I don’t know about you, but I am ecstatic to see Hallmark’s first streaming show on Hallmark Movies Now entitled When Hope Calls. I’ve enjoyed this service of Hallmark’s anyway, but the fact that it is a spinoff of When Calls the Heart and features an incredible cast and crew thrills me to no end. Thankfully, our Canadian friends can also watch this series on Super Channel Heart & Home. Recently, I was able to interview one of the leading men, Ryan-James Hatanaka, and in anticipation of Friday’s (August 30th) series premiere, it is my honor to share our recent conversation.

Photo Credit: Deb Lopez

RH: Why/How did you decide to pursue a career as an actor? What kind of training have you had to prepare you for this career?

RJH: I’ve always loved performing. I was cast in my first play in grade five, did some theater in high school, but it wasn’t until I was at the University of Toronto that I started to think: “Huh… this thing that I love doing could actually be a career.” I really focused in on it, finished at UofT with a double major in Drama and Sociology, then went on to The National Theatre School of Canada in Montreal, before doing my Masters in Fine Arts at New York University’s Tisch Graduate Acting program.

There is no one path to becoming an actor, but for me the educational component was important. It has given me a strong community of artists that I can rely on. We push each other.

Mr. D

What was your first on-screen professional job? What are your memories of that role/job?

One of my favorite early jobs was as a security guard with a bad attitude on the Canadian comedy series Mr. D.

Gerry, the creator of that show, was my hockey coach and teacher in high school, and I had a front-row seat to him going after his dreams. He is a great friend and mentor to me.

From what I can tell, it would appear that one of your biggest roles to date was on Chicago P.D. What was that experience like for you? Any special memories you would like to share?

Chicago P.D.

One thing I love about my career so far is that I’ve had an opportunity to do theater, film, TV and commercials. My experience filming Chicago P.D. was a very positive one. I am a big Rocky fan, so working with Carl Weathers was surreal. Philip Winchester, Joelle Carter, and Nazneen Contractor have all become friends.

Hearties are excited to see you in the upcoming series When Hope Calls. First of all, since this is your first Hallmark work, what did you know about the network before joining this series? 

Hallmark is an iconic network, and I’m very proud to be a part of the community.

And the Hearties! Wow. What an amazingly supportive, engaged, welcoming group. The cast and I are all working hard to bring them an amazing show that they will enjoy for years!

Ryan-James Hatanaka Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood

Please tell us about your role and how your character fits into When Hope Calls. 

I play the Mountie of Brookfield – Constable Gabriel Kinslow. Our amazing Showrunner, Alfonso Moreno, has given me lots of interesting challenges to work through as the season progresses.
The town of Brookfield is a really intriguing environment filled with complex characters and difficult decisions.

I can’t wait for our fans to see what we have in store!

What has been the best part of filming When Hope Calls? If the series is picked up for a season two, what do you hope for your character?

Morgan Kohan, Ryan-James Hatanaka Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood

The best part of filming so far has been the people I’m at work with. The producers, cast, and crew – everyone is there to create a great product for our audience. Morgan Kohan, Jocelyn Hudon, Wendy Crewson, Greg Hovanessian, Hanneke Talbot, Jefferson Brown… the list goes on. Hallmark has put together a thoughtful, talented team.

Photo Credit: Deb Lopez

I’m excited to see what new challenges Mountie Gabriel will be faced with. He’s navigating some complex issues and feelings. All I know is that we’re in good hands with Alfonso Moreno and his team of writers.

I see stunts listed in your resume as well. Please comment on that part of your career if you would like to.

I have a background in many different sports, including a blackbelt in karate. That skillset has really benefited me in the industry, and over the years I have developed a love of fight choreography.

Any special plans happen this summer?

My summer was spent on set in the idyllic town of Brookfield. It really is an incredible place and there’s no where I’d rather be. Can’t wait for all the fans to experience it!

Ryan-James Hatanaka, Morgan Kohan Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood

While there is still much I do not know about Ryan and the character he plays in When Hope Calls, I am grateful to know at least a little bit about one of the new Hallmark leading men. The fact that he plays a Mountie and is a highly-qualified actor also enthuses me to the maximum. I believe Hallmark has chosen an exceptional, young cast to be a part of their new streaming show, and in time, I believe this may be the innovative program that propels the network to even more eminent heights. To say that I am impressed with Ryan-James is the understatement of the century, and I can only hope August 30th arrives sooner than expected!

While we await the momentous premiere, I do hope that everyone does the following: subscribe to Hallmark Movies Now or Super Channel Heart & Home, check out Ryan-James’ links below, and follow him via social media if possible. Hearties are decidedly aflame in anticipation of this show that purports to be one of the most electric premieres of 2019, and I hope that all of the fans will do their best to support Ryan-James, When Hope Calls, and everyone involved in this ambitious endeavor. And I, for one, and not disappointed to be welcoming a new, handsome man into the ranks of the creative, kind, humble Hallmark Hunks!

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