Those who choose to visit any of my social media pages, especially at this time of the year, will never doubt my enthusiastic, steadfast support of all things Hallmark. Moreover, when it comes to their original show, When Calls the Heart, I tend to intensify my support for this phenomenal, endearing show. Therefore, when discussing my favorite people on earth, it should come as no shock whatsoever that Paul Greene (who plays Dr. Carson Shepherd on the aforementioned series) is near the top of that list. In the time that I have been privileged to know him, not only have I seen him skyrocket to favorite leading man in the Hallmark community, but he has joined the cast of When Calls the Heart, starred in Hallmark films with the top leading ladies of the network (Danica McKellar, Candace Cameron Bure, Lacey Chabert, to name a few), amassed an impressive and devoted fanbase, made a movie that starred both Angela Lansbury and Dick Van Dyke, performed at Carnegie Hall, raised ample funds for ALS research, released an album featuring his original songs…and this is not even ALL of his accomplishments! Somewhere in there, he found the time to locate the love of his life, host celebrity art auctions, perform a few concerts…oh and do a record amount of interviews with me (this interview brings the count to eight!). Recently, we realized it was about time to facilitate yet another interview since there are major projects happening right now, and being the friend and professional that I am, I got one set up immediately.

Photo Credit: Liliya Lubenkova Portraits

RH: Paul, as always, it is so great to chat with you again.

PG: Great chatting with you as well, Ruth.

I know it is a very busy time, and it looks like you have a lot going on with the new Christmas movie, When Calls the Heart, and Carnegie Hall.

Before that, of course, we have the Christmas Cookie Matchup that started last week on Hallmark Drama.

Yes, of course! I had the opportunity to watch the first one of those this past week.

There’s also a musical special that Lacey Chabert and I along with Jessica Lowndes and Jack Wagner and a couple of other singers too…we will be singing traditional Christmas songs, and I think the Hallmark Channel will be airing it December 16th. Right now it’s called Hallmark Channel’s Christmas Concert.

Oh, really? That’s great! I remember when they used to do a special Home & Family Christmas special around mid-December. It was always something special to look forward to, but they haven’t done that in a couple years now. This sounds like it will be even better.

Really? Well, I hope that everyone tunes in.

As far as the Christmas Cookie Matchup, you filmed that show in the summer, right?

We filmed it before we started filming When Calls the Heart.

by Liliya Lubenkova Portraits

Is there anything you’d like to say about it?

I think it’s a unique opportunity for people to see the cast of When Calls the Heart in a different environment. Not everybody has had the chance to see us outside of the show and as our real selves. So I think that will be a really interesting part of it for the fans. The company that produced this show does a lot of these competition reality shows, so I think that’s how this show will feel for the viewers. Every week, someone gets eliminated and goes home. That’s the “drama” part.

So you guys are the baking assistants for the contestants.

Yes, in some cases. I think Kavan Smith was very equal to his baker. He may tend to have more skills in this area than most of us do. He is really good in the kitchen, and I think there are some things that he is better at in this competition than the rest of us.

While I don’t know that from experience, Kavan and I have spoken many times about his culinary and baking skills. I honestly hope everyone has the chance to see the show. We will begin the second week of competition on Hallmark Drama this Wednesday {November 20th}, and in Canada, the W Network will begin airing this show this Wednesday on November 20th.

Awesome. I’m glad to know that our Canadian friends will be able to see it too.

Christmas In Evergreen 3

I know we will also be seeing you in Christmas In Evergreen: Tidings of Joy.

Yes, that one will premiere on the Hallmark Channel on November 29th, the day after Thanksgiving.

That’s great! So glad you’re back in a Hallmark Christmas movie, Paul. Now, were you familiar with the first two installments of Christmas In Evergreen?

Yes, I made myself familiar with them. As a side note, for the Christmas Cookie Matchup, there is a cookie recipe in one of the challenges that they actually had to make for one of the challenges that is included in the Christmas In Evergreen book. So because of that, I was able to do a pretty cool pitch for it when I was there.

Well, that’s a nice connection.

With Sean

I truly enjoyed my time on this film. It was the second film that Maggie {Lawson} and I had done together. We loved being able to work together again. And Sean McNamara was our director. He also directed the second Christmas In Evergreen last year. I think he did a really great job directing, and I was very excited to work with him. Just loved my experience working with him.

Now, you play a librarian in this film, correct?

Yeah, that’s right.

I don’t think you have played that particular role before.

with Maggie

No, you’re right, it is a little different. I am wearing glasses, and I did a little bit of research and thought through how I could carry myself just a little bit differently. I think my character still comes off as being very relaxed and casual, and I still bring a lot of myself to the role as I always do.

I happened to see a clip of the movie for the Christmas Preview show. It was you and Maggie in the clip, and I noticed the fact that your character was a little different. I really appreciate that you really thought through your character, Paul, as I’m sure your fans will as well.

I’m glad you think so, Ruth. I try to do that with every one of my characters, and I always bring a little bit of myself to each of the characters I play.

Christmas In Evergreen 3

I will say this is a highly anticipated movie. The other two were very well-received, and I am definitely looking forward to it.

Oh, the cast is amazing. And what’s nice is that the viewers are already familiar with the characters. We have the return of favorites like Barbara Niven, Ashley Williams, Rukiya Bernard, Holly Robinson Peete, Jill Wagner…and then you have the new characters like Maggie and me.

The cast list reads almost like a list of Hallmark favorites all put in one movie together.

I think you’re right about that. I know the other two films in the franchise were very successful.

Christmas In Evergreen 3

Do you think this will be the best one?

I think it’s the best one. It’s just a great film that I am so excited about, and I hope the fans are excited as well.

Then we have December 5th quickly approaching at Carnegie Hall. I’m very excited I get to go this year!

Yes, it was a great event last year. Tim Janis is the symphony conductor and organizer of the event, and I’m so glad that the Christmas movie, Buttons, that I did with him got me connected with Tim. I am going to be performing my original song “Stone” with the choir and orchestra, and then I will also be singing “Let It Be” by the Beatles which will lead into a version of “Silent Night.” That will lead into another gentleman performing his own version of “Silent Night,” and everyone will sing the song together to close out the concert. This is going to be a wonderful concert that I believe will sell out very quickly. There are some amazing artists attached to the concert–Tori Kelly, Colbie Caillat, Us The Duo, and more.

Carnegie Hall 2018

I am so thrilled, Paul! I look forward to seeing it. I knew if you and Tim Janis had something to do with it, it was going to be amazing.

Honestly, Carnegie Hall last year opened so many doors for me. I’m happy to announce that our movie Buttons has been picked up for distribution by Universal, and fifty cents of every purchase and download will be going to St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

I have already ordered my copy, and I am very excited to see that movie again.

Thank you, Ruth, I’m so glad. The Carnegie Hall benefit concert is actually in its fourteenth year, and this year, it is benefiting three different nonprofits–Forever Young Foundation’s music therapy initiative, Sophie’s Place and The Golden Hat Foundation with a special dedication to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well. Tim is just great. I recently went to Memphis with him to visit the Children’s Research Hospital.

Yes, I noticed that. And of course, you also had a very successful concert at the first official Christmas Convention in New Jersey. I mean, I heard a couple of people complaining about the convention, but for the most part, it seemed very successful.

Photo Credit: Allan Sullivan

I didn’t hear anything negative about the Christmas Convention. But I don’t normally see anything negative on my social media channels, which is a beautiful thing. But then when the occasional negative thing appears, it is truly shocking. In fact, that happened recently, but I just decided to let the person be and not engage with them. I don’t know if I have some kind of filter or block set up so that negativity doesn’t come across my social media. But I’m grateful to promote positivity.

I get negative stuff every once in a while, but most of the time, I just ignore it and let it be as well. Now, I’m wondering. Do you have a “life verse” or “life saying” or motto that you try to live by or that inspires you to keep going when life becomes overwhelming or difficult?

by Liliya Lubenkova Portraits

“It will all work out…. if you let it.”

Photo Credit: Janette Stephens

That’s amazing, Paul. Thank you for sharing that bit of wisdom with us. But back to the Christmas Convention, I notice you had a great concert there.

Oh my gosh, yes! One of my favorite concerts ever. I’m glad that we have a high-quality recording that I will be posting to YouTube so that those who didn’t attend Christmas Convention will be able to see it. The video and audio turned out very well, and I look forward to sharing it with the fans.

That’s great, Paul! I know that the clips that I got to see looked and sounded incredible.

I really enjoyed myself. Even though I had been pretty busy, I was glad that my voice felt good. I did take care of myself beforehand so that I would be at my best, but I’m very pleased the concert went so well.

When Calls the Heart

Of course, we also get to see you in the When Calls the Heart Christmas movie on Christmas Day.

Yes, that movie is just beautiful, which is no surprise. I will say that this year, there are a lot of unique things that happen in Hope Valley. Carson goes on a bit of an adventure. It’s Baby Jack’s first Christmas. And, of course, there’s the love triangle.

I recently spoke with Kevin McGarry and Chris McNally, so they both hinted at the Christmas movie a bit as well. And I know you’re filming When Calls the Heart season seven right now, which should release around February, I think.

We are finishing up the last few episodes now. I have had to place my book on the back burner for a while. It’s still going to happen at some point, and when it does, it will be great. But when I’m filming so much, I have to be present. I still have to find a publisher and get a deadline, and when the book happens, it will be amazing. So it’s still moving forward. It’s just not a priority at the moment.

When Calls the Heart

I completely understand about putting the book on the back burner. You only have to much time with as busy as you’ve been. So is there anything else on the horizon for you that you can mention?

Well, I am not one hundred percent sure, but I am going to try to get an acoustic Christmas album recorded before December. I’m going to keep it very simple–guitar and a few vocals–but I’d really to do it if I can find the right studio where I can go record after filming. It would only take a couple days to do, I think. I’d record traditional Christmas songs. So while I can’t guarantee it, I really hope I can make it happen.

Paul, that would be wonderful! Of course, I understand it might not work out, but it would be fantastic to have a Christmas album from you. My mom and I absolutely love your current album. I have bought several copies that I have given away.

by Liliya Lubenkova Portraits

Ruth, thank you for being so supportive of my album. I really appreciate it. We used the album to raise twenty-five hundred bucks for St. Jude at the Christmas Convention. We sold my albums for twenty-five bucks apiece–signed by me–and all of that money went directly to St. Jude. This is my dream that my music could really make a difference in other people’s lives, and I am so glad to know it is helping sick kids. It is staggering to me to realize that it costs 2.8 million per day to run that hospital, but the hospital never sends a bill to the patients or their families. And the hospital is just beautiful! It’s nice to know that kind of thing is available for really sick kids.

So glad you were able to do that, Paul.

Oh, and in addition to all this, I’m also planning a wedding. {laughs} Thankfully, Kate is able to do a lot of that when I’m not there. While we are planning it together, I cannot always be physically present when I’m filming. I’m definitely glad Kate can help out with those details.

with his mom

You’ve had quite a 2019, Paul. Do you think 2020 is going to be even better?

Well, it just keeps getting busier and busier. But with that comes new miracles, and there are so many wonderful things going on.

You have played such a wide array of characters in your career, Paul. Which character has impacted you the most significantly and why?

When Calls the Heart

I’m probably gonna have to go with Carson Shepherd because I spend the most time with him. And as a result of playing this character on the show, I have met thousands and thousands of incredible fans I would have never met otherwise. I have also made some dear friends that are like family on the show, and I have the chance to work in my native country. Also, I got to learn about medicine, which I enjoy, and more importantly, learning about the interesting ways that they helped people a long time ago.

I certainly love following your journey, Paul. You are such an inspiration. You are an amazing professional who is always challenging yourself and those around you to be the best you can be in this business. I really appreciate that.

I know it’s a crucial time with five different things going on. But I really want to focus on getting as many people coming to Carnegie Hall as possible. In fact, there is a raffle going on that I want to make sure everyone knows about. Here’s that information:

Tickets are available at the Carnegie Hall website right now, so I hope a lot of people decide to purchase tickets for the event.

But we also have a very special raffle going on through December 1st through my friends at the Christmas Convention. If you purchase a ticket to the Christmas with Tim Janis and Special Guests concert, you will be entered to win an opportunity to join me as my personal guest to an after-show nightcap, or dessert, or tea. The grand prize winner also gets a goodie bag full of exclusive Christmas Con merchandise.⠀

With Ollie

A second-place winner will win a personalized video from me, whether it’s a birthday greeting, a song, or whatever else you may choose.
For those who can’t make it to Carnegie Hall, but you still want to make a donation to The Golden Hat Foundation, visit their website and click on the button that says “Donate Now.” Three lucky winners who donate $25 or more in my honor will win an autographed copy of my album. To enter, either purchase your ticket to the concert or make a donation and email the confirmation to contest@thats4entertainment.com by December 1st. Winners will be announced on December 2nd.

Wow, Paul, thank you for that extra information, and thank you for doing so much for your fans. We appreciate everything you do, and I just thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me. So I’m wondering something. You are one who lives a very active life, and yet you appear to be able to “keep it all together.” How do you balance the busyness of being a father, a fiancé, an actor, a musician…etc? What is your “secret”?

I would say there are times when it is harder and other times when it’s easier to balance. It really takes a lot of people acting as a team, including my fiancé- Kate, my son, his mom (my wuz-wife and her husband) good friends, the school and neighbors.

“Keeping it all together” isn’t necessarily the goal though…

Letting it “fall apart” to rebuild is what is necessary at times. So much stress in trying to keep things “perfect” or “together”…it’s not interesting or real.

Learning from mistakes, saying “I am sorry” and really acknowledging the people in my life for their valiant efforts and focusing on what is right not wrong is a great place to stand.

What a powerful way to end our interview, Paul! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself today with my readers and me. We are very excited about everything coming up for you.

Thank you for having me, Ruth. I look forward to sharing everything with the fans, and I so appreciate everyone’s support.

Photo By Laurent Levy

One of the most challenging tasks I will ever undertake is my paltry attempt to pen words that illustrate the essence of all that is Paul Greene. His life has impacted myriads of people all over the world, and his benevolence, authenticity, gentleness, and enchanting nature extend beyond the far reaches of the shadowy places in this world of ours while hopefully engendering hope, joy, peace and light. To be quite frank, I have never known anyone quite like Paul. He is a delightful enigma, a tenderhearted artist, a jovial friend, a circumspect father, a devoted son, a mesmerizing musician, a charming gentleman, and a pragmatic individual…to name just a few things he is. He has an extraordinary, charismatic aura about him that naturally attracts others towards him, and his tranquil, simple confidence and humble faith affect me in a way that few people on this earth can. There are a handful of people for whom I would do practically anything–no matter the cost, inconvenience, or discomfort–and Paul is most decidedly in that exclusive group! While some may question if Paul Greene is just “too good to be true,” I can testify to the unadulterated truth that not only is he who you hope and believe he is off the screen, but he is even better! Profoundly so!!
As far as what Paul has coming up, don’t forget the following:
Christmas Cookie Matchup {Hallmark Drama and W Network Wednesday nights–W Network is one week behind Hallmark Drama}
Christmas In Evergreen: Tidings Of Joy {Hallmark Channel November 29th, W Network December 1st}
Christmas with Tim Janis and Special Guests concert at Carnegie Hall December 5th
Hallmark Channel’s Christmas Concert December 16th
When Calls the Heart Christmas December 25th on the Hallmark Channel and Super Channel Heart & Home
Those are only the confirmed projects Paul has coming up, so please stay tuned for more coming his way next year. To guarantee that you don’t miss any of his updates, I invite you to join all of the perceptive people who already follow Paul at the links below. When it comes to social media, I think it’s fairly safe to assert that Paul Greene practically rules the social media world! While none of us are absolutely certain about what the new year may bring Paul’s way, there is one thing of which we are thoroughly convinced. There is clearly no one better on this earth to follow whole-heartedly than the “Cary Grant of Hallmark” (that moniker was bestowed upon Paul with good reason) who is absolutely one of the most exemplary people on this planet of ours!
FOLLOW PAUL

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CHECK OUT MY OTHER INTERVIEWS WITH PAUL

by Liliya Lubenkova Portraits

Interview With Actor/Musician Paul Greene

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “When Calls the Heart” & “Buttons”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, #ARTforALS

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “Christmas In Angel Falls”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “My Favorite Wedding”

by Liliya Lubenkova Portraits

Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “When Calls the Heart”

Interview With Actor Paul Greene

Photo by Erin Krakow

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