Those of us who have followed the popular Hallmark Channel/Super Channel Heart & Home show When Calls the Heart for any period of time are probably very much aware of Mike Hickam, as played by the inimitable Ben Rosenbaum. As the seasons have advanced, we have observed the progression of Hickam’s character and persona as well as Ben’s penchant for comedy and genuine fan interaction. Hickam is practically a legend with the fans, and recently, I had the opportunity to interview him yet again in honor of the show’s return for its current term, season six.

RH: In When Calls the Heart: The Greatest Christmas Blessing, it seems like Hickam had a bit of a more significant role. How do you see Hickam’s role changing somewhat this season?

With Andrea Brooks

BR: I hesitate to give anything away, but I will say that Hickam does indeed grow and change during season six. I still get to play a lot of comedic moments throughout the season as you might expect from Hickam, but I was given some opportunities this season to play more straight scenes as well. It was a very fun season.

With the advent of the telephone as well as several new members coming to Hope Valley, what are Hickam’s thoughts concerning these newcomers?

I’m glad you asked because I have a lot to get off my chest about these newbies! A lot of opinions that I want the world to hear!

No not really, Hickam is a pretty welcoming soul for the most part and he loves making new friends!

At TCA’s with some of the cast

Although I don’t share a lot of time with the newcomers on screen I can tell you they are all wonderful actors and people! They’re each very talented and I enjoyed spending time with them in Vancouver this season.

Here are Hickam’s fast takes and first impressions:

Fiona–{Kayla Wallace}
Well, I can tell you that she has ankles, which is not information that I have about any other woman in town. I had my suspicions, but I wasn’t sure. Mind blown.

Lucas–{Chris Mcnally}
Seems like a straight shooter; that guy can do no wrong.

Nathan–{Kevin McGarry}
Seems like a straight shooter; that guy can do no wrong.

With the advent of Jack Jr., what was it like having the “Taylor Twins” on set? Do you have any scenes with them throughout the season? Elaborate only if you would like.

Ben Rosenbaum, Pascale Hutton Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen

They are consummate professionals. They come to work prepared; they always hit their marks and I’ve never seen either one of them drop a line in a scene. And on top of that, they’ve got great improv skills! The only scuttlebutt I have to share (and I hate to tell tales out of school) is that I’ve seen them napping on set on more than one occasion, if you can believe that🤫.

With Kavan

Rosemary still seems to be rather bossy where Hickam is concerned. Do you see that changing in the foreseeable future? Why or why not?

I hope it doesn’t change too much! Rosemary found a devoted friend in Hickam and I have always loved the dynamic of our scenes. As I said though, Hickam does do some growing and changing this season, so perhaps Rosemary will have to adjust her approach with him… but I doubt it, haha! Pascale {Hutton} is such a great scene partner and I honestly wish we got more to do together! Throw Kavan {Smith} in the mix there too, never enough!

with Carter Evancic and Kavan on set

Hickam has yet to find romance in Hope Valley. Any prospects you think Hickam would like to pursue?

I think Hickam’s chances at the weekly Hope Valley speed dating gatherings have dropped significantly with two Hallmark Hunks like Lucas and Nathan riding into town in all their mysterious glory.

Do you have a favorite scene from season six that you can mention without giving any spoilers?

I do and I can’t🤐

Any behind-the-scenes stories you can share from filming?

With Aren Buchholz & Eva Bourne

There are a lot of scenes where we have to stand much closer together with our scene partners than people would do generally in real life. We do that so the framing of the shot looks right, so we will be talking right in each others’ faces and just have to act like it’s normal. Or we will use an eye-line that makes it seem like we’re looking at our scene partners in the eye from the camera’s point of view, but we’re really looking off to the side of them. That’s not really a story, but it’s one of the sillier aspects of acting for the camera I’ve experienced.

What was your favorite part of HFR4{Hearties Family Reunion}? If there is an HFR5, what would you like to see added and/or reprised?

HFR4 Photo: Ricardo Hubbs

I can’t lie, it was when a whole table of people started chanting “HICKAM” as I approached them. I felt like the belle of the ball!

I never feel like there’s enough time to engage with people individually there, but I have no suggestions. I think the organizers do a great job and there are just a lot of people there!

We have yet to see you in any Hallmark movies. If you could choose your castmates for a Hallmark movie, who would be your dream cast?

Oh, that’s tough because I feel like I’m already working with the dream cast! But there are a lot of other actors I admire and have gotten to know at events like the TCA’s {Television Critics Association} who I would love to work with, and I hope Hallmark signs me up to do a movie with any of them!

Any other upcoming works that you can mention?

I’ve got an amazing series airing right now on the Hallmark channel on Sunday nights at 8/7c called When Calls The Heart!

What would be your advice to other young aspiring actors in this day and age?

I would encourage them to take advantage of every opportunity (small or large) to work hard and be kind. You can only be in charge of your own actions, so take ownership of your work and treat everyone you work with with respect. Try to have some fun too☺️. If you do that, you will make every set you work on a better place for yourself and the people around you. I don’t think that only applies to actors (just replace the word set with whatever you want!), but that’s what I’ve got.

There is no doubt about it. As I have become acquainted with Ben over the past few years, he has become one of my favorite supporting cast members in When Calls the Heart. I always find it astounding how he can create such a memorable role in spite of the fact that his screen time is often rather limited. Ben consistently rises to the occasion, and he can perpetually be relied upon for some outrageous hilarity as well as some fascinating scenes where we suddenly learn more about Hickam (like his first name that just popped up in the storyline one day!). 

The one thing I wish for Ben’s sake is that some network (Hallmark or elsewhere) would finally decide to feature him in a role (supporting or otherwise). When he popped up in a Netflix Christmas film a couple of seasons ago (Christmas Inheritance), I was over the moon with joy for him. Moreover, I hope and pray another opportunity will come his way because I don’t believe we Hearties have even begun to witness the extent of his acting talent. Without a doubt, we Hallmark fans, Hearties, and #HickamsHearties are breathlessly awaiting that moment when Ben finally appears as a significant character in his very own Hallmark movie!

Until that day arrives, however, I invite everyone to check out When Calls the Heart on the Hallmark Channel (USA) or Super Channel Heart & Home (Canada) on Sunday nights while keeping an eye out for the antics of Hickam (oh, he had a brilliant part this past Sunday as he got caught in a “lover’s squabble”). For even more of Ben’s trademark humor, charming kindness, and up-to-the-date news, be sure that you visit all of his links below and follow him where applicable. (I tend to think he might be able to give Erin Krakow and Andrea Brooks a run for their money in the “GIFS” department.) I cannot even tell you how marvelous Ben is whether interacting with him on social media, meeting him in person, or just witnessing his prowess on-screen. Ben is an authentic, humble, benevolent soul with immeasurable talent that he never fails to display in everything he does. It is a joy and an honor to support Ben in all of his endeavors, and we Hearties can only wish him every success under the sun!

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Check out my past interviews with Ben

Ben Rosenbaum – When Calls The Heart

Interview With Actor Ben Rosenbaum, “When Call the Heart”

Hearties Family Reunion Friday Interview With Cast Members of When Calls the Heart

Interview With Actor Ben Rosenbaum, “When Calls the Heart” #HickamsHearties

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