Recently, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries premiered a potential new mystery series entitled Ruby Herring Mysteries starring Taylor Cole and Stephen Huszar. Many familiar faces were included in this film, but there were also some that were unfamiliar. James Kot, a new face to me, played the doctor in the movie, and because I could not recall seeing him featured in a Hallmark film before, I reached out to him for an interview. Thankfully, James agreed, and I am honored to be able to share his recent Q & A with my readers today.
Photo by Shimon
RH: Why did you decide to pursue a career in acting? What kind of training have you had to prepare you for this career?
JK: I’ve had a love of stories since I can remember. When we’re young, we all pretend. It comes naturally. I always loved acting and found myself asking my parents to audition for my first professional play when I was seven. Thankfully, I haven’t outgrown the fun I was having as a kid!
After high school, I got my Degree in Acting from the University of Victoria. We trained in Voice and Movement during the day and acted in the school’s theatrical productions at night. I’ve been extremely lucky to study with some amazing instructors along the way, especially Andrew McIlroy, who has been an incredible mentor to me. Seeing the dedication and hard work it takes to be successful in this industry, it’s clear that the best actors are constantly working on their craft and redefining their skill set. I’ve learned that as an actor, there is always something new to work on.
Passchendaele
What was your first professional job in the industry? What are your memories of this job?
My first professional job was a war epic called Passchendaele. I played a young soldier named Skinner, and it was an exciting first project. The set was the recreation of a European square that had been devastated by bombing during the war. It was an incredible sight for my first film set. With the addition of explosions and gunfire, I gained an enormous respect for all the different departments on a film.
Photo by Shimon
Please tell us about your time working Supernatural. Why do you think this show continues to be so popular with the fans?
Everyone on Supernatural was extremely kind to me. Supernatural has been so successful over the years because it’s constantly reinventing itself through genre, style, and tone, all-the-while staying loyal to the show’s essence that the fan’s love so much.
You have been a part of the series Beyblade Burst. What do you enjoy most about your role in this series?
Beyblade Burst
Getting to work on an animated series is a dream come true! I grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons–Looney Tunes, The Flintstones, among many others–then graduated to The Simpsons in my teen years.
On Beyblade Burst, I get to voice Kurt Baratier, a misunderstood tough guy that other characters refer to as Emperor of the Underground…What’s better than that?!
You also have guest-starred on Supergirl. What was your experience like on that show?
I was thrilled to be involved in Supergirl. I have two younger sisters, and I’m so happy this show is thriving, especially as a form of empowerment for young girls and women. It’s really amazing to hear how much seeing Supergirl on TV or Wonder Woman on the big screen, can effect positive change in society and encourage us to redefine our perception of female strength.
I think your first Hallmark role was in the recent Ruby Herring Mysteries. How familiar were you with the network before booking this role? Why do you believe Hallmark has experienced such unprecedented growth in recent years?
Dear Prudence
Actually, I first worked with Hallmark ten years ago as I was just beginning my acting career. I had a supporting role working opposite Jane Seymour in Dear Prudence. Jane had a wonderful presence and energy. She was very generous to play opposite. So, I was familiar with the Hallmark family, but it’s great to be reunited again!
I think Hallmark is having such terrific success in recent years, due to the fact that we are living in an increasingly complicated world, and I think we all need a break from that sometimes! Hallmark produces programming that has a feel-good quality to it. They create movies that encourage the opportunity for three generations of viewers to sit down together, and all be entertained. That’s special.
Ruby Herring Mysteries
Please tell us about your time on Ruby Herring Mysteries. Any chance you may return in subsequent episodes?
I love playing Dr. Tommy Madden in Ruby Herring Mysteries! He’s such a quirky, intelligent, and kind-hearted guy, but he’s also a talented Medical Examiner. Taylor (Ruby) and Stephen (Jake) are awesome to work with. We have a lot of fun together! So it makes shooting easy. The entire creative team produced an excellent mystery.
I’d love to do more episodes of Ruby Herring! Stay tuned.
Any other upcoming/current roles you would like to mention?
I perform a recurring role on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow in upcoming episodes. I play Agent Neil McNeil, and as you can tell by his name, the writers have a great sense of humour. I really admire that show and how they’ve managed to reinvent the style of the Superhero TV show. The cast and crew are incredibly talented and funny, and that always helps!
What are your hopes/aspirations for 2019?
I’m looking forward to a year of working on new projects, travelling to new places, and meeting new people!
Well, imagine that! I was wrong because I seriously thought Ruby Herring Mysteries was James’ first Hallmark movie! I think I may have seen Dear Prudence, but I definitely am going to have to look it up and watch specifically for his character in it! I am always grateful to find actors that are new to me who continue to pursue their dreams in the industry while producing great content and playing diverse roles. Although I am essentially unfamiliar with James up to this point, I am going to make a point to watch for him as I am impressed with his work ethic, his humility, as well as his mutual respect for others in this industry. I truly have enjoyed learning about James through his social media posts, and that is why I hope that everyone visits all of his links below. (I recommend following him on Instagram for sure since he has posted plenty of behind-the-scenes photos as well as a few from his personal life.) Also, if you have not had the opportunity to watch him in Ruby Herring Mysteries: Silent Witness on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries as of yet, I would advise you to check the schedule (looks like it is showing again on Tuesday, February 12th). I truly hope that this series returns with more episodes very soon, and maybe Dr. Tommy Madden will reprise his role too! No matter what, I am anticipating seeing James in plenty more works in the near future, and I hope that all Hallmark fans will join me in your support of this wonderful young man!
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