I recognize and respect the fact that Hallmark’s movie In the Key of Love has had a rather circuitous history, even before being officially released to the viewers. However, I am more than thrilled to see that it is going to be released to Hallmark Movies Now this Sunday, August 11th! One of the stars of the movie, Thomas Cadrot, is probably somewhat well-known to the fans, and it was my sincere honor to interview him recently. In anticipation of this original movie’s release to Hallmark’s popular streaming platform, it is my delight to present him to my readers today!
RH: How/why did you decide to pursue a career in acting? What kind of training have you had to prepare you for your career?
TC: I think, even though it sounds cheesy and most performers say it, I’ve always loved performing since I was a kid. School plays, dances, etc. I did all of that; I just didn’t know until later on in life that one could pursue it as a career. I would memorize lines that I loved from movies and just blurt them back at my family members all the time. I was annoying!
As for the moment I decided, well, it was while I was in business school back in Paris. I was following in my siblings’ footsteps, but even though everything was going fine, I just wasn’t that passionate about what I was doing. So I revisited this idea of performing, trained in theatre for a couple years, doing night classes and summer plays and even going to LA to take some workshops and when I graduated, I figured this would be the time to make the decision: go one way or another but commit 100%. And I chose acting. I moved to Vancouver shortly after and have been plugging away ever since
With Danielle Panabaker
What was your first on-screen professional credit? What are your memories from that job?
Well, my first credit was playing a gangster on Untold Stories of the ER. It was great. Even though it doesn’t have the same budget as CW or other network shows, the motions are the same. So I got to go through a table read, wardrobe, makeup, rehearsals, blocking, the whole nine yards. It was a great learning experience and so fun. I immediately fell in love with the vibe and process on set. I knew I had made the right decision to pursue this path.
Love On the Air
I believe your first Hallmark movie was Love On the Air. What did you know about the network before making this film? What was this first Hallmark experience like?
I really didn’t know anything about the network back then. I usually do my research on my co-stars, director and other people that I’ll be interacting with, but at the time, it didn’t come to mind to do a background check, so to speak, on the network. I now know that they have an incredibly loyal fanbase and people love their movies!
I loved my first experience, sharing the screen with Alison Sweeney was awesome. I thought to myself “I recognize this woman; she’s big! Now go be professional, do your job and rise to her level.” That’s how I approach every job. Being professional is the most important thing to me and she was all that and more. I remember her being very sweet in between takes too. It was a great experience.
Supernatural
You’ve been on several CW shows. Any special moments from filming these shows?
All my CW jobs have been special to me. Just getting the opportunity to meet and share screen time with actors that I would only see on my small screen always makes me feel like a fan in the first few minutes.
Once Upon A Time
Working with the likes of Stephen Amell, Willa Holland, Robbie Amell, Mark Pellegrino, Danielle Panabaker, Sarah Jeffrey (GO CANADA!), the list goes on, and of course, who can forget Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki and the lovely ladies from Once Upon a Time! I tell you, I just try to soak it all up as much as I can every time my name is called.
Hallmark fans will soon see you on Hallmark Movies Now in In the Key Of Love. What can you tell us about your role in this film and how that character relates to the overall story? Any special behind-the-scenes memories from filming this?
Thomas Cadrot, Andrea Brooks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman
So I play Kyle, fiancé of Andrea Brooks’ character. He’s a sweet guy, very much in love with his fiancé and just looking forward to tying the knot. Our wedding basically provides the opportunity for Jake (Scott Michael Foster) and Maggie (Laura Osnes) to meet again after years of not having seen each other. The rest I can’t say, but it’s very fun and sweet, and I think people will really enjoy the ride and the songs….I can’t say enough about Scott and Laura’s voices, they sing like angels! I was blown away!
Andrea Brooks, Thomas Cadrot Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman
I very fondly remember our last night of shooting, out by Whonnock Lake. We were all around a campfire, and it was probably our longest day of filming. We wrapped at 4 am. But no matter how late it was, everybody took the time to hug once we wrapped, and tears were shed. It really felt like a nice family by the end. We spent a lot of moments laughing in between takes on this project. I felt so very lucky to be a part of this group
You are going to be seen in the Disney movie Noelle that will kick off the new Disney streaming service this year. What can you tell us about that film and the overall filming experience?
Laura Osnes, Andrea Brooks, Thomas Cadrot, Scott Michael Foster Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman
This should be another sweet and fun ride for the holiday season. It stars Anna Kendrick as Santa’s daughter and follows her adventures as she tries to make Christmas right and take over the “family business”. I was fortunate enough to share a sweet little scene with her and a few children. The experience was great. Disney is a juggernaut and Kendrick is obviously a household name by now, so to be a part of such a big project was another step in the right direction for me.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Fingers crossed I get to come back to Charmed this season as Maisie and Maggie’s dad. Otherwise, it’s back to the grind with more projects hopefully following suit.
What is your advice to others who are considering a career in film/TV?
I’d say, be sure this is what you want. You shouldn’t be in it for the fame, but for the love of telling stories. Train, and persevere. Be professional and thankful for all opportunities coming your way, but most of all, stick to it. It’s a long road ahead, but so worth it.
When not working, what do you like to do for fun?
The typical boy answer, lol: sports, hitting the gym, going to movies solo (it’s not weird 😉 ) but most of all, I love going for walks with my Frenchie, Thor. He keeps me grounded.
First of all, I want to state just how exhilarated I am to observe an actor of Thomas’ distinction who is being featured in a distinctive way across a variety of networks. The fact that In the Key Of Love is making history with the network can only mean even better things for this dedicated actor who definitely relishes every moment on-screen. Furthermore, with the prevailing focus on diversity within the industry, it energizes me to no end to see Hallmark engage in this popular trend without drawing undue attention to themselves nor sacrificing the charm of their stories. Almost nothing annoys me more when I witness “diversity for diversity’s sake,” and Hallmark’s organic method of becoming culturally relevant resonates with me on a profound and authentic level.
Of course, in the midst of all of this, I don’t wish to neglect the impeccable talent Thomas consistently brings to every project on which he is chosen to work. Since In the Key Of Love is purported to be one of the most anticipated premieres of the year for Hallmark, I have no doubt that Thomas and the entire cast will not disappoint. For our non-U.S. fans, I am not certain when this movie will be available for you to watch, but I invite all the U.S. fans to subscribe to Hallmark Movies Now so that you can watch this movie on August 11th and beyond. And while you’re luxuriating in the joy of this amazing film, be sure to check out Thomas at the links below and follow him on Instagram if you are so inclined. I greatly anticipate everything coming up for Thomas, and I hope that the rest of the Hallmarkies will join me in supporting him in as many of his current and future projects for many years to come!
FOLLOW THOMAS
