A couple of years ago, I connected with an actress who was featured on Supernatural and had worked with one of my friends (David Haydn-Jones), and from that moment on, I have been enchanted with Chelsea Gill. While we did an interview back then, it was only recently that she made her first Hallmark movie, Picture A Perfect Christmas. Recently, I facilitated a quick, virtual interview with her to update everyone on her career, and as we are still in the first month of 2020, I am honored to share our chat with all my readers today.
Photo Credit: Priya Brar Photography
RH: The last time we chatted was shortly after you had appeared on Supernatural. Since that time, you’ve been on Supergirl, Salvation, and Altered Carbon to name a few shows. Please tell us about your experiences on any of these shows.
Supernatural
CG: Altered Carbon was a dream set because I also love working on sci-fi, supernatural and futuristic sets. It was so much fun to play in that world! Also, I had just finished binge-watching The Good Wife, so when I met Renée Elise Goldsberry, who plays Quellcrist Falconer, I totally had a fangirl moment!
In 2018, you were a part of the Lifetime movie Christmas Pen Pals. What was that experience like for you?
Christmas Pen Pals was so much fun! I was around genuinely amazing actors and a fantastic crew! They were all very welcoming. I believe it makes a big difference coming onto a set where everyone makes you feel important, especially if you’re only there for a day.
Picture A Perfect Christmas
This past Christmas, we saw you in your first Hallmark movie (which just happens to be a Christmas movie). While I realize your role was somewhat brief, what was it like working on this film?
SO MUCH FUN! I laughed a lot on that day. It was brief, but it was such a fun scene to play. I think people who saw it enjoyed it because most of us can relate, on some level, to knowing or having seen someone who is that oblivious and totally immersed in their phone. I think that’s what makes the scene so funny. Plus, Jon Cor’s hilarious reaction to my character!
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Picture A Perfect Christmas
Yes! I can’t say much about the role, but you’ll see me play a very different character in Motherland: Fort Salem, which will premiere in Spring 2020 on Freeform. The show is set in a supernatural world where witches serve as a U.S. military force. I am really excited for the show to come out! You can tell how much effort everyone puts in the show and how genuinely ecstatic they are to see how it turns out! I feel extremely privileged and grateful that I was given an opportunity to work on a show with a female-dominated world. Females are in full power on this show so STAY TUNED!!
As a young working actress, what have you learned about the business that you would be sure to pass onto young people who might be considering a career in film and TV?
Picture A Perfect Christmas
At this point in my life, I think the biggest thing to remember is to believe in yourself. In an industry where you don’t always have a lot of say, believing in yourself keeps you inspired, motivated and driven! You have to believe in yourself because that is what keeps you going when you are faced with rejection. If you really believe in yourself, you trust that any rejection is a learning experience and you continue embarking on your journey. Believe it’s already happening and have faith while you continue to learn and elevate your craft. I think it’s important to create a network of people who really uplift you so you can all inspire, challenge and grow together. Also, remember everyone has their own journey. Appreciate every booking because acting is a privilege and if you love it, DO IT.
Lastly,
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!
Photo by Gordan Dumka
And since we just had Christmas last month, let’s delve into a few “Christmasy” questions.
Favorite Christmas movie
Love Actually! I watch it every year with my family. It’s become a tradition!
Favorite Christmas song
That’s so hard! I love Christmas songs! I have been playing the piano since I was four, and my piano teacher used to laugh because I would want to start playing Christmas songs in the Summer!
I have to choose “Believe” by Josh Groban from The Polar Express. I could listen to that song on repeat.
Favorite Christmas color(s)
Red and gold like my Christmas tree theme!
Favorite Christmas food
Stuffing!
© Photographer- Priya Brar
Favorite Christmas memory
It has to be when my family played the game where you have sixty seconds to try to unwrap a Christmas gift with oven mitts, but your eyes are covered. It was hilarious! We finally found a game where everyone actually wanted to participate!
What is your definition of success in this business and in life in general?
My definition for success in business and life has changed over the years. At this moment, it’s being truly at peace. That is success to me.
How did you celebrate the holidays this past season?
With my family! The holidays are when I spend the most time with my family so it usually consists of a lot of catching up and delicious food!
Photo Credit: Craig Clarke Photography
It would appear that things are continuing to spiral upwards for young Chelsea, and I find myself consistently impressed with her work ethic, her humility, and the way she maximizes every opportunity to the fullest. It was a sheer delight to see her in the Christmas film this past season, and it astounds me that she could make such an abiding impression with what many would deem a fleeting, almost forgettable appearance. This merely reinforces the fact that genuine artists who possess the skill Chelsea does know how to captivate an audience, regardless of the size or scope of their character.
If you have not had the opportunity to watch her most recent Hallmark movie, I would advise you to check out its next show time on the Hallmark channel and/or investigate potential streaming options for Picture A Perfect Christmas. Alternatively, you can visit her links below, including her IMDb profile, where you can find her “demo reel” which begins with her performance in that film. While you’re availing yourself of that opportunity, don’t forget to check out her other links and follow her via social media so that you don’t miss any of her upcoming appearances in 2020 and beyond. I definitely believe that Chelsea is on the precipice of becoming a more significant player in the industry, and I can hardly wait to celebrate all of her successes in the near and distant future.
FOLLOW CHELSEA
