I am always a huge fan of “Christmas In July”…I mean, I’m a fan of Christmas in general, so any time a new Christmas movie comes out, I’m totally stoked. This past July, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries premiered a fantastic movie called Christmas Camp, and I reached out to interview several of the cast members as well as the author, Karen Schaler. This was the first Hallmark movie for several of the cast members, and I was blessed enough to be able to have a quick virtual chat with John James, an actor known primarily for his iconic role in the legendary show Dynasty. In honor of the fact that Christmas Camp may now be streamed on Hallmark Movies Now, I am honored to share our recent interview with all of my readers.
RH: Please tell us a little about your background and how you decided to pursue a career in acting.
JJ: As a child, I was always interested in show biz. After high school, I enrolled at the American Academy Of Dramatic Arts in New York. I knew that to be successful, one needed to study their craft.
What was your first professional role and what do you remember about it?
Dynasty
My first role was on a soap opera in New York, Search For Tomorrow. I was so excited to think I was getting paid to do what I love. I was twenty years old.
Probably one of your most iconic roles was on the show Dynasty. Please tell us a little about how that role came your why and what you enjoyed most about portraying and developing that character.
I auditioned for the role of Steven, which went to Al Corley. They told me, “Don’t worry. We will develop a character, Jeff Colby.” At first, I was a bit skeptical, but as time went on, Jeff became one of the major influences on the show.
You’ve been a part of a handful of soap operas as well. What are the challenges of being a part of soap operas?
Dynasty cast
1988 Ron Grover – Image courtesy mptvimages.com
The challenges of doing a soap is the amount of work. You are doing five hours a week. It is tremendously good training because it forces you to lean your lines and put on a performance in a very short time. One day, I had forty pages of dialogue.
Ben Gavin, Reece Ennis, Geraldine Leer, Shadner Ifrene, Milan Williams, Alex Cheeks, John James, Bobby Campo, Lily Anne Harrison Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of MarVista Entertainment
Hallmark fans recently saw you in your first Hallmark movie Christmas Camp. Before working on this film, what was your familiarity with the network and their movies? Why do you believe Hallmark is continuing to increase in popularity?
I was aware of the popularity of their Christmas movies; they are quite huge here. I believe viewers are looking for good family entertainment, and that’s is what is bringing them success.
Bobby Campo, John James Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of MarVista Entertainment
Speaking of Christmas Camp, any special memories from filming this movie?
We shot Christmas Camp in the middle of summer in upstate New York. It was 80 degrees outside, and we were bundled in ski parkas…. it was miserable.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Yes, but I can’t mention until the ink is dry.
Alex Cheeks, Milan Wiliams, Geraldine Leer, John James, Lily Anne Harrison, Bobby Campo, Reece Ennis, Ben Gavin Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Courtesy of MarVista Entertainment
Your career in film/TV has spanned a few decades. What is the “secret” to longevity in the industry–at least in your opinion?
I’ve been an actor for over forty years now. The secret to success I believe is to always be professional know your lines, and treat everyone with respect.
I understand you’re active in theater as well as film and TV.
I’ve actually done theater all throughout my career. During Dynasty, I would take off and work on stage until the next season began.
When not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?
My wife Denise and I just recently bought some property in Nashville. I love getting on my tractor and working with the horses. We love animals and have a menagerie.
While I have seen John guest star on various shows throughout the years, it was such an incredible treat to watch his performance in this Hallmark movie. For me, he was definitely a stand-out amongst the cast, and I hope we’ve not seen the last of him on the network. In spite of any challenges that he and the cast/crew may have experienced during the filming of this movie, the end result is truly an entertaining, whimsical tale with a feel-good plot. I would invite all of my readers to check out the movie either on Hallmark Movies Now or even consider purchasing this film for your home collection. Additionally, I would encourage all of my readers to visit John’s links below and consider following him on Facebook and/or checking out some of his other excellent works throughout the decades of his career. A more solid actor than John I doubt one would find in today’s world of film and TV stars that are here today and gone tomorrow. I am grateful to him for taking some time to share a bit of his life and insight with my readers, and I look forward to seeing more of him soon on my television screen!
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