I have never hidden the fact that I treasure the show Chesapeake Shores for many reasons, and Carlo Marks happens to be one of those highly distinctive reasons. While he has only been seen a couple of times on the network outside of that show, it is always a delectable treat to witness his on-screen prowess as a leading man. Recently, Carlo and I had our third interview together, and because his first Hallmark Christmas movie is premiering tonight–Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday–it is my distinct privilege to share our chat with my readers this evening.
Carlo Marks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
RH: Carlo, I’m so glad we get to chat before your new Hallmark Christmas movie comes out! I was certainly excited that they put you in one this year.
CM: Thank you, Ruth, yeah, it’s my first one!
Carlo Marks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
I know it is! We have so enjoyed having you in Chesapeake Shores. But I don’t think you’ve done a regular Hallmark movie since you did Moonlight In Vermont. Other than a quick part in a Hailey Dean mystery.
Yeah, it’s been a while.
First of all, let’s talk a little about Chesapeake Shores this past season. It was great to see your character back.
Thank you, it was good to be back.
Carlo Marks,Laci Mailey Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
It was also good that your storyline was happy. Some of the characters were really struggling in the love department. While you and Jess had your issues, it seems like you both were able to work those out.
Well, I don’t think I had any issues. In fact, I think I had to help her work out her issues. {laughs}
True. Not necessarily you specifically, but speaking from a couple’s perspective. But yeah, it was really more on her end than yours. I admit that I love watching you two together. Jess has got all that energy, and she’s overly dramatic, and then David is the quiet, calm type. And if I remember right, didn’t you two imitate each other during one of the episodes?
Yeah, we did. And that was a lot of fun.
Carlo Marks, Laci Mailey Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
And that scene was fantastic!
I thought it was really funny.
Very enjoyable. You guys have such fun things you do on that show together. I think the writers give you all the fun stuff.
{laughs} Yeah, they throw all the tropes at us. And the movie allusions.
I just think that makes it so much fun. And hopefully, there will be more Chesapeake Shores. We aren’t ready for the story to come to an end.
We are hopeful for that too.
Carlo Marks, Laci Mailey Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
I know it’s something how all three actresses got pregnant. I found that quite ironic. But I’m sure they’ll be ready to come back for another season if it happens.
Yeah, that was interesting. I figure there has to be something in the water.
{laughs} Oh, I understand. When I was married and on staff at a school, there were ten of us who got pregnant that year, and I was one of them.
Really?
Yes, it was crazy!
Wow, so this is some kind of phenomenon that has some kind of precedent.
{laughs} Yes! But I know that Michelle Vicary said chances were good that we would have another season, but of course, we don’t know for sure. And I am sure you’re like that in the business. Until you get it in writing, you know nothing is for sure.
Exactly! You can’t make any decisions till then, and I know nothing. But I did see the numbers, and I think they did better than the season previous. So that’s a plus.
Carlo Marks, Jen Lilley Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
It was a short season, but it was a very strong season. I was impressed with how much the writers were able to pack into that short season. There was no downtime or dead time. Every single second was used very well.
Yeah, I agree.
I figure we won’t hear anything till the next TCA’s which will be early next year. But we’ll push for it to be positive. So let’s talk about your Christmas movie then.
Sounds good to me.
Carlo Marks, Jen Lilley Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
You got to work with one of Hallmark’s top leading ladies, Jen Lilley. You hadn’t worked with her on anything previously, had you?
No, I had never even met her. I guess I had seen her around at the TCA’s. But she wasn’t really on my radar. It was very nice to meet her at last. And to work with her.
I have not met her, but I had interviewed her a few times. I am totally impressed with her. The way that she conducts herself. The way that she lives her life. The causes she promotes. With her and her husband being foster parents and then adopting one of the kids. And she just gave birth to her own child. In fact, I remember that she almost went into labor during the last TCA’s.
Yes, she told me about how she started having contractions during the TCA’s. And her baby was on set with her when we made this movie.
Jen Lilley, Carlo Marks, Eric Close Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Oh good! So you got to meet her little one.
Yeah, she is a cute kid. She just wants to see everything. She’s got these big eyes. And she refused to sleep. So Jen’s sister was up there so she could help take care of the baby the whole time the baby was on set. She was just a doll!
I love that Hallmark does that. I hear that from a lot of mothers with babies that they are able to bring them to set lots of times. And it’s not a problem when they’re that small. I know when I heard that Jen was going to make a Christmas movie, I was thinking, “Jen, you just had a baby!”
I know! I think her little girl was only two months old when we made this movie.
Jen Lilley, Carlo Marks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
So with Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday…is this movie based on a book?
I don’t know it’s based on a book, but I know it’s part of a series they did a couple of years ago, Christmas In Angel Falls.
{This movie is not based on a book but on a story that the author Melissa de la Cruz helped develop.}
I know the first one was based on a book.
Oh, I didn’t know the first one was, okay. So this one takes place in the same town, and there’s a couple of characters that recur.
Eric Close, Carlo Marks, Jen Lilley Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
I absolutely loved the first Angel Falls movie. It starred Paul Greene, Rachel Boston, and Beau Bridges, who I actually got to interview!
You did? What was that like?
That was one of those wild experiences. I had just done an interview with Paul, and he asked me if I’d like to interview Beau Bridges. I was like, “Sure.” And then I got a call later on that day, and it was Beau Bridges!
Wow, what a guy!
So speaking of this movie, when I heard that Jen Lilley was in it and then you…I knew I was going to definitely be anticipating this one.
Well, I think it’s going to be pretty good.
Jen Lilley, Carlo Marks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
What can you tell us about your character and how he fits into the overall story?
Well, my character is a little different. You know, with Hallmark, it is usually the busy female professional coming from the city to a small town. But this time, I’m the city guy returning to his small hometown. He lost his parents some time ago, and he hasn’t really been back home since then because it was traumatic. He doesn’t want to face that and trigger that and be in this place with that memory hanging over him. Jen’s character…we were childhood friends. We had a “frenemies” relationship with a lot of bantering going on as kids, and she has a lot of resentment towards me over a misunderstanding. So I come back to town, and we reconnect. I also reconnect with the town and with her parents.
Carlo Marks, Jen Lilley, Eric Close Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Sounds like a good and fun one to watch. I looked over the cast list, and I notice there’s a little girl in the movie, Ava Weiss, who we recognized from When Hope Calls.
Yeah, Ava was only there a day, but she was funny. {laughs} She’s got an interesting personality! And that made it fun to work with her.
Those of us who have seen her on When Hope Calls have really enjoyed her, so it will be a treat to see her in this movie. And now we get to see you in a Christmas movie! Finally! I know when you said we should wait to do this interview till you found out if you were going to be in a Christmas movie, I was like, “They’re gonna put him in a Christmas movie!”
{laughs} Yes, that’s right.
Carlo Marks, Jen Lilley, Eric Close Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Now, I have to admit, I wouldn’t have first thought of casting you opposite Jen, but I think it’s going to be dynamic casting.
She was great to work with. But I’m curious. Who else would you pair me with on Hallmark?
Oh, that’s a hard one. You were so good with Lacey {Chabert}. Now, I would welcome the Hallmark fans to join in, but I think it would be interesting to see you opposite Erin Krakow.
Oh, the one from When Calls the Heart!
Carlo Marks, Lacey Chabert Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer
Yes, that’s right. She has done some other movies, and I think you two could make a really intriguing pair. I have come to absolutely adore Erin. I have been amazed to see her versatility as well. She is just incredible and keeps getting better and better. And I think it would be interesting to see you paired up with Danica McKellar too. But the person I’d really like to see you with–and she was the first one who popped into my head–is Brittany Bristow who just did her first lead role with Hallmark.
Oh, really? I’ll have to keep an eye out for her.
Carlo Marks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Do you have anything else coming up that you can mention?
Well, there are a couple of movies, but there’s nothing definite on when they might air as of now. There’s Love At Sunset Terrace that I made a little while ago, but I don’t know when and where it might be coming out. So I’ll just say, keep watching, and I’ll try to let everyone know once I know.
Okay, sounds good, Carlo. So hopefully, Chesapeake Shores gets renewed. And then hopefully we will get to see you in some more things in 2020. I know you guest-starred on The 100.
The 100
Yes, that’s right. I did a couple of episodes of The 100 last season.
Well, we’re hoping there will be more movies for you into the new year.
Thank you. Now that I know you’re cheering for me, that should help, right?
I am! And many other Hallmarkies are as well.
That’s good energy and good vibes, and that should help.
Thank you so much for your time today, Carlo! I’m totally stoked for Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday, and here’s hoping that Hallmark pairs you up with another top leading lady in 2020!
My pleasure, Ruth, as always. I always enjoy chatting with you. Thank you and all the Hallmark fans for your support. Enjoy the movie tonight!
Carlo Marks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
I hope that all of you are as dazzled by Carlo as I am. I feel that sometimes he is an underrated actor who is only known as “David Peck” amongst Hallmark fans. However, the savvy fans are aware of the caliber of acting and level of professionalism he brings to each character, and I am ecstatic to see that Hallmark determined he was ready to be a lead in one of their Hallmark Christmas movies this year. I cannot thank him enough for his kindness and eagerness to jump into whatever role Hallmark gives him, and he always delivers a stellar performance, no matter what. Of course, it definitely helps that he’s easy on the eyes as well.
I hope that everyone who is able to will tune into Hallmark Movies & Mysteries tonight (December 15th) for the premiere of what is guaranteed to be an adorable movie with heart, Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday. And while you’re making your plans, don’t forget to visit Carlo’s links below and follow him if you are so inclined. He is not always the best social media enthusiast, but he does attempt to pass along to his fans the information concerning his movies and shows, and for that, we can be extremely grateful. I am crossing my fingers big time for him in 2020 and hoping that it will be the year that Hallmark acknowledges the astounding talent and charming gentleman they have in Carlo Mark by featuring him many more times in the new year and beyond. He has labored tirelessly and humbly for the opportunities that have come his way, and in light of his good stewardship, I hope that he is rewarded with more meaningful roles and movies in 2020 and beyond!
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Eric Close, Carlo Marks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
