During the rather tumultuous season five of When Calls the Heart, I did manage to notice a new character in town, Kevin Townsend, played by the amazing Clayton Chitty. Since Hallmark viewers had also seen him in The Sweetest Heart earlier that year, I reached out to him for an interview, to which he readily agreed. I was rather pleased to see him return to Hope Valley this year in a more significant capacity, and we can all hope that he may be there to stay (fingers crossed for season seven). Recently, Clayton and I did a follow-up interview, and we chatted all things Hallmark and beyond!
RH: Since we last spoke, Hearties have seen your character come back to When Calls the Heart in season six. While your part is still rather small, what have you appreciated about your character in season six?
as Kevin Townsend
CC: I appreciate that I am building new relations with some of the characters on a more personal level. When Jesse came to work for Kevin Townsend, it was nice to feel a part of the cast. After all, they are a family in themselves. It’s not always easy as an actor to come onto a show that’s established as a day player or small recurring role. They have always been inviting and warm, but the more interaction you have with the story the more comfortable you and your character feel.
With Teagan Vincze
Assuming that they bring you back for season seven, what would be your hopes for Kevin Townsend?
I would love to be more involved with what’s happening in Hope Valley. Maybe establish some deeper roots and maybe find a love interest. Or even just more involvement with what’s happening with the town. I always appreciate the work. I just think the cast and crew are amazing and would love to be involved in and have a larger contribution to the storyline.
A Christmas Arrangement
This past Christmas, we saw you in A Christmas Arrangement. What was it like making that film? Any special memories from that project?
A Christmas Arrangement
I’d have to say the fact it was my first movie shot in Los Angeles, it will always have a special place in my heart. I loved working with the cast and crew and going in as a first-timer in the big leagues AKA Hollywood. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Ninth House films was absolutely amazing. The cast was so much fun to work with.
And of course, I love Christmas, and it was my first Christmas movie. So it will always be special to me.
The Last Bridesmaid with Paul Campbell and Jeremy Guilbaut
Behind-the-scenes
The Last Bridesmaid
Hallmark viewers will see you soon in The Last Bridesmaid. What can you tell us about your role and how it fits into the overall framework of the story? Any special behind-the-scenes stories that you would like to share?
My character is another supporting role, but an important character in the story. I play Craig, who is Lucie’s (Stephanie Bennett) fiancé. Lucie is Becca’s (Rachel Boston) best friend, who unfortunately hasn’t found love yet and is the last bridesmaid left.
There were endless behind-the-scenes moments. Honestly, it was the most comical experience I have ever had on set. I tend to like to be the class clown and keep people laughing even if it’s just saying absurd things. I loved that cast and crew immensely!
With Brendon Zub
While Canadian viewers have already had the opportunity to see Made For You, With Love, we in the U.S. have not as of yet. Please tell us a little bit about why this project is so special and how your character fits into the overall story of the movie.
Made For You, With Love was a great project. I had met the director Lucie Guest through her current partner at first. But then we had the pleasure of working together with some table read projects. It’s a warm, fun, feel-good rom-com. My character, Keith, really should have found love again, but through no fault of his own, his approach just doesn’t work for Edy Ganam’s character. But we had so many laughs, especially in the scene where we were sharing ice cream together!
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Photo Credit: karolinaturekphotography
There is an amazing AMC show coming out for its second season with a whole new storyline. It’s called The Terror. I am beyond excited to see it all put together and follow the storyline since I only had the pleasure of being involved for two episodes.
If you were able to work on a Christmas movie this year, who would be your choices for your co-stars? Why would you choose them?
Honestly, it would be a pleasure to work with anyone I have previously. I feel blessed to constantly be working with amazing people!
Do you have any special plans for the summer?
My partner and I just moved to LA. So we have been trying to settle in down here. But I do miss Vancouver for the summer. So we will try to spend some time at our family cabin and get out on the boat. My happy place is anywhere on the coast of Vancouver tucked away living on my boat. So hoping to enjoy some of that.
As Clayton’s career seems to be gradually gaining momentum, I am gratified to see him as grounded and as down-to-earth as one could ever desire for an actor in today’s entertainment universe. While at times he may still appear as a virtual unknown, his solid work is garnering the attention of the right people and networks who continue to cast him in meaningful projects that resonate with the viewers. Thankfully, celebrity status is not something for which he is vying; he is content to portray roles with heart and meaning that genuinely affect the people who watch them. Whether he is in a feel-good Hallmark and/or Christmas movie or cast in an action-packed thriller where his character is misunderstood and possibly diabolical, Clayton consistently gives his all to every role, and it is clear that this attitude and dedication is paying off as we proceed to see his stellar work on our television screens.
I hope that everyone makes it a point to tune into the season finale of When Calls the Heart on the Hallmark Channel (U.S.) or Super Channel Heart & Home (Canada) tomorrow (June 2nd) night. In addition to that, keep a sharp eye out for The Last Bridesmaid coming to a Hallmark Channel near you in the U.S. (June 22nd) and hopefully making its way to Canada soon as well. While we await and enjoy all of Clayton’s varied works, I do trust that everyone will visit Clayton’s links below and consider following him on social media as well. I tend to think that he is on the precipice of prominence within the next few years, and I can hardly wait to say, “And to think I knew him when…” I genuinely hope that many of my readers will join me in supporting this young man every step of the way!
FOLLOW CLAYTON
Brandi Alexander, Rachel Boston, Stephanie Bennett, Clayton Chitty, Jeremy Guilbaut, Chris Wood Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer
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Looking forward to his next movie.
