I have a tendency to “discover” Vancouver actors before they even appear in their first Hallmark movie, and in the case of Sharon Taylor, that is precisely true. I interviewed her some time ago when most of her highly-acclaimed work was for Lifetime, SyFy, and other networks. And because of the exceptional actress she is as well as her dynamic and imposing on-screen presence, it makes perfect sense that Sharon still finds herself in diverse, edgier movies and shows that not all Hallmark audiences deem as “Must-See TV.” However, Sharon brought her distinctive panache and her esteemed skill to Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will To Kill this past summer, and it wasn’t long before this network recognized her obvious prowess and commanding performance, no matter the role in which she was cast. I witnessed that first Hallmark movie of hers in June of last year, and this weekend, she will make a triumphant return to the network in the highly-anticipated premiere of Emma Fielding Mysteries: More Bitter Than Death. In expectation of her sophomore role with the network, I am thrilled to highlight her today!
RH: Since our last interview, you have guest-starred on a couple of well-known network shows–Riverdale and The X-Files. Please tell us any special memories from these shows.
Riverdale
ST: Riverdale was a fun shoot because I played Veronica Lodge’s aunt, and the Lodges are FANCY! Fake eyelashes, voluminous hair and expensive clothes are a far cry from the tough girl characters that I often play.
The X-Files
And my guest star role on The X-Files was literally a dream come true! It was always one of my favourite TV shows, and I was beyond thrilled to work on it. The creator, Chris Carter, was on set giving us all notes, and he is an incredibly kind and sweet man. It amazes me that he comes up with such scary and thrilling stories.
Hallmark viewers finally saw you in your first Hallmark film, Hailey Dean: A Will To Kill. Please tell us what it was like being a part of that mystery series. Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments?
from Hailey Dean
I had a fantastic time working on the Hailey Dean movie, and what made it particularly great, was working with Viv Leacock and Kellie Martin. This is my fourth movie I’ve worked on with Viv, and he also happens to be one of my dearest friends in real life! Viv and Kellie have amazing chemistry together, and there are a lot of laughs on set. Kelly is a super cool lady, and very down-to-earth.
With Viv and Kellie
They ad-lib a lot, which sometimes makes the scenes even funnier. We laughed a lot at the giant wad of cash my character was using to “pretend” to buy drugs with, and Viv threw a couple extra funny lines into that scene.
We are just about to see you in the newest Emma Fielding Mysteries movie this month. Please tell us what you can about your role without giving away too much of the plot. What was it like working on that film?
from Emma Fielding
I play the town Sheriff in the new Emma Fielding Mysteries movie. The role was originally written for a man, and the director, Kevin Fair, and the producers decided it would be interesting to make the Sheriff a woman. I love how they saw an opportunity for female empowerment, and made that change in the story. I’m not sure if there’s many female Sheriffs in other Hallmark movies, but I was honoured to be one of the first.
Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer
All my scenes are opposite James Tupper and Courtney Thorne-Smith. This is my second time working with James Tupper, as I worked with him on the sci-fi show called Aftermath, and we have remained friends. And it’s always nice to go to work with friends! I have been a fan of Courtney’s since she starred on Melrose Place, and she is super intelligent and quick-witted, and just an absolute pleasure to work with.
Any other current or upcoming works you would like to mention?
I actually have two projects that I’m excited about right now.
I play Rose, a cigarette smuggler, in season two of the mafia show called Bad Blood, and I’m really, really, really proud of this show! Season two just finished airing in Canada. Season one is currently on Netflix, and hopefully, season two will be on there soon as well.
From JANN
And coming this spring, you can catch me on the comedy show JANN, in which the legendary Canadian singer Jann Arden plays a fictionalized version of herself–one who always ends up in hilarious and awkward situations. As I mentioned, I often play tough women in science fiction and dramas, so it was a lot of fun to try my hand at comedy.
Do you have aspirations to be a producer/director/writer in the near future?
I do enjoy writing, and I have a bunch of scripts I’m working on right now.
Mandisa Photos
In many ways, 2018 was a big year for women with the #MeToo movement taking the spotlight. How have you seen things changing for women in the film and TV community?
There are definitely more strong female characters in the scripts that are being produced at this time. There is also a demand for more female directors, and I have had the pleasure of working with multiple fantastic female directors in the last two years. Before the #MeToo movement, I had only worked with one female director in my entire career, so the film industry is certainly taking a big step in the right direction.
What are your favorite wintertime activities?
I’m not a big fan of winter…. My favourite outdoor activity is hiking, so I’m waiting for the weather to get warmer again! In the meantime, I enjoy working out in the martial arts studio and being cozy on my couch under a heap of blankets. Haha!
I absolutely concur with Sharon’s perspective on winter, and as my area of the country is experiencing a deep freeze and potentially historic snowfall (predicted for this weekend), I am just as anxious as she for the sun and warm temperatures to return! However, this incredible woman’s viewpoint, joie de vivre, and impeccable talent are items that warm my heart, even as I type from within the frigid temperatures of my computer office. As I ponder the myriad of her experiences throughout her career and the way in which she has remained humble, down-to-earth, and committed to the consistent betterment of her work and herself, it is a fantastic reminder of how women like Sharon have continued to be authentic and speak forth their truth. While the message was sometimes only implied or whispered in the shadows as all too many refused to acknowledge the disparity of the female voice in all aspects of society–but notably within the film and television community–it did not ever dim the spirits of those like Sharon who never gave up on their aspirations nor abandoned their perspective. There is no doubt in my mind that in Sharon’s own way, she has been a trailblazer who has witnessed the shift that is occurring within the industry. Moreover, she has benefited from it, and I am grateful that Hallmark acknowledged that Sharon could fulfill a role that may have gone to a man but a few years previously. I seriously hope that should another Emma Fielding Mysteries film be ordered by the network that Sharon will be the first choice for sheriff yet again. Because, after all, if any woman can portray a no-nonsense cop, Sharon can do it with technique, agility, and attitude!
If you live in the U.S. and have access to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, I sincerely entreat you to tune in Sunday night (2/10) for the third installment of Emma Fielding Mysteries, as this purports to be the best one of the bunch thus far. Additionally, if you are so inclined, please consider clicking on Sharon’s links below and following her where applicable. As one who watched (and continues to watch) Sharon before she made her Hallmark debut, I can assure you that this woman perpetually brings her A-game to every project, and seeing her name on the cast list consistently implies quality programming. Furthermore, she is a team player who is known and loved on film sets all over Vancouver (and elsewhere, of course), and any set is blessed to have her know-how, her attention to detail, and her bright light no matter the genre. I’m grateful to Hallmark for inviting her to be an integral part of their network family, and may this relationship continue to blossom with countless more collaborations for years to come!
FOLLOW SHARON
