This past October, I had the wonderful opportunity of heading up to Vancouver, B.C. for the Hearties Family Reunion. While I was there, I met all sorts of engaging people, and one of those young men is none other than Chris McNally. I was already especially enthusiastic that he was joining the cast for season six When Calls the Heart, and upon meeting him, I found he was even more marvelous than I had imagined. We already had a mutual friend in Marcus Rosner (whom I met the day before and who had already put in a good word for me–thanks Marcus!), and watching Chris throughout that particular Saturday was truly mesmerizing. During the press time I was promised with the actors, although it was a bit chaotic, Chris decided that doing the interview in-person was the best course of action, and that is exactly what we did!
Photo by Max Montesi
RH: Chris, it is so wonderful to meet you! I am so excited for your role in When Calls the Heart.
CM: Nice meeting you, Ruth, and all the Hearties today. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me.
So let’s start at the beginning. How did you get started in acting?
Well, it was something I always wanted to do. Some people have a specific incident in their life that has inspired them to pursue this, but ever since I can remember, I wanted to work as an actor. My mom actually hooked me up with an agent in Vancouver when I was a kid. I booked a couple of small parts during that time, but I was pretty terrible. Once I finished high school, I started studying acting and taking classes, and I’ve been working hard for about ten years since then. So I’m blessed to be a working actor.
Photo by Max Montesi
Do you mind elaborating on your training?
Yeah, I’ve studied at a handful of private studios in Vancouver. I’ve done scene study classes and audition classes and improv classes. But I was never part of a conservatory, which is a regret of mine. I think it would have been really fun to do a three- or four-year program with a small group of people. I think that you spend so many more hours in training when you’re at a conservatory because you’re there Monday to Friday all day as opposed to scene study class, which happens once a week, and you’re only there for six hours. And of course, you rehearse outside of that. But I feel like you get so much more exposure to training in a conservatory. I do wish I had done it, but thankfully I’ve been able to study in private studios.
I think everybody has their own unique path in this business, and while you might wish it were different, I’m glad you were able to make this one work out for you.
That’s actually how I met Marcus; it was through these classes.
I think Marcus mentioned that to me. I know he thinks very highly of you. You mentioned you did a couple of things as a kid.
Chris McNally Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer:
Yes, I had a few roles as a day player where I had one line or something like that. And I also did some commercials.
Now, I know that you have done other works besides Hallmark. What were some of those roles you did as an adult that you are known for?
Well, I was on Supernatural a couple of times and made a few appearances in Altered Carbon, but nothing too major until now.
You were actually the lead in a Hallmark movie early last year, weren’t you?
Yes, The Sweetest Heart. I’m still pretty new to the game. I was in a few other Hallmark movies before that. I guest-starred in one of the Gourmet Detective films: Eat, Drink, & Be Buried. And a couple of Christmas movies, Hearts of Christmas and Rocky Mountain Christmas. And I’ve done some Lifetime movies too.
Chris McNally, Julie Gonzalo Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer
Since The Sweetest Heart was your first lead role with Hallmark, how did you get that role? Was it just a normal audition?
No, I actually didn’t audition. They offered me that role. Which really caught me by surprise. I had only done those supporting roles I mentioned, and then I got a call from my agent that there was an offer for this movie that had come through that was originally called Heart’s Desire, but then it was changed to The Sweetest Heart. It seems like they always change the names. That was such a great way to start off the new year last year. That was as soon as we got back from the holiday hiatus. So it caught me by surprise, but I’m very grateful.
Chris McNally, Julie Gonzalo Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer
The fans absolutely love that movie! It was great having all three of those love stories because you don’t usually get that many love stories in a Hallmark film. That was a very memorable one, and you got to play a doctor.
That was fun. It was my first doctor role. I guess I’ve reached an age now where I can believably play someone who has graduated from high school and medical school.
Were you aware of When Calls the Heart before getting an audition for the role?
With Erin Krakow
Yes, I knew all about When Calls the Heart, but I don’t think I had ever auditioned for it myself. I knew about it because I have friends like Marcus who were on it.
Were you aware of the uproar that happened with the season five finale?
No, I was not aware of it. I got the breakdown for both characters–I auditioned for both characters, the Mountie and the saloon owner. And then I looked into why they were bringing in these two new, potential, possible love interests. Then I read about how Dan{iel} Lissing had left to move onto other things. And then I got really nervous because it was like, “Oh, man, they loved this guy so much.” I saw all the hashtags: #BringJackBack and all that. So I was worried that Kevin {McGarry} and I would be under the gun and potentially get some heat for that.
Chris, Kevin, and Brian {Bird}
Did you and Kevin know each other before joining the cast?
No, we didn’t, but we get along great. He’s a great guy.
I have no doubt. When it came out that you both joined the cast, I immediately remembered you from The Sweetest Heart and Kevin from his works. And I thought, “Oh, this could be interesting.” I could see it working. Actually, to be honest, when Erin posted that you both had joined the cast and I saw how your character is the saloon owner, I decided your character was my new favorite. I find I tend to like the edgier characters. I mean, I love the other characters, but I do like having some conflict in the show. And since Gowen no longer is like that, it seems like your character may be the one that is gonna bring that edge to the show.
Paul {Greene}, Kevin, Erin & Chris
I hope so. I watched some of the show to get an idea of what was happening in that world. I started at the beginning, and I saw some of how Gowen’s character was and what he brought to the show. Which was great, I might add; I really liked it. I feel like my character, Lucas, has some edge, but I wouldn’t say it reaches the same edge that Gowen once had. There is some, but not quite the level of Gowen. But Lucas and Gowen definitely see a bit of themselves in each other.
With Erin
So I understand they brought someone to teach you card tricks for your role?
Yeah, they brought on a couple different people. But actually, you’ll notice that my hands range in age if you look closely, if you know what I mean. Sometimes I’ve gained about thirty years, {laughs} if you really pay attention. But they did teach me a few tricks that I was able to do. But any of the quick shuffling and quick flair moves, they took care of because it would have taken me hundreds and hundreds of hours to try to master those.
So we didn’t see you in the Christmas movie.
No, my character hadn’t come to town yet.
Then that means your character will show up when the season starts or shortly thereafter.
I don’t know if it’s a spoiler, but I’ll show up early on in the season, and we’ll leave it at that.
Casey Manderson, Natalie Hall, Chris McNally, Mackenzie Gray Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Deon Nel
Now before When Calls the Heart comes back next month, we actually get to see you in a Winterfest movie this Friday!
Yes, I’m excited for the release of A Winter Princess. This will be my first ever Winterfest film.
What can you tell us about the film and your role in it?
The story follows a princess named Carly, who is played by Natalie Hall, and she leaves her castle for a year to experience what life is like outside of royalty. We find her in an enchanting, snowy town named Snowden Peak, where she is working incognito at the ski resort that my character’s parents founded. Carly and Jesse (my character) team up to plan the resort’s fiftieth-anniversary gala, and that’s where our story begins.
Natalie Hall, Chris McNally Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Deon Nel
We had a really great time working on this project; it was truly unique to shoot on location in such a beautiful place. I really hope everyone enjoys it. I hope that everyone tunes in on January 18th to see how the story unfolds!
And who wouldn’t want to after that delightful promotion? So we have A Winter Princess, When Calls the Heart, and anything else coming up that you can mention?
Natalie Hall, Chris McNally Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Deon Nel
No, I am currently unemployed. If When Calls the Heart is renewed and we come back, that’s seven months of blank space. So I hope that I can do an indie film during that time.
Oh, that would be fun. And maybe Hallmark will pick you up for something else.
That would be wonderful if they did.
I know lots of fans want a sequel to The Sweetest Heart.
I would be open to that. But right now, I am mostly focusing on the puppies. My girlfriend and I each adopted a puppy, so I’m looking forward to being home with them when I can. I want to spend some time molding them and training them because they’re still relatively new to the world. But they are growing up fast. “So that is my current project.
You know what, Chris? That means you’re right in line with Hallmark then. They’re all about “adopt, don’t shop” and rescuing the animals.
Well, that’s great to know. We’re certainly enjoying these puppies.
Chris, thank you so much for taking the time today. Welcome to When Calls the Heart, and we are so excited for your Winterfest film too!
Ruth, thank you so much for your support and the support of all the fans. I hope everyone tunes in and enjoys.
Chris McNally Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Deon Nel
Last time, I was blessed to conduct several in-person interviews while at the Hearties Family Reunion, and it was an unimaginable thrill. But this year, I chose to focus more on relationships and setting up interviews for the future. Thus, this was an impromptu interview for which I was rather unprepared. However, as you can undoubtedly see, Chris was the chief reason our chat was both productive and effortless. Not to mention, the fact that we were both focused on this conversation in spite of the lively background noise (including Kevin strumming his guitar and singing) is further demonstration of the fact that this was an informative, relaxed and fun interview about which I reminisce regularly while beaming a winsome smile (hopefully Chris felt that way too).
Chris is one of those pensive individuals who may appear quiet and serious upon first meeting, and that is something I can respect as a fellow artist. Chris had just spent several hours answering questions, interacting with the fans, and posing for more pictures than one might imagine, and yet, Chris was remarkably present and centered over the course of our chat. His persona was candid and kind while being enveloped with a genuine sense of humility and gratitude. The way in which Hallmark and the fans have embraced him could easily inflate the ego of a less grounded actor, but in the case of Chris, nothing could be further from the truth. While he assuredly has aspirations for the future, he lives in the now while never permitting the future to cloud the present nor prevent him from savoring the place in which he finds himself. And after all, if Marcus Rosner thinks he’s an incredible actor who is about to explode on the scene, I would venture to say that insider knowledge should be pretty spot on.
I do hope that everyone tunes in to the Hallmark Channel on Friday, January 18th. (I do not find any Canadian showing of A Winter Princess as of yet.) Additionally, please visit the links below and be sure to follow Chris on Instagram if you are willing and able. Here’s hoping the Hearties can convince him to live tweet next month when When Calls the Heart returns to the Hallmark Channel and Super Channel Heart & Home! This is a show that provides Christian commentary on life without being too preachy or pretentious. While I am somewhat torn between Chris and Kevin, I think I may have a tender spot for Chris in my heart merely because I got to talk with him at length, and I do like those rugged characters that project just enough spiciness to make things intriguing. (And wait until I post Kevin’s interview. I’m not the only one who favors Chris!) Regardless, I hope that the Hallmarkies and Hearties demonstrate the class of love and devotion for which we are known by supporting the career of this sensitive, caring, talented, kind, and sweet (not to mention handsome and charming) man for many years to come!
FOLLOW CHRIS
Chris McNally, Natalie Hall Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Deon Nel
Chris McNally, Natalie Hall Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Sven Boecker
