Fans of Hallmark Channel’s popular series Chesapeake Shores are probably well aware of the new Mrs. O’Brien, Kevin’s now-wife, Sarah. She is played by the enchanting and talented Jessica Sipos with whom we fell in love the moment she walked into Kevin’s life back in season two. I had the honor of interviewing her last season, and she agreed to do a follow-up this season…something which I am honored to present in celebration of the season finale tonight (September 29th), premiering both on Hallmark Channel and Super Channel Heart & Home.
Jessica Sipos Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
RH: I notice you were on Wynnona Earp last year. I know how amazing the show and fans are. What was your experience like with that show? Why do you believe the fans continue to be so passionate about this show?
Wynonna Earp
JS: I was! I had the joy of playing the younger Constance Clootie, and my experience was fantastic! Everyone from the cast and crew were so welcoming and a pleasure to work with. I think the amazing atmosphere and the chemistry between everyone permeates every aspect of the show, which in part, translates to the fans reciprocating that energy and being so receptive. This show isn’t just about killing demons; it is about embracing who you are, about friendship, feelings and hope. It’s created a beautiful, strong community of fans because of that.
Jessica Sipos, Brendan Penny Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Brendan Penny, Jessica Sipos Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
I think Kevin and Sarah formed a deeper connection right from the start due to their shared common history. Once they were able to let down their guard with one another, everything else just came naturally and their story together seems inevitable. They are a light-hearted and playful couple; they challenge each other and have built a solid foundation for their relationship. I think they really compliment each other!
We have such a great friendship! I think that’s what really shines through. Brendan is such an amazing person, and I’m so thankful to get to work opposite him. Couldn’t speak more highly of him as a person and actor.
Brendan Penny, Jessica Sipos Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
You were very quickly accepted into the Chessies family when your character appeared last season. What has been your experience with the fans?
Absolutely! And I owe a huge thank you to all the Chessies for that! It’s been the most positive experience interacting and reading all the love and support from the fans. You never know how a new storyline and character is going to be accepted, and I was lucky enough to have a great fan base that welcomed me and Sarah into their family with open arms!
Brendan Penny, Jessica Sipos Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Well, Sarah and Kevin have now gotten engaged and eloped. Not without disappointing a few people though, so we will definitely be having a nice little reception dinner where my family comes out! And a lot more family scenes!
Emilie Ullerup, Laci Mailey, Jessica Sipos Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
I love that you see that in her! There are definitely some parallels with Sarah and myself. I would have felt very overwhelmed if everyone had their input on my wedding–and probably would have taken the same route out as Sarah did with choosing a simple alternative. I think we can both be a little guarded at first, but when we let our guard down, we embrace vulnerability and allow that to bond us with people. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of too many differences between Sarah and myself.
Another Life
Another Life is the name of the show. It’s one of Netflix’s new Sci-fi dramas with some familiar faces in that particular genre. Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), Selma Blair (Hellboy) and Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds) go head to head with an alien invader on earth and in deep space while I get to play a new A.I. that comes in at the end causing some complications.
Mistletoe Magic
I just wrapped up a really fun Holiday rom-com with Stephen Huszar called Mistletoe Magic {probably airing on UP TV in the U.S.} directed by the lovely Andrew Cymek. It was a ton of fun to film, and I’m so excited for it to come out! Another show I can’t share the details about just yet, but I’m ecstatic for everyone to see what we’ve created!
Brendan Penny, Jessica Sipos, Emilie Ullerup Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
I would LOVE to do a Hallmark Christmas movie! I’ve fallen in love with all the holiday Hallmark movies these past few years. Something about Christmas time, curling up with a tea while a fire is on and watching those feel-good movies–I love it. I’m biased, but I loved working with Stephen Huszar recently and Brendan Penny, of course… I love Laci Mailey, but I feel that all the leading ladies and men of hallmark are incredible people to work with so I’m impartial!
Jessica Sipos Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Seriously, could Jessica be more lovely and delightful? I cannot think of another actress who impeccably embodies everything for which the O’Briens and Hallmark represent in Chesapeake Shores. Whoever cast Jessica as Sarah in the series is to be highly commended (shoot, give the person a substantial raise!), and I greatly anticipate seeing her for multiple seasons to come! Although Chesapeake Shores season four is sadly coming to an end tonight (September 29th), it is purported to be another exhilarating ride with all the O’Briens, including Kevin and Sarah. I am thrilled to proclaim that we will see Jessica in a Christmas movie this year (regrettably NOT on Hallmark, but we’ll take what we can get!), and I hope to see her talents utilized with a variety of networks for many years to come. Regardless, she will always be “Sarah” in my mind, and I will never forget the distinctive show which introduced me to her remarkable gifts and engaging persona.
I hope that everyone tunes in tonight (September 29th) to the Hallmark Channel or Super Channel Heart & Home for the concluding episode in what has been an explosive and powerful season for Chesapeake Shores. Additionally, if you would be so kind as to visit all of Jessica’s links below and consider following her on social media, I know she would feel even more blessed than she already feels and appreciate it more than you know. While season five of the show appears to be a foregone conclusion, let’s continue to ask the network for a longer season and countless more years of a show that has impacted the hearts, minds, and sensibilities of its loyal viewership in multitudinous ways that boggle the imagination. Furthermore, since Jessica is a part of this family-friendly “revolution,” let’s continue to support her career in whatever way possible and wish her nothing but unparalleled success for decades to come!
FOLLOW JESSICA
Jessica Sipos Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Jessica Sipos, Brendan Penny Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
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loved learning more about her
