One of Hallmark’s record thirty-eight Christmas movies in 2018–Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe–introduced me to an actor whom I had seen previously but didn’t realize it at the time. Steve Belford made his Christmas movie debut as Parker Fitzwilliam in this popular Christmas film that starred Lacey Chabert and Brendan Penny. Recently, it worked out to do a quick interview with this incredible artist, and I am honored to share him with my readers today.
RH: Why/How did you decide to become an actor, and what kind of training have you had to prepare you for this career?
SB: I became an actor because I like exploring different sides of myself. Each role presents new challenges and being able to play a character truthfully means I have to discover that part of who I am. Sometimes it’s easy and accessible and other times, it takes a lot of work to get to that honest place.
As for training, I studied with some of Toronto’s best teachers and have even studied in Australia at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). Those classes and teachers helped shaped my approach to acting, but it’s in life’s experience’s that I’ve learned the most from. For the richer your life is, the deeper level your performance will be.
What was your first professional job in the business and what are your memories of that job?
My first professional acting role was in a crime drama pilot that unfortunately never got picked up. I had a scene with Jennifer Esposito and although I didn’t know who she was at the time, I knew she was the star of the show. It was a great learning experience. Having only worked in class before that, I wasn’t used to standing on my mark (A coloured piece of tape that indicates where to stand so you’re in focus for the camera) but since then, I always make sure to hit my mark.
Radio Free Roscoe
I have never heard of Radio Free Roscoe, but I believe that was your first significant recurring role. What was it like working on that show, and what did you enjoy about your character?
Radio Free Roscoe was such an awesome experience. It was a fun show with a great message. The cast and crew were welcoming and it felt like a family. I still keep in contact with a few people from the show today. River Pierce was a really sweet character to play. On the surface, he was an arrogant jerk, but underneath, he had a good heart and as the series went on, that came out more and more.
With Stacey Farber
Degrassi: The Next Generation
You also had a significant recurring role on Degrassi: The Next Generation. While I’ve never seen the show, I know it was quite a hit in Canada. What did you enjoy about being a part of that series?
Degrassi: The Next Generation was a cool show to work on. I grew up watching the original 1980’s Degrassi Junior High, so to be a part of it was an honour.
I believe your first Hallmark work was on the show Good Witch. Were you familiar with the show/movie series before you appeared on the show? What was your experience like on set?
Good Witch was my first Hallmark role. I wasn’t aware of the series before, but felt very welcomed there. They really have a great family.
Murdoch Mysteries
You also made an appearance on Murdoch Mysteries, one of Canada’s most successful shows ever (of which I am a huge fan). Please tell us about your experience on that show and why you think the show has continued in popularity.
Murdoch Mysteries has been a staple in Canadian Television for twelve seasons now. It was such a pleasure to work on the show. The cast and crew were just great. We filmed up in Barrie on Lake Simcoe, a place I use to go ice fishing with my Uncle so it already had great memories.
I think the show has done so well because of the amazing people behind it. The Canadian charm, production value and of course, the mystery. Who doesn’t like a good mystery?
I did see a couple episodes of Condor when it premiered last year What do you enjoy about that show and your role? Can you tell us if you’re coming back for season two?
Condor
Condor is a show I’m super proud of. I had the privilege of working alongside Oscar winner, William Hurt and that experience raised my bar to a new level. You just had to bring your “A” game every time. The show was done so well and the cast and crew were amazing! As for season two…you will just have to wait and see.
Hallmark fans saw you in Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe this past holiday season. Since this was your first Hallmark Christmas movie, what was it like being on set and working with the cast and crew? Why do you think Hallmark continues to experience such unprecedented growth as a network?
Behind-the-scenes with Art Hindle
Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe
Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe was my first venture into the Christmas movie season. I remember reading the script and was smiling all the way through. I think that’s why they continue to do so well. Everyone loves to feel good and watch films that help them feel that. Hallmark consistently delivers. We shot that in northern Ontario along the Ottawa river. It was a beautiful spot to film. It was just before Halloween, so pretending it was Christmas was a fun challenge. The location was also close to Algonquin park which allowed me the opportunity to explore the area in a canoe for an upcoming project.
Any other upcoming/current roles you can mention?
Although I can’t say much right now, I do have a project in the works. It’s called Thomson and it’s about an artist who mysteriously dies in Canada’s North.
As you have done some writing and producing, is that something you want to continue to pursue? What about directing?
I love producing. You see so much more of what goes into making a film when you jump onto the other side of the camera. I actually wrote and will produce Thomson with my creative partner, Paul McGillion.
What do you believe are the essential qualities of being a successful working actor in today’s world?
Working hard and putting the time in to be good at what you do. Not being afraid to make mistakes and fail cause that truly is where you learn the most. Make films on your own, learn different sides to the business, and most importantly, have fun and live.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Steve is a man of multiple talents who truly thrives within his chosen profession. While he has experienced the various ups and downs of a typical working actor, he has persisted in his commitment to honing his craft and remaining true to his ideals. A brief survey of his social media links (that you will find below) will demonstrate what is important in his life, and there is no doubt that he has learned the secret of keeping those vital priorities straight. He has consistently met every opportunity he has been afforded in the business with determination, humility, and enthusiasm. If you did not have the chance to view his past works (including Good Witch and Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe), I invite you to check out those works when you can while keeping eagerly attuned to his next projects that are in the works as well as the ones that are bound to come his way. While he may never have the name recognition that some actors enjoy throughout their extensive careers, I am confident that as long as Steve prevails on his current path, he will continue to succeed in his chosen profession while doing what he loves for the rest of his life. Furthermore, it is again a privilege to support dedicated, compassionate artists just like Steve, and I am glad that he is now on my radar (as well as that of Hallmark). Here’s to many more works for Steve in the near and distant future, and I hope that many of my readers will join me in supporting him every step of the way.
FOLLOW STEVE
Genevieve Kang, Steve Belford, Anna Hardwick, Art Hindle, Brendan Penny, Sherry Miller, Lacey Chabert Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
