I initially discovered the phenomenon that is Erin Krakow as a result of the original Hallmark Channel series, When Calls the Heart. While it took me a little while to truly embrace everything that her character, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton, had to offer, I was an instant Erin fan from the inception of the series. No one else could create such a multi-faceted character with impeccable heart and soul. Thankfully, Hallmark has also fully espoused the creative ingenuity and enchanting warmth that she has infused into every character she portrays, and Erin is on the fast track to becoming one of the premier leading ladies with the network. I have had the supreme honor of interviewing Erin and meeting her in person twice, and I can honestly state that she is a genuinely gifted artist who consistently exceeds expectations in every area of her career and life. In preparation and anticipation of her upcoming Hallmark romance (which will premiere jointly on the Hallmark Channel and the W Network tonight, August 17th), I had the delight of chatting with her yet again, and I share our glorious conversation with my readers today!

Home & Family

RH: First of all, I want to commend you on the incredible Christmas movie last year. Your portrayal of Elizabeth as she awaited the birth of Jack Jr. and as she gave birth was stellar! How did you get prepared for those particular scenes?

When Calls the Heart Christmas 2018

EK: Thank you so much! I LOVED filming last year’s WCTH Christmas movie. Playing Elizabeth is always a joy for me, but getting to play pregnant-Elizabeth was particularly delightful. Barbara Gregusova was kind enough to find a pregnancy suit that wasn’t made of feathers so some of the physical work was really done for me. Moving through the world with a belly of that size (and considerable weight) naturally has an effect on movement. It changed the way I walked, sat, climbed stairs, etc. I made sure to incorporate a bit of a waddle and I invited castmates to help me stand up from seated positions. There’s a moment in the scene where Florence and Molly are attempting to bring some things upstairs in Elizabeth’s row house and I had to hurriedly stop them from doing so. I wanted to make that pregnant run look real. I never wanted our viewers to be pulled out of the magic of the show because I wasn’t moving the way a pregnant woman would. I have never given birth, so for the labor scenes, I relied on births I’d seen in film, TV, and documentaries, as well as advice Lori {Loughlin} and Pascale {Hutton}, gave me on the day. I was pretty lightheaded from all of the breathing and grunting. From what I hear, TV labor is far less painful than the real thing though!

with the Taylor Twins

Season six was a new chapter for Elizabeth as she navigated being a single working mother and even beginning to deal with two potential suitors. What was the most important thing to you about Elizabeth’s journey in season six? How did you go about making sure she didn’t move too fast in the area of romance?

You’re absolutely right. Season six was a big transition year for Elizabeth. Luckily, I didn’t have to convince anyone that Elizabeth shouldn’t move on too quickly. We were all on the same page about that. It was imperative to me to show that being a mom to Baby Jack was the most important relationship in Elizabeth’s life and that any connection with Lucas or Nathan was going to take a fair amount of time to develop. I wanted to honor the relationship between Jack and Elizabeth that grew over five seasons. Everyone mourns at their own speed, but we knew that Elizabeth jumping into romance on the heels of Jack’s death would have felt like a slap in the face to our fans. Not cool.

The Taylor Twins (again!)

Having babies on set (Baby Jack is played by twins Lincoln and Gunnar Taylor) has breathed new life into WCTH. It’s been lovely to see how each character has created their own special connection with Baby Jack. And for me, getting to play mom-Elizabeth has provided a new set of joys and challenges – all of which I welcome. I adore working with the Taylor twins!

What are your hopes for season seven of When Calls the Heart and for Elizabeth’s continued journey?

When Calls the Heart
season 6 finale

I read each script like I’m sitting down to watch my favorite TV show that I’ve been eagerly waiting all week to see – with excited anticipation. It’s thrilling to see each storyline unfold. Our show runner Alfonso Moreno, as well as a fantastic team of writers: Derek Thompson, Elizabeth Stewart, and Annie Brunner approach each episode with care and heart. I’m so grateful to them for continuing to rise to the occasion, tackling challenging storylines in ways that feel authentic to our characters and our show. Personally, I’d like to see Elizabeth open herself to love again. Don’t get me wrong; I love getting to focus on Elizabeth the mom, Elizabeth the teacher, and Elizabeth the friend and confidant, but I’d also love to see her navigate what will be new territory. Mending her heart will take time and care, and we’re lucky to have such a talented creative team guiding that journey.

Marrying Father Christmas

I also want to commend you on the entire “Father Christmas” series. What did you appreciate most about creating your character and making those movies?

Thank you. I was excited to be a part of a series of mystery movies for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. We really created a little family working on those three movies together. Reuniting at familiar sets and revisiting characters we all enjoyed playing made for very happy experiences for all of us. One of the things I loved about those movies was the way we portrayed a complicated, non-traditional family. I received so many messages of gratitude from viewers who appreciated seeing that. I think that element of the stories really resonated.

Also, ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS and MARRYING FATHER CHRISTMAS were both directed by the wonderful David Winning, who also directed A SUMMER ROMANCE!

A Summer Romance

Coming up very soon on the Hallmark Channel, we will be seeing you in A Summer Romance opposite Ryan Paevey. First of all, how familiar were you with Ryan and his work before you made this film? What was your experience like with him as a scene partner?

I was actually only familiar with Ryan from his work on Hallmark Channel prior to working with him. Ryan was a great scene partner! He approached each scene with passion, focus, and interest. He always showed up to set prepared. He was also very keen to learn new skills. For example:  horseback riding. Ryan created a beautiful character and I can’t wait for everyone to meet Richard/J.R. in A SUMMER ROMANCE.

Sarah Strange, Erin Krakow, Kevin O’Grady, Ava Grace Cooper Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

This movie also includes two Hallmark favorites–Kevin O’Grady and Sarah Strange. While Kevin had a small guest spot on When Calls the Heart, I think this was your first time working with Sarah. What was it like having these two as a part of the cast?

It was a blast having Kevin and Sarah join the cast of A SUMMER ROMANCE! I had spent time with both of them before, so I had a taste of how wonderful and funny they were, but getting to work with them really solidified that for me. I also think the years that they’d spent working together infused their A SUMMER ROMANCE characters (who are married) with comfort and history. They’re fantastic people and actors and any production would be so lucky to have them.

Erin Krakow Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

What can you tell us about your character in A Summer Romance and how she fits into the overall framework of the story?

I play Samantha but-you-can-call-me-Sam Walker. Sam is focused on trying to keep her family ranch alive when a city slicker shows up to convince her to sell it. I wouldn’t want to spoil the story, so I’ll leave it at that.

Any special behind-the-scenes moments from the filming of A Summer Romance that you would like to share?

Erin Krakow, Ryan Paevey Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

There are so many! Trying to film quiet scenes when we could hardly hear our scene partner over the choir of croaking frogs, getting scared by a jolting Ferris wheel moving faster than I remember Ferris wheels ever moving, and stepping into a freezing cold stream! Those are just a few silly memories.

Erin Krakow, Ryan Paevey Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

Mostly though, I remember what a beautiful and heartfelt production it was to be a part of. Vicki Sotheran, A SUMMER ROMANCE and WCTH producer, created the idea for this script. She started riding horses on her grandma’s farm at the age of three, and she remembers city slickers showing up without a clue how to ride. Her heartfelt, memory-filled story came together so beautifully in Robert Tate Miller’s script. I’m so glad we were able to bring it to life on screen and I’m very grateful to Vicki for including me.

When Calls the Heart

I understand you have a couple of things coming up for Christmas this year, including the new When Calls the Heart Christmas movie, an original Christmas movie, and Christmas Cookie Countdown. What can you tease about any of these upcoming works (and any others I may have missed)?

I do indeed! I don’t have any dates to share yet, but you can expect to see a lot of Erin this holiday season. As has become a holiday tradition, WCTH will be returning with another Christmas movie. No pregnancy suit for Elizabeth this year though! Also, some of the members of the WCTH cast will be participating in a Christmas Cookie Matchup show where we’ll each pair up with a baker to compete for a cash prize for the winning baker and bragging rights for the winning actor!

Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen

In non-WCTH news, I’ll have a modern-day Christmas movie to share called SENSE, SENSIBILITY & SNOWMEN. I adored Luke Macfarlane at Juilliard and I adore him even more now after filming a movie together. I’ll share more about how wonderful he and the rest of the cast are as we get closer to that movie’s premiere.

Erin Krakow Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Starbuck/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC.

One of the things I notice about you, Erin, is that you have definitely “come into your own” this past year or so. I have always loved you in your shows and movies, but now you seem to take a much more active leadership role and you are definitely the consummate professional. Not all actresses automatically develop these essential characteristics. What do you believe has contributed to your development as a professional and a person?

Thank you very much. I really appreciate that lovely compliment. I have always believed in the power of sharing kindness and having gratitude every day – on set and off. Thankfully, that comes naturally when surrounded by people I care for and respect while getting to do what I love. I approach each project with hard work and the desire to make it the best it can possibly be. I’m glad to hear that shows.

As you look towards the future, do you have plans to possibly do any more executive producing/directing/writing? 

I’d love to! I’ll keep you posted.

What is your idea of the perfect summer evening?

Sitting on a sandy beach watching the sun set with my favorite people. A movie with popcorn. Maybe some dancing. Lots of laughter.

Photo Credit: Melissa Coulier

I remember Daniel Lissing raving about the fact that Erin consistently considers others before herself, even if it means sacrificing her own comfort for theirs. Over the past few years, I have scrutinized Erin both on and off the screen, and I tend to agree with his assessment of this graceful woman’s abilities and persona. I recognize just how busy she is, but somehow, she systematically finds ways to interact with her zealous fans. While she has to wade through the occasional negativity in this business, in the end, she progressively emerges as a strong, vivacious, endearing artist whose heart is saturated with compassion and kindness. I have adored watching her mature along with Elizabeth over the past seasons of When Calls the Heart, and it wasn’t long ago that I declared she has ultimately made my “top five” list amongst the Hallmark actresses. While I may not have been as expeditious in my complete acquiescence of her expertise and artistry (I admit I can be a hard sell when it comes to leading ladies), there is no doubt that her versatility, charm, and beauty have invariably drawn me to her as an actress and as a person. As I have observed her multiple characters’ arcs in a diversity of programming, I have come to appreciate all that Erin Krakow is, and I greatly anticipate her upcoming romance films as well as her just-announced mystery movie (I was literally happy-dancing when The Royal Mysteries were heralded!). 

I hope that everyone in the U.S. and Canada will tune in for the world premiere of A Summer Romance tonight (August 17th on the Hallmark Channel AND the W Network), and here’s to yet another overwhelming success for this woman who has taken this network (and Hollywood) by storm! Moreover, please visit all of Erin’s links below and follow her where applicable…you wouldn’t consider doing anything else, right?? As a result of season six of When Calls the Heart, I have been predicting that Erin Krakow will soon be the “face of Hallmark,” and I can hardly wait to applaud every single one of her accomplishments in the weeks, months, and years to come! 

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Erin Krakow, Ryan Paevey, Ryan Paevey, Sarah Strange Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

Ryan Paevey, Erin Krakow Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

CHECK OUT MY PAST INTERVIEWS WITH ERIN

Photo Credit: Ricardo Hubbs

Interview With Actress Erin Krakow, “When Calls the Heart”

Interview with Actress Erin Krakow, “When Calls the Heart”

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