I believe my first exposure to Trevor Donovan was in the Hallmark movie J.L. Family Ranch. However, it was not until later that same year when he starred opposite Ashley Williams in Love On A Limb that I took notice of his name and committed it to memory. From that time on, I have done my best to follow his career to the various networks where he has appeared, and every time he shows up in a Hallmark movie, viewers can be assured that he will give a matchless, engaging performance (and yeah, he’s unquestionably easy on the eyes too). I have been attempting to interview Trevor for quite some time, but full schedules and busy lives can make scheduling rather difficult. Thankfully, my friend, executive producer Beth Grossbard, was able to make this event happen, and in anticipation of the final Winterfest premiere this weekend entitled Snowcoming, I am proud to present my recent Q & A with Trevor to my readers today.
Trevor Donovan Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Brendan Meadows
Trevor Donovan Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
RH: Briefly tell us a little about your background and how you made the decision to become an actor.
TD: Growing up, I was primarily interested in sports. Specifically individual sports like ski racing and snowboarding. I ended up at an arts and advertising school in Los Angeles and received a B.S. in Graphic design and marketing. While attending college, I began acting classes out of curiosity and eventually fell in love with it.
“Women’s Intuition”–Gillian Zinser as Ivy and Trevor Donovan as Teddy on 90210 on The CW. Photo: Patrick Wymore/The CW ©2009 The CW Network. All Rights Reserved.
Many will remember you from your TV series regular roles. Which roles seem to be the ones for which fans most recognize you? Why do you think those roles are so memorable?
Most people seem to recognize me from my role as Teddy Montgomery in the 90210 series. I played a gay character dealing with the difficulties of coming out of the closet in high school. I think it was so memorable because it addressed not only being a gay teen but how tough it can be revealing it to those close to you.
Julie Mond, Trevor Donovan Strawberry Summer Photo by The Hallmark Channel – © Crown Media 2012
I will admit that your first Hallmark movie, Strawberry Summer, is one of the few Hallmark films I have not seen. What did you know about the network before making this film? Why do you believe that the network has continued to experience such unprecedented growth?
To be honest, I wasn’t very familiar with the Hallmark Channel before doing my first movie. But since being a part of the Hallmark family I’ve seen why they are so successful. I think Hallmark is a place people can go to watch a morally uplifting movie for the whole family and know they’re getting a happy ending.
Trevor Donovan Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
Very soon, you will be making your Hallmark Winterfest début with Snowcoming. What can you tell us about your role and how that fits into the story without revealing too much?
I play an NFL quarterback called Jake Gillette. He heads back to his hometown to celebrate his high school coach’s retirement… there is a childhood sweetheart involved and conflict and romance ensue.
Wolf Hound
Any other upcoming works you can share?
I have starred in a few movies and TV shows coming out in 2019: Wolfhound, Prescription For Love and Hot Water movies, along with the series The Baxters for MGM and Will Packer Media.
Hot Water
It looks like you are making a move towards doing some producing. Are you planning to do any writing and/or directing in the near future as well?
Yes, we’re currently writing a dog-themed movie. Follow my social media accounts for more info. {All accounts are listed at the end of this article}
The Baxters
I know that you have been involved with several charities throughout your life. Please tell us of your partnerships with any charities you would like to highlight and why you feel so strongly about working with them.
The RFK Foundation. Kerry Kennedy is a dear friend and a few times a year I participate in events she has for the foundation.
Please tell us about the book(s) you have written based on your dogs.
Love Always, Dogbert & Tito the first book was the highest-selling children’s dog-themed book when it came out, and the second book is currently being written. Again, follow my social media for more updates.
What are your favorite winter activities?
I’ve spent my whole life skiing and snowboarding.
One of the things I most appreciate about Trevor is his commitment to positivity while reaching beyond himself to help those in need. What he has mentioned in his responses is truly only a minuscule window into the life of one of the most energetic, entertaining young men that Hallmark is fortunate enough to have on its roster of talent. Even in the rare moments when I have seen Trevor in movies or shows that don’t necessarily resonate with me in terms of the story or film quality, that has never prevented him from giving an exceptional performance that causes me to enjoy one of these works more than I would have without his definitive prowess and capabilities. There are certain actors that you cannot help but like whenever they are on-screen, and Trevor happens to be one of those very special artists. While I still have an entire backlog of past works of his to watch and enjoy, I have no doubt that binge-watching Trevor Donovan movies and shows is something that would fill me with pleasure as I have never seen anything of his where I didn’t completely enjoy his acting.
I do hope that everyone in the U.S. tunes into the Hallmark Channel this Saturday, January 26th, for the premiere of Snowcoming as we bid adieu to the Winterfest films of 2019. (I hope that a network in Canada announces a premiere date for this movie soon.) Additionally, as Trevor encouraged you within the body of his interview, please consider visiting all of his links below and following him where applicable. He is one of the most fascinating people on social media, and there is no doubt that his posts spark some humorous, intriguing conversation without going down the road of negativity. Moreover, he is quite good at keeping his followers aware of his upcoming works. (In fact, he tweeted that the sequel to J.L. Ranch is finally happening this year!) I greatly anticipate everything coming his way, including this “dog project” on which he is currently working, and I tend to think I’m not alone in that persuasion. I am so glad Hallmark continues to feature phenomenal individuals like Trevor, and I am honored to be able to highlight such distinctive people like him who may get overlooked by the mainstream entertainment media. I am grateful to see a young man like Trevor who is a grounded, humble, gifted professional, and I can hardly wait to support each and every one of his amazing projects!
FOLLOW TREVOR
Trevor Donovan Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
Lindy Booth, Trevor Donovan Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
