It wasn’t so long ago that I noticed an account on Facebook that somehow seemed familiar to me, but I couldn’t place why. The fourth season of Chesapeake Shores was in full swing on the Hallmark Channel and Super Channel Heart & Home, and I noticed this person and/or one of the writers mentioned that this individual (with a name I recognized immediately) would be in the season finale. Upon further investigation, I discovered that somehow we were Facebook friends (sorry–I have so many friends that sometimes I forget who friended whom!), and it was evident that he had done a significant amount of Hallmark shows/movies and work for other studios as well. In fact, he is a recurring character in one of my all-time favorite series (you’ll find out about that in the interview, so keep reading). His name is Graeme Duffy, and to make a long story even longer, more than likely you HAVE seen him on your TV set in one of your favorite shows or movies. Recently, he appeared in the season finale of Chesapeake Shores season four. Even though the season is over, a working actor like Graeme has many projects to promote (a MASSIVE one coming up!), and it is my honor to share our recent interview.
RH: Why/how did you decide to pursue a career in acting? What kind of training have you had?
GD: When I was a kid, I had a dream of being an actor. In my twenties, I found myself aimless, living in Vancouver, and struggling with this unfulfilled dream inside of me. So. I started taking classes to “give it a shot”. I took a lot of part-time classes and then settled on an acting coach who inspired me. I spent close to six years in his classes and hung on his every word.
What was your first professional film/TV credit, and what are your memories of working on that set?
My first credit was a Stephen Spielberg produced mini-series called Taken. I was nervous and excited. I felt that all of my dreams and hard work were coming to a reality. I delivered one line in a scene with Ryan Hurst and one of my early mentors, Andy Powers.
The 4400
The 4400 is one of those shows I still need to watch, but I notice you had a recurring role on that show. I still see such incredible support for that show. Why do you believe this show is still so successful after all these years (even after being canceled)?
I loved that show. Being on the set of that show is easily one of my fondest memories. I think The 4400, much like Heroes or even X-Men, asked the question “What if we could be extraordinary?” The show explores societal elements like prejudice, discrimination, cultural fears, differing ideologies and seeking community. I really think that the producers and writers of that show were a decade ahead of their time.
I believe your first Hallmark credit was Mail Order Bride. Before making that movie, what did you know about the Hallmark Channel? How was this first movie experience with them?
Actually I just did a little voice work on MOB. We call it “walla.” It’s when actors come in and voice the background of a scene. Like a restaurant or an office so it sounds more alive.
I knew a little about Hallmark from auditioning for shows and watching the occasional Christmas movie. I loved their MOW formats. As a child of the 80s, I grew up on the concept of MOWs; there is something comforting about them.
My first on-screen Hallmark credit was a Garage Sale Mystery. I was on set for a very short day to deliver my one line. But the entire cast and crew were super welcoming and I got to work with Peter DeLuise, who gave me a scratch and win. I didn’t win. But it made me feel welcome.
Over the years, you have been in many Hallmark movies and productions (even if your roles are sometimes small). What have been your most memorable films/shows with the network, and why do they stand out to you?
with Danica
I’ve honestly been so lucky with Hallmark. Whenever I think about those projects, I always just think of the people I am lucky enough to work with. I’ve been able to work with Kristoffer Polaha and Emilie Ullerup multiple times, and they are always happy when I walk into the cast room. I’ve worked with the amazing Danica McKeller, who, again as a child of the 80s, was my childhood crush. And of course, I got to work with Meghan Markel, how cool is that.
This answer may seem like a big name drop session, but honestly, what I love about Hallmark are the people who work on them. Directors like Terry Ingram, Monika Mitchell, and Jim Head really bring together good people to work and create with one another.
Oh! Also. On Pumpkin Pie Wars my amazing wife Caitlin Duffy was doing background that day so we got to work together. Best. Day. Ever.
Honestly, Hallmark feels like a community or family.
Of course, you have been on three episodes of Supernatural (which is now entering its final season of production). Why do you believe this series has been so popular?
Supernatural has genuine and compelling leads. They get to play in such a big world of supernatural concepts. So I think the size of the world and the likability of the characters give the audience a much-needed escape from the real world.
The Supernatural fans are second to none with regards to enthusiasm. They are a huge reason for the show’s crazy success.
My daughter and I are MAJOR Siren fans, so of course, we have seen you on that show as well. What do you enjoy about this show, and why do you believe that it has been so popular for Freeform?
behind-the-scenes
Siren
One word…
Mermaids!
Finally a show about mermaids!
I love Siren. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw the trailer. I love any show that asks the question “what if this happened?”
I honestly believe like with Supernatural and Hallmark that the success of a show starts on set. Siren has an amazing vibe on set. The leads are all wonderful people. Some days on set, I’ll look over and see Rena Owen beside me in the makeup chair or Gil Birmingham and think to myself “How grateful am I right now!”
with Terry Ingram
Chesapeake Shores
I noticed you are a part of the season four finale of Chesapeake Shores. What did you know about this series before joining the cast? What can you tease about your character? What do you see as the strength of this show?
I had auditioned for Chesapeake Shores and When Calls the Heart so many times with no luck. So I was familiar in that sense with the show.
But. Finally, I made it to set in the series finale! I play Rob Crone. Incidentally, a lot of characters are named after crew members. I met real Rob behind the camera that day. I am a city official coming to check up on the new Bed and Breakfast.
behind-the-scenes
Chesapeake Shores
Again, I think the show is successful because of the people involved in writing, producing, directing and acting on the show. I also believe that the family dynamics are relatable. I think at the end of every family issue is love and joy. It’s just sometimes challenging to get there. I think that the journey often pays off on CS. Ask audience members; we are always rooting for love and goodness to win out. I think CS does this really well.
With Kirsten Hansen and Michael Berns
I notice you’re in the Psych 2 movie that’s coming up as well. Yet another Vancouver phenomenon. And I believe you were on an episode of the series. Why does this show/franchise continue to be so popular?
Psych has funny and charming leads dealing with out of the box situations. The show has great writers and a production team that really cares about the show. To me, it’s not surprising it’s so successful.
Any other upcoming roles you can mention?
I’m really happy to finally announce that I will be joining the cast of the upcoming CW show Nancy Drew.
All I can really say is I’m so excited for this show and it airs on October 9th!
Please tell us about your comedy/improv work. Feel free to tell us anything about that!
For the last fifteen years, I’ve been on stage performing weekly improv shows with Vancouver TheatreSports. It gives me the opportunity to work my craft all of the time. It has brought me a confidence and a spirit of collaboration that I never would have found.
I’ve performed improv on cruise ships travelling the world with Princess and Crystal Cruise Lines. Incidentally, Cruise ships have a lot of Hallmark fans…I actually get recognized on the ship from working with Mira Sorvino.
Improv has honestly changed my life. I even proposed to my wife while on stage performing with Colin Mochrie. Improv has brought so many remarkable experiences into my life. Including travelling to Shanghai and Beijing last year to teach improv to the cast AKA writers of SNL China.
As a working actor in Vancouver, what would be your advice to young people who may be considering a career in acting?
Create your own work. Keep your creative light lit. Be disciplined. Be kind. Always be working, reading and experiencing. And most of all remember “The universe’s delays are not the universe’s denials.”
I cannot tell you what a thrill it is for me to have the moment to feature industry professionals like Graeme. While he has definitively established himself within the acting community of Vancouver, he continues to inspire people from all over the world with his undeniable talents, his uncanny comedic timing, his benevolent humility, and his exuberant eagerness to perform whatever is asked of him within any production. Indeed, it is the audience that consistently benefits from someone like Graeme, who takes his craft seriously while always demonstrating authenticity in all of his roles. Moreover, there is no doubt that Graeme is “called” to this profession, and he regularly motivates the next generation of performers by sharing his love for the arts as well as what he has gleaned from his years of experience within the movie and television universe.
If you have not had the chance to witness his on-screen brilliance in the season four finale of Chesapeake Shores, I urge you to do so as soon as possible, for his role will not only captivate you but it will remain in your mind and heart long after the episode is completed. I can only hope that the powers that be at the network recognize the faithful treasure they have at their disposal in Graeme, and I anticipate witnessing more of his remarkable gifts in countless Hallmark productions to come. Nevertheless, as we await his appearance in the show Nancy Drew as well as next year’s Siren, I hope that everyone will visit his links below and consider following him on social media if you have not taken advantage of the opportunity before now. Graeme has easily become one of my new favorite supporting cast members as a result of this interview, and my fingers are crossed for him that he will continue to book more roles that demonstrate his talents and give him the occasion to embody entertaining characters as well as characters that bequeath an enduring impression upon the viewers. I hope that all my readers will join me in support of this incredible human being, and one of these days, perchance, you will have the blessing of watching him on a cruise ship performance for yourself while describing to all your friends that you remember him from Hallmark (and maybe from this interview as well)!
FOLLOW GRAEME
