I have no idea when I first learned Brittney Wilson’s name, but I am certain it was because of the Hallmark Network. Since the time that I began reveling in her beauty and talent, I have become an avid supporter of her works, and whenever I see her name, I know we viewers are in for a treat. Recently, Brittney agreed to a quick internet chat with me, and I am delighted to share our conversation with my readers today in anticipation of the finale of the trio of Morning Show Mysteries installments premiering this weekend on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. (I am sure more will be made, but this weekend marks the last of the new episodes that has been filmed.)

RH: How/Why did you decide to pursue a career as an actress?

BW: When I was six, my Auntie Shelley, knowing I loved to perform, showed a picture to a commercial agent and I guess they liked my “look” (I have naturally big curly hair–haha!). So I started out doing that. My mom thought it was a great way to save money for my college education one day, since she was a single mom, and the rest is sort of history! I ended up leaving that commercial agency and meeting my amazing agent Vickie, who’s been with me ever since. She’s going to hate me for this, but she’s been my agent for twenty-two years! And she’s the best one a girl could ask for. Also, I never went to college.

The Ranch

What was your first professional TV/film job in the business and what are your memories of it?

I can’t remember what my first commercial was…I think I was a stand-in. But my first speaking role was in a show for Disney called So Weird. I was so excited because I finally had a line in a show! But when I went to watch it with my mom, the lead character ended up narrating over my line. I bawled my eyes out! Looking back, it’s hilarious, but I did NOT find it funny at the time. It was very tragic for a seven-year-old.

Sometimes child actors struggle to make the transition into adult actors. How difficult/easy was it to make that transition?

Photo Credit: Amelia J Dowd Photography

I think everyone has their ups and downs in this business. It doesn’t necessarily happen at that specific transition point. I think it was easier for me then, than maybe even now, because I tend to play a lot younger than I am. Even though I was twenty, I was still able to play sixteen. So I was lucky. Now it’s almost the opposite, I don’t necessarily play my real age yet! I think there are roles for you at every stage, you just have to wait for yours. I believe everything comes to you when it’s supposed to – if you work hard enough.

You have done voice work in addition to your on-screen roles. What are the benefits and challenges of doing voice work? Any favorite/stand-out voice roles?

Amy Test from Johnny Test

I think every voice actor can tell you the nicest part is that you can roll out of bed and not worry about what you look like!!! You still get to be creative, have fun and do what you love but no one cares what you look like! Sometimes you get a lot of pressure to look a certain way as a woman on-screen, but with voice work, it’s the opposite. Voice work really focuses on your talent, not what you look like. Plus, voice actors are some of the funniest people I know. It really is a joy to watch people change their voices for cartoons – my favourite thing might be when we have to make animal noises. I’m not the greatest at that particular thing, but man oh man, some of these people are incredible.

You’ve done some sci-fi/horror guest star spots, and I believe two of your standouts were in The Collector and Bates Motel. What was special/memorable about your character/experience in each of these?

The Collector

The Collector was absolutely amazing. It was especially cool because I was given the part by a really awesome producer, Mr. Larry Sugar. Larry and I had been working together on a Nickelodeon series called Romeo for three years and my mom and I went into his office one day to say “hi” to him. I had been wanting to be on The Collector forever, so I mentioned it to him. I remember him saying, “As a matter of fact, we just wrote a part for a teenage girl.” I got so excited! I figured that I was at least going to get an audition. But he picked up the phone right there and called Jon Cooksey – the creator – who also happened to be the director of my first job on So Weird – and told him that I wanted to do the show and by the time he hung up I had the part! I think that was the first time I ever got an offer on a show. Plus, I got to work with Pat Williams as my director, who I had worked with before and have a number of times since. He’s fantastic. And to top it all off I ended up being nominated for a Leo Award for the role.

Bates Motel

Bates Motel was a really awesome project to work on. I met some great friends on that show. It was a really difficult job to get. I think I auditioned five times for it. I was originally up for the role of Bradley, which I didn’t get, but obviously, they liked me enough to still put me on the show! Working with such talented people like Freddie {Highmore}, Vera {Farmiga} and Olivia {Cooke} was a real treat. But being in front of people like Carlton Cuse and Kerry Erin, who have made shows that I love personally, and having them pick you and trust you to be on their new show was an honour. It’s not often you get to work on a show that is so widely loved and respected.

I remember I was so disappointed because I didn’t get to go to the premiere for the first season because I was shooting here in Vancouver. But the following year I was living in LA when the second season had it’s premiere and Olivia brought me and our friend Jenna as her dates! So that made up for missing the first one!

I think your first Hallmark movie was Family For Christmas. What did you know about Hallmark before making this film? What was that on-set filming experience like?

With Lacey Chabert

The one thing I knew about Hallmark before working with them is that this city is blessed Hallmark likes to shoot here! Hallmark keeps us Vancouver actors employed and working! Family For Christmas was extremely fun for me because I got to work with Lacey Chabert again. We had previously done a horror movie together and got to know each other on that. One thing everyone should know about that woman is how kind and giving she is. Seriously, one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.

With Matthew

Plus I got to work with one of my bestest buddies in the world, Matthew Kevin Anderson. So that was the cherry on top of that cake.

Since that movie, you have filmed pretty steadily for Hallmark. Please share any other special experiences from filming with that network (except for any that have come out within the last couple of months).

Garry Chalk, Vanessa Walsh, Toby Levins, Brittney Wilson, David Paetaku Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Honestly, I’m just thankful they keep employing me! Those movies are so much fun to work on. It’s always light-hearted and everyone has a good time.

This year has been an incredible Hallmark year for you with Chronicle Mysteries, Just Add Romance, and Morning Show Mysteries all recently airing. What did you enjoy about your character and/or filming experience in each of these?

With Jesse Moss

The best part about working on Hallmark here is that you get to work with your friends. It’s like one big family. Specifically, MSM has been so awesome because it’s almost been like being on a series. We film at the same location every movie, there’s a regular cast that comes back every time and we shoot each movie relatively close together! And our leading actors, Holly Robinson Peete and Rick Fox, are really fun to work with.

Morning Show Mysteries

Also, Holly is a really big advocate for Autism Awareness, and our family recently discovered we have a little one on the spectrum. When I talked to her about it and asked her if it was okay to ask her a few questions, she didn’t hesitate to offer her help and guidance to my family. Which was really special to me. Everyone needs to check her foundation and pay attention to the work she’s doing. This is a link to her website!

Any other upcoming roles you can share?

My most recent role has been that of “WRITER”… I’m currently working on the other side of the camera producing and writing my own projects. Everything is top-secret as of now, but hopefully, I’ll be sharing news very soon here!

Gap Year

As a supporting cast member that has played a wide variety of roles in various genres, do you have a favorite kind of role? Maybe even a dream role?

I actually was a lead on a TV series called Gap Year that came out in 2017 that ended up ticking all of my “dream job boxes”. I shot in Southeast Asia for five months. My home base at the time was Kuala Lumpur, but I travelled out to China, Vietnam and Nepal as well. We shot on the Great Wall, the oldest rainforest in the world, monkey temples and to top it all off, I got to fly over Everest. It was incredible. All while doing what I loved. It doesn’t get much better than that!

What is your favorite season of the year and why?

My favourite season is 100% Fall. My mom and I love boots and scarves, none of which you can wear in the summer. And by the end of summer, I’m craving boots and scarves!

LIGHTHOUSE PICTURES red carpet gala. Photo courtesy of HUSH Magazine.

Brittney’s distinctiveness spans the comprehensive gamut of the artistic spectrum. She possesses exceptional comedic timing and profound dramatic execution as well as a bubbly persona and genuine humility to boot. Indeed, any studio who employs her in one of their productions soon discovers what a gem she is, and the viewers are consistently entertained by every character she is contracted to play. The fact that she has been an actress for so long and yet has not mislaid her joie de vivre nor her adoration for the business is a testament to the fact that she is pursuing her true calling in this world. I can hardly wait to see what this new journey of hers as a “writer” brings to the entertainment universe, and it is an honor to be able to officially introduce her to my readers today.

If you have access to the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries network, I invite you to check out Brittney’s character in Morning Show Mysteries: Death By Design on Sunday, April 28th as she continues to work her magic as Lucy (and maybe she and Phil will FINALLY make a match of it; you never know!). While you’re savoring her impeccable performances in this signature mystery series, I would invite you to visit all her links below in order to relish her past movies and shows while keeping up with her impending and soon-to-be-announced appearances (you may wish to follow her on social media!). As she continues to pursue every dream within her heart and mind, I know that we fans are a portion of the people in her world who can persevere in inspiring her to new heights and opportunities, and what a pleasure it is to support someone with her perspective, experience, and giftedness!

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