As I previously stated in my interview with Hallmark newcomer Aidan Moreno, I am electrified about tonight’s (February 15th) premiere, The Secret Ingredient, on the Hallmark Channel/W Network, and thankfully, I was able to interview a familiar face in the cast–Amy Groening. While her name may not be familiar to Hallmark fans, I’ll wager that most saw her first Hallmark movie last year (keep reading for more details), and I am elated that Hallmark brought her back for this highly-anticipated film. In honor of tonight’s premiere, it is my supreme honor to share our recent interview with all my readers!
Photo by Matt Williams
RH: How/Why did you choose to pursue a career in acting? What kind of training have you had to prepare you for this career?
AG: I grew up dancing and I’ve always loved being on stage, performing and generally goofing around. I don’t think it came as a big surprise to anyone when I found my way into acting. It all started in my first year of university when I decided to take an evening acting class (I was busy dancing during the days), and it immediately became my obsession. Within the first month of the class, my TA (a filmmaker) had asked me to be in his next film, and the teacher of the course became my mentor.
From there I studied in the honours theatre program at the University of Winnipeg, then moved to New York City for the summer to study at the Neighbourhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. I moved to Toronto after that in order to continue my journey into film and television acting.
Goon
What was your first professional on-screen role and what are your memories of that job?
My first professional on-screen role was in the comedy feature Goon and it was a VERY memorable first job! My role was to sing the American national anthem badly before the beginning of one of the big hockey games. Of course, I knew going in that was my role – but I hadn’t realized that I would actually be singing into a microphone that was amplified over the entire hockey arena! And if that wasn’t nerve-wracking enough, this was also a scene where all of the leading actors in the film were there, as well as a stadium full of background performers – so I was performing this terrible rendition of the anthem to a stadium of over 500 people including well-known actors like Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Live Schreiber! It was scary, to say the least, but so much fun, and everyone was incredibly kind and warm. It was a surreal and incredibly exciting beginning to my film and television career.
Reign
I think Reign was your first recurring role. What was it like being a part of that very popular series?
Reign was so much fun to work on. To begin – the costumes were incredible! My character’s name was Charlotte and I was an evil spy – so needless to say the gowns and jewels they put me in were very decadent. They also gave me long red hair extensions, so the complete character “look” was just so unlike anything I had ever worn before; it was very cool.
Also, all of the days I worked on Reign, we were in the studio, so it was really neat walking through all the stunning sets and thinking “oh, there’s her bedroom, there’s the ballroom from that episode,” etc. It was also such a pleasure to work with so many talented female actors, including Adelaide Kane and Megan Follows.
Backpackers
I notice there are several films in your credits with which I am not familiar. With the exception of your Hallmark movies and the movies that have not been released yet, please tell us about one of your most significant/memorable television or film moments you have had and why that one stands out?
One of my favourite roles was in a TV series called Backpackers for the CW network. It was a buddy comedy starring myself, Noah Reid (Schitts Creek) and Giacomo Gianiotti (Grey’s Anatomy) and it was such a hoot to make! Those guys were incredible to work with and the scripts were very funny – that was definitely one of my favourites.
My One and Only
What was your first Hallmark movie experience like for you? Any memorable moments from filming?
My first hallmark film was just this past summer and I had the BEST time! It was such a fun shoot and we all got along so well – we were a big family. The film was called My One and Only and it starred the incredible Pascale Hutton, Sam Page and Stephen Huszar. I can’t say enough about those actors – they are some of the funniest and kindest humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.
With Pascale
There were many memorable moments filming, but one that stands out is the afternoon that we were set to get a really bad rainstorm with a tornado risk! Most of the film was shot outside because it’s set on a dude ranch and so any kind of bad weather really affected the filming.
When the storm began, I was in my trailer and the whole thing started rocking back and forth in the wind and rain was pelting the windows like I had never seen. Stephen Huszar and I shared a hallway and we were both trapped inside so we were just laughing and staring out the window at this crazy weather system. Within an hour, all was calm again – but the whole team had to work double-time to get some of our sets back in order that had been blown around in the wind. It was a very memorable weather episode, but thankfully no one was hurt!
We are about to see you in the new Hallmark movie The Secret Ingredient. This is the first Hallmark movie based on a Hallmark book. Please tell us a little about your character and how she relates to the overall story. Any special moments from filming?
The Secret Ingredient
My character’s name is Sara and I’m the best friend of the leading lady Erin Cahill (character name–Kelly). In the film, Kelly runs a bakery and I’m the manager so we’re kind of this dream team–best friends and working together making and selling sweet creations–pretty ideal!
Working with Erin and Brendan Penny was definitely the most special part of filming! They are both so so kind and talented and funny; we had such a blast. Also, there were deserts and sweet treats EVERYWHERE on set, so Erin and I were making sure to sample the treats for “quality control” 😉
I know you also made an appearance in season two of Frankie Drake Mysteries. First of all, were you a fan of Murdoch Mysteries (or should I ask how big of a fan you are of that show)? What was it like guest-starring on that show, which is a spin-off of Murdoch?
Frankie Drake Mysteries
Murdoch Mysteries is a classic! I love that show. When I found out they were making a spin-off with an all-female cast, I was so excited; and then when I found out I got to guest star in an episode I was over the moon!
Filming Frankie Drake was a hilariously good time because my character “Winnie Hudson” was a magician’s assistant and had some wild period costumes and some very funny antics throughout the episode. Also, the magician I was working with was played by the fantastic Benjamin Ayres. Benjamin is so talented and funny, it was “magical” to get to work with him! I urge anyone who hasn’t checked out Frankie Drake to give it a watch; it’s a really great show.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Firstly, be sure to check out The Secret Ingredient which premieres this Saturday, Feb 15th on the Hallmark Channel – it is SUCH a delightful movie I can’t wait to share it with everyone! I’ve also got another feature film coming out in the next few months called Bone Cage – release date is still to be determined, but stay tuned for details on that. There are also other not-to-be-named-yet projects coming at you later this year!
What is your favorite go-to dessert to eat and/or bake?
My go-to is either lemon bars or something chocolatey. I wouldn’t say no to a brownie or a chocolate pie with whipped cream?! Okay, now I’m hungry.
Photo by KRISTEN SAWATZKY
All I can say is this. Amy has worked with both Pascale Hutton and Benjamin Ayres. While I realize she has likewise worked with other actors who are prominent within the Hallmark community, those two actors are ones I know reasonably well and have had the opportunity to interview (and meet, in Pascale’s case). In my humble opinion, the fact that she has worked with these friends of mine and has raved about them…Amy has earned instant “brownie points” with me, and this ensures that tonight’s film is going to be even more of a slam dunk than I previously expected it would be! Additionally, Amy’s experience within the film industry thus far and the stories and perspective that she shared in our brief online chat further demonstrates her professionalism as well as her overwhelming joy and passion for this industry. And what about her obvious giftedness as an artist?? Well, let’s just say her credits speak for themselves!
Please be sure to check out The Secret Ingredient when it premieres tonight (February 15th) on the Hallmark Channel or the W Network, while keeping your eyes and ears open for the marvel that is Amy Groening. While you are luxuriating in the film that is slated to be the most-talked-about premiere of the “Love Ever After” month, don’t forget to check out all of Amy’s links below and follow her on your preferred social media platform(s). As Amy remains committed to developing her skills within the craft and taking advantage of every opportunity offered her, I do believe she is on the precipice of being a genuine force with which to be reckoned, and it boggles the imagination to consider what possibilities await this delightfully generous and capable actress.
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