As I continue to catch up on my backlog of Christmas interviews, I am especially pleased and honored that I had the opportunity to speak with a perennial Hallmark favorite actress, Ellie Harvie (do note the spelling of her name as it is regularly misspelled, even professionally speaking). While the name may not ring any bells with the casual Hallmarkie, I have no doubt that once viewers see her face, they will immediately recognize her as none other than the meticulous librarian from the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries series. What viewers may not know is that she has at least one hundred forty-seven credits to her name (and counting), and no doubt she will continue to be a treasure as the Aurora series maintains its popularity amongst the fans. Somewhat recently, Ellie and I had the chance to review her career and life in such a fun and inspiring way, and I am blessed to finally be able to share it today!
RH: Ellie, it is such a joy to be able to talk with you today. Thanks for making the time.
EH: Ruth, so many people speak very highly of you, so I’m happy to talk with you too. My pleasure.
I’m a huge fan of your Hallmark works. I think I’ve watched all your Hallmark works from what I can tell. But your career is absolutely incredible.
You know, it’s funny. I went down to LA when I was thirty-three, and I found that I was probably a little old to be down there. All the other actresses I was reading with were ones I would see on TV. Like I’m in a waiting room with all these other amazing women, and I’m thinking, “I would hire them.” It dawned on me that it is probably wise for an actor to go down earlier because then you really get a track record in LA and they know who you are. You’re in the swing of things. So I felt like I was almost at square one. Then I met my husband. My mom got Alzheimer’s and I had to come back up here and help out with her. Then I just ended up staying here in Vancouver. What’s really great is that almost everything I’ve done with the exception of maybe three things has been in Vancouver. It was just a matter of timing. The industry grew here, and I was just starting out as an actor. So I think it is a success story of Vancouver. While I’m not a huge star, I’m still able to make a decent living just chugging along as an actor.
And I hear that a lot from the actors in Vancouver. People may not know the names of the supporting cast, but we see you pop up in a lot of shows and TV movies. And because you’re not the A-listers, you don’t have to put up with some of the things that actors down in LA have to.
Oh, gosh, no! I don’t have any horror stories like some of the more famous actors do. I was at a restaurant up here in Vancouver, and someone recognized me as being Lillian from Aurora Teagarden. And it was so funny! I almost forget I’m an actor. We were at a hockey game with my sons, and we went to grab a bite. And so lately, I’ve had middle-aged women coming up to me and going, “I love you as Lillian.” And it’s so funny because I’ve done so many kid’s things so I’m always used to kids coming up to me and going, “Aren’t you–? I know you!” And then having that conversation. But it’s true that I’m definitely being recognized for my Hallmark stuff now. It’s more like a nudge and a wink instead of something that disrupts my life and my privacy.
It’s funny. My mom and I watch Hallmark together and if she happens to be looking at the screen when I’m not, I’ll sometimes hear her say, “It’s the librarian!” She definitely knows who you are, but if I said your name, she wouldn’t have a clue. So you mentioned you got started in acting a little bit later on in life?
Yeah, I had a degree in political studies when I lived in Manitoba. I thought I was gonna be a lawyer, but I wanted to be an actor. So I got my undergraduate degree, and then I thought I’d go ahead and audition for theater school and see if I was any good. So I got picked up by the Vancouver Playhouse, which is no longer around. But it was a great school. That was back in ’89. Then I moved out here to go to theater school and just stayed and didn’t stop. Then my parents ended up moving out here about ten years later. And my sister. So about half the family gravitated to the coast.
Now, while I’m more familiar with your Hallmark stuff, I have seen you in a Lifetime movie here and there and some of your sci-fi work as well. In fact, since I’m good friends with Sebastian Spence, I’ve seen all the episodes of First Wave, and I actually remember the one you were in.
Oh, yeah. You know, when you mentioned your mother, I was thinking how cool it would be if you had a daughter and then that could cover the whole gamut of my work.
Well, I do have a teenage daughter, but she doesn’t tend to watch Hallmark. Sometimes she will watch the mystery movies. She has seen some of the Aurora Teagarden ones. But she tends to watch the edgier stuff.
Some Assembly Required
Oh, so for her, it probably would be the Super Bud movies with the talking dogs. And I’ve done a bunch of cartoons. But right now there’s a series on Netflix called Some Assembly Required. That is one I’m most recognized for, and its target age is around ten.
I might have to look that one up and see if she might want to watch too. You have done so much. You’ve done voice work, shows, movies, and every kind of genre imaginable just about.
Oh, and I’ve done improv and theater too. I don’t sing and dance; I wish I did.
From what I can tell, Battle of the Bulbs appears to be your first Hallmark movie.
I think that’s right.
I know that one is a fan favorite that I see people talk about still to this day.
From Hallmark’s Love By Chance
Yeah, that one was a fun one.
And Teryl Rothery is in that one too, and she’s very popular with the fans as well.
Oh, Teryl is the best! She is one that whenever I’m going to an audition and she shows up, I think, “Darn it!” I love her, but I don’t love seeing her at auditions going out for the same parts I am! {laughs}
Of course, fans are going to know you from Aurora Teagarden. I believe you just recently filmed another one in the series if I remember right.
Yes, that is correct. We recently wrapped the tenth one, and there are plans to do an eleventh and twelfth one sometime this year.
Wow, that is amazing! Now, I’m assuming you got your role in this series through an audition.
Yes, that’s right.
Okay, I know sometimes people get offered roles, so I just wanted to make sure.
from Aurora Teagarden
Well, I knew Martin Wood, and he directed the first one. He’s a very funny guy, and I think he’s always kind of gotten me. I think he was pretty instrumental in helping me book that role. He knows what I can and can’t do. He’s a really great director. And of course, Jim Head. I did a film for him called Gym Teacher. It was a very tiny but funny role. He was just laughing the whole time, and we got along great as well both on and off camera. I think it was the combination of those two at my audition that kind of sealed the deal for me. And with Aurora Teagarden being a mystery, there’s lots of funny moments. I think they specifically picked me for those little flashes of fun.
When you made the first film, did you have any inkling how popular this series might become?
No, I had no idea. I knew the movies were based on a series of books, so I thought, “Maybe….” But honestly, you think that about every show. You always think that there might be a sequel or whatever, but you really try to not even go there. It was really fun and easy on set, and the crew was great. Then when it started chugging along with more and more, I started thinking how it feels almost like another Murder, She Wrote or one of those other shows from the ’80s. I realized it could have some pretty serious legs.
I remember when the first one came out, and the second one didn’t come out till quite a while later. I remember being worried that there might not be anymore since I loved the first one. And of course, I understand that Candace {Cameron-Bure} is insanely busy. I don’t even know how she does what she does.
She’s insane! {laughs} I can’t believe how much she takes on, all while juggling three children! And a good marriage!!
I know! And I was just so excited to see it continue as it has. And there have been quite some changes over time. I mean, when Yannick {Bisson} was a part of it for that time, that was simply incredible!
Indeed it was.
behind-the-scenes with Candace on the tenth Aurora Teagarden
While we were sorry to see him go, with Niall Matter joining the series, I think that may just sweeten the deal.
Yeah, you get to do that tension again. And you know, I felt the same way. When you’re working with one person, and then they’re gone, it’s like, “NO!” But I worked with Niall on this last one we just finished, and he really has grown on me. So I think the fans are going to be completely drawn to him in this tenth film as we continue to see his story unfold a bit more.
I’m sure. And Niall has become such a fan favorite. And I noticed that when he appeared in the last Aurora Teagarden, the fans were pretty happy with him. So we have three more films coming out in 2019, hopefully. Which is just fantastic, in my opinion! And your character, Lillian, does provide that comic relief in these films.
Yes, it’s what I do in life pretty much. Whatever relationship I’m in, I am the comic relief! {laughs}
And the other great thing is that Hallmark is using you in other films for the network as well. It’s so funny when I’m watching a Hallmark film, and the fans tweet out, “There’s the librarian!”
From It’s Christmas, Eve
I was surprised. I never know how much they’re gonna let me crossover, but it was fun doing It’s Christmas, Eve with LeAnn Rimes. When I did the audition, I knew I liked the part and I thought it was so funny. And I know that she liked that I was taking the role in a funny direction, and I guess not many others were taking the role that way. So I was very happy that they let me do other shows on their network. So much is done up here that I would hate not to be able to do it. And then I also got to be in Homegrown Christmas with Lori Loughlin.
Yes, you got to be in two Hallmark Christmas movies this year!
From Homegrown Christmas
Yes, I got to play Victor’s {Webster} sister in that one. I again get to be the sister who is a little bit of a comic relief, and it was a nice little quirky part. And I was able to get a little dramatic too. And Bella {Giannulli}, Lori’s daughter, was in that one too. And she played my daughter.
The New Addams Family
Now, speaking of other Hallmark movies, I was in the last Darrow & Darrow movie as well. We shot that one this past July. What was nice about that shoot was that it stars my dear, dear friend Tom Cavanagh. Way back, we were both young, struggling actors together in our twenties. I actually moved down to LA with him as friends, and we shared a house with a couple of other actors. Then I ended up getting The New Addams Family which was a remake of the original series and it was shot in Canada. So I moved back here. Then he ended up getting the lead role in Ed and moving to New York. I was so thrilled when he came back to shoot The Flash here. He and his wife and kids have all been back here for a couple years now. So when we did Darrow & Darrow, that’s the first time we got to be on screen together other than in little indie films we’d make on our own. It was just a small part, but I was thrilled to do it with him. And then the powers that be went, “Well, maybe she’ll come back.” We ended up bringing a bit of our real relationship into it. I’m constantly rolling my eyes at him and saying, “Really? Are you kidding me?”
From Darrow & Darrow with Tom
Darrow & Darrow has become another family favorite for us. It would be great if your character returned for the next one. And even though Salvation was not renewed, my mom and I saw you on that show too.
It is a shame Salvation was canceled because that particular character was slated to be a possible recurring role. But of course, that’s the nature of the business.
It seems like you do pop up quite frequently on Hallmark and elsewhere. But regardless, it was so nice seeing you on those two Hallmark Christmas movies and to know that more Aurora Teagarden is headed our way this year!
Yes, I’m not sure when number ten is premiering, but we are due to be filming the next Aurora Teagarden next month if all goes well.
So in addition to those, do you have anything else upcoming that you can mention?
Photo Credit: Richard Lett
I’ve been working on a show called Snowpiercer that is going to be a TNT show based on the film. It’s got a great cast. It stars Daveed Diggs, from Hamilton, and Jennifer Connelly. It’s got an amazing set, and it’s science fiction. I’m not sure when exactly that premieres, but I think it’s supposed to be some time this year.
I’m also working with a bunch of friends up here on a web series called Michelle’s which is very funny. It takes place in the ’80s in small-town Canada. It’s about politics in a restaurant. I play the prudish sister of the lead. It’s nice because it’s the comedy community of Vancouver, and it features some great young, talented people who are making this web series, and it’s neat to be a part of it.
And I believe you’re also in the movie William.
Yes, that’s right. I know we shot that a couple of years ago.
My understanding is that it is supposed to be released soon, hopefully this year. I have been following that film from the beginning because I interviewed Christian Convery, a child actor who had a small part in it.
Other than that, I have also directed a short film about a year and a half ago that’s doing the short film festival circuit right now. It’s called Scattered, and it’s a comedy about friends who are gathering their friend’s ashes. It’s sort of a dark comedy. It was my first stab at directing, and I learned a lot. I know there is stuff I would do differently now. I didn’t write this script, but the next thing I direct, I think I would like to write the script. As a comedian, I have lots of things written, and I realized that you have to make sure the material is going to work before you shoot something. But Scattered still worked, and it was great directing actors. I really like working with actors, so that was fun.
I’m also the treasurer of UBCP/ACTRA, which is the actor’s union here. I’ve been working on the executive board of the union for the past seven years. So I’m involved with a lot of the negotiating of our collective agreement that covers wages and conditions for actors. That’s very interesting and makes me feel useful.
As a member of the executive board of UBCP/ACTRA
Wow, you are one busy woman!
It keeps me running. And my son plays Pee Wee Hockey, which keeping up with him is what I do more than anything.
Well, maybe Hallmark will get you on board to do some directing.
That would be amazing. And here’s the thing. I very much support women advancing into leadership roles. I was working with Candace years ago, and I said, “Have you ever thought about becoming a director?” And she said, “No.” I said, “Why don’t you direct?” She gave a noncommittal answer. I was thrilled to find out that she directed an episode of Fuller House! When I saw her recently and asked her how it went, she said that it went great. I said, “Did you realize you knew more than you thought you knew?” She said, “Absolutely!” You see, women think they always have to be perfect before they do something. Men just wing it, right? {laughs} So it’s funny to hear you mention me directing a full-length film. I feel like I need to get a few more short films under my belt so I can understand things like after the filming like the colorizing, doing the soundscaping, mixing it together. There’s all that stuff that as an actor, I never knew. I do feel really confident about my understanding of camera and all that. But I do have to learn about the full behind-the-scenes stuff, behind-the-camera stuff.
Well, I know that Hallmark is really good about moving their actors up into executive producer positions and even directing positions. So maybe if Aurora Teagarden goes long enough, maybe they’ll have you direct it!
Oh, that would be awesome!
I think it’s great to see actors like you stepping into other areas of the industry.
You know, as you get older, the roles often become smaller, and in order to maintain a connection to the industry, you have to branch out more. I’ve always been lucky that I have live comedy to fall back on because it keeps me active and in the community. Now that my son is eleven, and I’m getting older, I don’t want to be in a nightclub at 10:30 at night. So it’s much more rewarding to find a place where you can have a creative outlet like directing and the behind-the-scenes stuff.
Thank you so much, Ellie, it was great getting to chat with you! Very much looking forward to your upcoming works, including Aurora Teagarden.
My pleasure chatting with you as well, Ruth. Thank you and all the fans for their support.
To be honest, I didn’t expect to be able to be granted an interview with Ellie. I don’t know why, but I just figured she’d be too busy to sit down and chat with me. And after all, I wasn’t even certain if she knew who I was. Little did I know that my reputation had preceded me, and I sincerely relished our conversation to the utmost. There is no doubt in my book that Ellie is a Vancouver treasure who is so down-to-earth and grounded that, except for the fact that we fans regularly see her on our screens, she may go undetected in public. I am constantly emboldened by the fact that all these wonderful actors I get to meet through my interviews are remarkably authentic while maintaining real lives and families that they value above all else. Ellie is one whose quick wit and distinctive, but unusual charm is refreshing and magnetic. The fact that she is rather unassuming and yet impeccably gifted in such a variety of areas is enough to make my head spin! Moreover, the fact that she has patiently waited for me to post this interview (I planned to post it oh so much earlier!) is something that endears her to me even more.
If you have not had the occasion to watch Ellie’s prowess in Aurora Teagarden, I hope that you make it a point to look up the past nine movies at your earliest convenience. In addition to those, I hope you were able to see her most recent Hallmark Christmas movies and possibly even some past movies she has done for the network throughout the years. In order to ensure that you never miss an update from this inspirational, energetic, and gifted woman, I entreat my readers to visit all her links below and consider following her where applicable. As she begins to move into directing and possibly writing, I can only wish her every success under the sun. Women like her who continue to grow and learn throughout their lives without making the decision to rest on their laurels are the kinds of women I tend to want to emulate, and I believe that many in the industry could learn from her stellar example. Long may Hallmark keep placing Ellie in diverse and fun roles, and maybe in the near future, may they consider affording her an opportunity to direct one of their phenomenal films!
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