think this skyward swing is only going to advance for her. In truth, it couldn’t happen to a more delightful young lady, and I can hardly wait to see what comes her way.
Be sure that you watch the Hallmark Channel tonight (December 1st) as we U.S. fans enjoy Mingle All the Way in all of its glory. Canadian fans will be able to see this movie next weekend December 8th on the W Network. Additionally, I would invite you to check out her links below and consider following her where applicable (she is most active on Instagram). I am again gratified and astounded at the array of talent associated with the Hallmark Network, and indeed Larissa is an exceptional addition to the Hallmark Christmas movie family!
FOLLOW LARISSA
Canadian Premiere: December 8th W Network
