A couple of years ago, I had the joy of interviewing Greyston Holt because I had enjoyed his performance in A Very Country Christmas. Of course, I remembered him from a couple of his Hallmark roles as well, but it was an absolute delight to see him leading such a charming and entertaining film. It would appear that he has come even more into his own this year with a sequel to that film, a recurring role on a Hallmark and a CW show, and yet another sweet Christmas film to boot. Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with Greyston, and it is an honor to share that chat with my readers today.
Photo by Callum Gunn © East Cherry
RH: Greyston, it is so nice to speak with you again!
GH: Thank you, Ruth, yes, this is great! We finally made this work.
I know you’ve been so busy. I’ve been kind of seeing you all over the place.
Yeah, the last couple months have been pretty crazy.
I totally get that. And thankfully, you have a lot of projects we can talk about and promote. But I wanted to be sure to tell you how much I enjoyed A Very Country Wedding this past summer. I had loved A Very Country Christmas, and seeing you in the sequel was so much fun.
Oh, yeah, that one was so great to work on.
A Very Country Wedding
You know, sometimes sequels fall flat, but this one definitely didn’t. It was strong, and I hope you guys do another one.
Well, while there is nothing official as of yet, I think the possibility of doing a third one does exist. We’ll have to see how it all works out, but I know there has been talk about it.
Oh, Greyston, that would be amazing! I hope it happens. I felt like the ending was leading that way.
Yeah, if a third one happens, it would be dealing with the honeymoon.
A Very Country Wedding
Fingers crossed it happens. So when it was announced this summer that you were joining the cast of Chesapeake Shores, I was so happy for you, and it was awesome to see you in the series. I was thrilled for you.
Thank you.
How much did you know about Chesapeake Shores before joining the show in this past season?
Chesapeake Shores
Well, I hadn’t been following the show that much. But I was loosely following the show because one of my best friends is on the show–Andrew Francis. We met on a movie we shot about ten years ago. So it was fun to finally get on this show with him. We only had one short little scene together, but at least we got to work together and be on set together.
I think the fans have mixed reactions about your character, Jay Ross.
{laughs} I’m sure.
{laughs} A lot of people said, “Well, we really like him, but we don’t want him with Abby.”
Yeah, the diehard Abby-Trace fans are not too happy with Jay. There are some supporters, but it seems like no matter how many facts stare you in the face, a lot of people want to follow the big romantic story between these two characters. They want to believe that Trace and Abby will eventually be together. And that’s not to put those fans down. I understand where they’re coming from. This is Hallmark, and of course, the fans have been watching these two characters over the past three seasons. Then my character comes along and mixes things up a bit. But there are many fans who think there should be no problems and that I should totally get out of the way, and there shouldn’t be anyone else for Trace and Abby but Trace and Abby. And I totally understand and respect that. And the fact that so many fans don’t like my character…I don’t take it personally at all. There should be some conflict, I think. People should be wondering if these two will ever get together, and the viewers should feel a bit conflicted. They should be wondering if she’s better off with Trace or Jay, but obviously, there will be those who will always believe Trace and Abby should be together, no matter what.
Chesapeake Shores
I didn’t know what I was going to think of your character. But the fact that your character is a teacher and I’m a teacher already made me kind of like you. And since I’ve been following the show from the beginning, I can say that what I like about Jay is that he brings out a different side of Abby then we have seen before. You brought out the fun side of her which we don’t always see when she’s with Trace.
I think that was an important contrast that we wanted to make between Jay and Trace. Trace is a musician and a brooding guy and a very intense character. I think we really wanted to contrast that with the fun-loving guy who can joke and bring out that lighter side of Abby.
At this point, we don’t know for sure if we’ll have a season five, but there is serious talk about it. I tend to think it just might happen. So assuming there is another season, I doubt we’ve seen the last of your character.
Yeah, I think I’ll be coming back for at least another season.
I think something’s gotta happen there because I think the end of the season kind of confused the fans. Sure, Abby and Trace had this kiss, but what’s the next step? And what about Jay? And I think that even the fans who don’t necessarily like Jay because they think he’s trying to take Abby away from Trace, they still seemed to like him. Just not with Abby.
Well, I think that’s what we were going for. And really, I think Jay has got to stick around even if he’s not with Abby.
You are the teacher after all, and you are teaching her kids.
I also think Jay is a very emotionally-responsible guy. He would understand if Abby ultimately chooses Trace.
Yes, I appreciated that about him too. It wasn’t like he was gonna make a move if Abby wasn’t ready for it.
Yeah, definitely.
I hadn’t paid attention to all the actors that were going to be in Batwoman. So when I saw the pilot episode and your name popped up, I was like, “Oh my goodness! Greyston’s in this one!” And that’s when I understood why you had been so busy.
Yeah, exactly.
That had to be pretty amazing to get cast in that show.
Batwoman
Yeah, it was pretty exciting, and it all came off somewhat out of the blue. I had auditioned for another part on the show that I didn’t get. That was back in February. Months later, when the show wasn’t really on my radar anymore, I got a call out of the blue that I was in consideration for another role on the show. And so I booked the role of Tyler, and the rest is history. The show has been a real treat to work on, and the cast is wonderful and they are so great to work with. It’s been a real fun ride. You know, it’s always fun to do these big-budget TV shows. The crew, the gear they have, the production value…it’s definitely been a treat to work on.
I can only imagine. I decided to watch Batwoman since some of my friends were on the show. And I think I went into the show a bit skeptically, thinking, “Is it gonna be as good as everyone says it is? Will it live up to the hype?” But after watching that first show, I was impressed and thinking this was better than I thought it was going to be.
I think it’s pretty great too. I always go into everything with conservative expectations, and I was impressed with how it looked. I thought all the performances were great. I thought it looked like a movie. It really had a cinematic feel to it. But it definitively has a darker tone and feel to it than the other CW shows. Which is really cool, I think. I think Ruby {Rose} really brings that energy and drive to the superhero genre. I think it’s really cool to see her in that role.
And your character, Tyler, the poor guy doesn’t even know what’s really going on.
I know! That slowly unravels as the season goes on. That can only be hidden for so long.
I kind of figured that was the case. And we’ve begun to see a few things, but for the most part, he’s just been clueless. And it’s sad in a way, but very realistic and well-done. But I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for you in the rest of the season.
Yeah, me too. There will be more to come, so just keep watching.
And you had a Lifetime Christmas movie that aired earlier this month called A Sweet Christmas Romance.
Yes, I shot that with Adelaide Kane. It premiered in the U.S. back on November 10th, but I know it’s been replayed and I think people can watch it on the Lifetime app and online as well.
Yes, that is correct.
A Sweet Christmas Romance
It was a fun movie. I got to play a baker. I like to bake, so that wasn’t too foreign to me. It’s a sweet Christmas movie about a community bake competition to win the local town bakery that’s up for sale. And it’s always fun doing Christmas movies in August! {laughs} We were sweating like crazy when we were filming. It was thirty degrees {86 F}, and we were in our wool sweaters. {laughs} But it was fun. Adelaide was a great co-star, and I hope everyone liked it that saw it.
A Sweet Christmas Romance
It’s still sitting on my DVR; it’s been a busy month for me. But I have heard people mention it, and I’m sure it’s cute and fun. I’ve actually been very impressed with some of the Lifetime Christmas movies this year. The level of quality has definitely gone up. And I always like to recommend them to Hallmark fans only because you can never have too much Christmas this time of year. I know Lifetime has a reputation for thrillers and other movies like that, but at Christmas, they do sweet Christmas movies.
A Sweet Christmas Romance
Yeah, there is nothing “thriller” about this movie. A Sweet Christmas Romance is in the vein of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Nothing offensive, a feel-good story. Lifetime can go both ways for sure.
A Very Country Wedding
So in addition to all this, is there anything else coming up that you can mention?
Nothing I can really talk about. I mean, we can hint at a potential third movie maybe called A Very Country Honeymoon or something like that. I think we can say it’s in the works at least. But other than that, no. Batwoman has kept me very busy.
Well, Greyston, it sounds like you’ve got plenty going on for you, and I hope everyone checks out your works as we look forward to what’s next.
I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with me today, Ruth.
My pleasure, Greyston.
And thanks to all the fans for watching and for your support!
Photo by Callum Gunn © East Cherry
It took quite some time for this interview to happen, but that’s because seriously, every time I contacted Greyston, he was filming! And to be honest, that’s the best reason of all! I’m pleased that Greyston has become a favorite of many studios this year, and I genuinely hope that the roles continue for him well into the new year and beyond. Greyston has labored vigorously to build a strong repertoire of amazing credits in both film and television alike, and I hope that both Chesapeake Shores and Batwoman keep him around, for I believe he is quite an asset to both shows. Additionally, I hope for more leading roles for this incredible artist in the weeks, months, and years to come.
If you have not had the opportunity to watch some of Greyston’s more recent works, here’s a breakdown of where you can see him:
A Sweet Christmas Romance can be watched on Lifetime online, or check out the schedule for the next showing.
Batwoman shows on Sunday nights on the CW, or you can watch it here on the app or online. It shows in Canada on Sunday nights on Showcase.
A Very Country Christmas has two showings on UP for the month of December. A Very Country Wedding will come back in January.
While you are checking out all of Greyston’s fine works–both past and present–be sure that you visit his links below and consider following him on either Twitter or Instagram. While he’s not overly active on social media, he does attempt to interact with the fans as he has time. I am thrilled for his increased success, and the fact that things are going his way is a validation of the work and time he has invested all these years. I look forward to the day when we see him in a more significant capacity on the Hallmark network since I believe he is a refreshing talent that connects with the viewers in a sincere fashion. Regardless, no matter what character he portrays next, I am fully committed to doing all I can to spread the word about this kind, appreciative, capable actor, and I sincerely hope that my readers will rally behind him and his impressive list of credits.
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