DISCLAIMER: ANDREA AND I HAD OUR INTERVIEW BEFORE THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC SITUATION, SO PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY REFERENCE TO THINGS NO LONGER ALLOWED NOR ENCOURAGED DURING THIS TIME WERE DISCUSSED BEFORE HOMEBOUND SELF-ISOLATION BECAME A WAY OF LIFE.
If anyone knows me at all, they probably are aware of my steadfast affinity for the Hallmark network and especially their top series, When Calls the Heart. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to develop genuine relationships with much of the cast and crew of the show. Andrea Brooks, who has portrayed Faith Carter since season two of the well-known Hallmark series, is one of those extraordinary people whom I adored long before the lion’s share of the Hearties were willing to permit her to remain in the show. In truth, I had no difficulty with her inclusion in the series even when the suspicion was that she would snatch Jack away from Elizabeth. (Interestingly enough, I shared the same compassion for Pascale Hutton, AKA, Rosemary.) Throughout her duration with the show, Andrea has demonstrated her imperishable resiliency, her infectious buoyancy, her innate benevolence, and her overwhelming versatility as we have witnessed her progress through an extensive variety of storylines, prospective beaus, and even a few real-life transformations. Recently, Andrea and I had the opportunity to enjoy another virtual interview via Skype, and I am honored to share our chat today in anticipation of her movie premiere (In the Key Of Love) tonight (March 21st) on the Hallmark Channel and yet another episode of When Calls the Heart coming our way tomorrow night (March 22nd) on the Hallmark Channel and Super Channel Heart & Home.
From Hallmark June 2019 TCA’s
RH: Andrea, it’s so great to get to chat with you again! I know we saw each other briefly at the last Hearties Family Reunion, but it’s been a while since we did an interview.
AB: You’re right, Ruth, it has been a while. Happy to catch up with you.
Christmas Cookie Matchup
The last time I saw you, you were pregnant, and now you have a little one. How old is she?
She’s three months now.
Wow, time has gone by fast! I know we missed seeing you when I was in Vancouver last. I know you were going to try to stop by right before I left.
Oh, I remember that! Yes, towards the end of my pregnancy, I felt so uncomfortable, and I was sleep-deprived. I had been working two shows–When Calls the Heart and Supergirl. Normally, I have so much energy, and I could keep up with ten thousand things a day, but even after the Hearties reunion, I was so tired. It wasn’t a long day, but it sure felt like a long day!
I remember being pregnant, so I totally understand. My last month of pregnancy, I was on bed rest due to high blood pressure. I remember how exhausting my pregnancy was.
The next time you’re in town, we’ll have to definitely catch up in person. Hopefully, I won’t be pregnant next time. {laughs}
In celebration of 100th episode of Supergirl
I understand. You can take a break and let your little one grow up a bit before you think about having more.
Exactly. And I’m thinking the next time, it might be nice to do it when I’m not on two shows ’cause that got a little intense for me. I felt pretty overworked there towards the end.
It’s funny how when we’re watching When Calls the Heart, my mom and I can’t even tell you’re pregnant.
Really? And I’m thinking, “Oh my goodness, my cheeks look so full!” I remember how I was so uncomfortable. Watching the show brings back all the memories.
I’ve watched a lot of Hallmark actresses who were pregnant over the years, and sometimes you can tell they’re pregnant, and other times, you can’t. Like A Wish For Christmas with Lacey Chabert. Of course, you were with her on that one.
Oh, yeah, Lacey was amazing. With When Calls the Heart, I think they did such a great job with the body double. I think that made a huge difference. There were still scenes where you would see me from behind, and it wasn’t me, but it looked like me. I think that really saved us.
behind-the-scenes
When Calls the Heart
I have loved what I’ve seen of When Calls the Heart season seven so far. In fact, I’ve begun to think back on when we first saw Faith in the show and how I thought she should be the Hope Valley doctor. I have thought that all along.
You know, I’ve been jogging my memory and going back to the season with Ray Wyatt because there was a scene in the saloon where Faith was studying her medical textbooks. I think this idea of Faith becoming a doctor has been floated around behind the scenes before, but I’m just so excited this year that it came to fruition. I think it’s great that we were able to go for it and work around the pregnancy in such a fantastic way. It was such a blessing. I think there have been hints at her becoming a doctor for a while now. I think the fans will be able to look back and see that this was Faith’s destiny. I think it was meant to be for her.
Paul Greene, Andrea Brooks Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Watching Carson and Faith this season…well, Paul {Greene} and I have become really close over the past year or so. He’s been so inspirational and always supporting me and challenging me to try new things. So it was wonderful to watch Paul playing Carson because, in so many ways, he’s not even acting when he’s encouraging Faith to go for her dreams. That is how Paul is in real life.
You’re right. He’s very good with pep talks, and he does a lot of that with Carson this year. I feel that there are a lot of instances where our real-life friendship translates nicely onto the screen. I mean, talk about this season. I was so pregnant and uncomfortable. We were shooting really long days, and he was always so fantastic. He was like, “I’m gonna go make you tea with honey and apple cider vinegar, and it’ll make you feel better.” He was always making sure I was okay, and he was so wonderful at the Hearties Family Reunion. He made sure I had a chair and that if I needed a rest that I could get a rest.
Paul Greene, Andrea Brooks Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
I think that Faith and Carson have developed as characters, and there’s this interesting work dynamic that translates into their romantic life as well. That’s why they make glances at each other, and they can communicate without words a lot of the time. For those who know Paul, when you get to know him well and you work with him on a daily basis, it translates well because I feel like we’re often like that in real life. Especially with me being pregnant, when I looked at him, he was able to tell when I was really tired. I know I didn’t want to always say that, but he could tell. And then he would either say something or he would go get me something. He was just so wonderful. As it turns out, there was a lot going on behind the scenes and on the screen this season.
It has been really wonderful to watch you two on screen this season. And as I have shared in the past, I never thought Faith and Carson should get together. I wanted Carson with Ali Liebert’s character. But last season, you two won me over and totally sold me on the relationship. It was fun to go on that journey with you.
Andrea Brooks, Paul Greene Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
I think that’s a really interesting reading. I think it was the intention of the writers because this was a relationship unlike any other we’ve seen in Hope Valley. It was a secret, and we were introduced as co-workers. And of course, that was Faith’s reservation. What will the town think? And since we work together, this could ruin our work dynamic. I think a lot of fans went along with it, and that made it exciting. There was so much at stake, and there was always the thoughts about…will it work? Will it not work? Should it work? Should it not work? There were so many reasons why it shouldn’t happen, but it’s happening. And all of that made it extra fun.
behind-the-scenes with Paul
I so agree. And by the first episode of season seven, I noticed that your chemistry on-screen had grown so much! It was just beautiful to watch. You can tell that these characters are so in love. As much as I love last season and the Christmas movie…where most of the time you two weren’t together…I’m so glad you came back to Hope Valley. I kept hearing rumors that you were gonna leave.
I know a lot of people were worried and still are because I am a regular on Supergirl. I think a lot of people were worried that something had happened contractually, and so there was a lot of confusion because of all of this. On my end, there were endless scheduling issues from two shows. It’s not easy sometimes. You’re in a bind and choices have to be made. Things have to be shuffled around in order to do both shows. But yeah, you can’t keep Faith out of Hope Valley. At this point, I think we’ve all come to that conclusion.
behind-the-scenes
When Calls the Heart
Definitely. I mean Faith was the one who the fans couldn’t stand when she first entered the series. They were so sure you were going to steal Jack away.
Yeah, that’s right. And now we’re going full circle here. {laughs} I think that’s just what happens when you’re on a series for seven, going on, eight years…potentially. You know, characters change, and we as actors change. Our characters grow up. I mean, when I think back to where Faith was at the beginning of the series…she was young and…I don’t want to say naive, but she was such a young hopeful, strong-willed, passionate nurse, and she wanted to make a difference. And now, she’s found love, and she’s found her identity. She is following her dreams and her passions in a way that I don’t think she would have done when she was younger. So it’s really exciting getting to be on a show that spans this many years because you really get to grow alongside your character.
Andrea Brooks Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Without giving anything away, what can you tease for the rest of the season?
Well, there’s going to be a fabulous wedding, which I don’t think is a spoiler.
No, we know Clara and Jesse are getting married.
Oh goodness, there’s so much more to play out. If I were to reduce it down to one word, I would say “triangle.” I don’t think that’s much of a spoiler at all based on what’s being advertised. And like I’ve said, we all know these characters really well now, and you just get to see them in new stages of their lives, and I think that’s really exciting.
Well, we’re all looking forward to the wedding.
Andrea Brooks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Sven Boecker
I always say that the weddings are my favorite. Unfortunately, Faith is studying at this point. Of course, in light of last week, that is not a spoiler. We do know at this point that Faith is chasing her dreams to go become a doctor. So there are some decisions that have to be made. But I will say about the weddings that those are the scenes where everyone comes together as a town, as Hope Valley, but we all come together as friends who are on the same show, and they’re always such a riot. Because everyone comes together for weddings, for Christmas pageants, the saloon days, or if they go down to a hall meeting…those kinds of scenes are always my favorites scenes to shoot. And luckily, this season, we have a lot of them. The community comes together. In fact, I would say that actually defines this season. There’s always been community, but it’s more so this year.
Did you get to have any scenes with the Taylor Twins?
with her little girl
I did!! I did get to have some scenes with them, which was so fun! Being pregnant and getting to watch little kids. You’re thinking, “Oh my goodness, this will be my life soon!” They’re so adorable! There was a scene back during the Christmas movie between myself and Pascale and she’s carrying Baby Jack. You know, in the Christmas special, he doesn’t speak, and that is a big plot point. Well, he was just chatting up a storm that day. He loves the horses–they both do–and they kept looking over at the horses. And during every take, it was “Horsy, horsy, horsy, horsy, horsy, horsy!” And we were like, “Yes, yes, but you’re not supposed to speak!” But he was so cute! Then sometimes, both of the twins will look, and they’ll be like, “Mama?” They’d be thinking, “Where did she go?” Because of course, when we shoot, she has to go run around a corner and hide so that they don’t get distracted. It was such a joy getting to watch them this season, and it was through a set of new eyes because I was pregnant.
I have chatted with Kavan {Smith} who told me all about working with the twins and how he loved working with them, but those were some of the most difficult scenes to shoot. They’re not professionals, and you never know what you’re gonna get.
Faith
For sure! Just like with the “horsy” situation. It was so cute, but you have to redo it until it’s right. So it can be a challenge. I don’t work with them as often as Kavan or Pascale or Erin{Krakow} or Jack {Wagner}, but it was all so thrilling to get the chance. I don’t care if they waste all my takes. I just love getting to hang out with them.
So is Faith “Team Nathan” or “Team Lucas?”
You know what? I get asked this myself as Andrea. I can’t decide. I adore both of them. I love Chris {McNally}, and I love Kevin {McGarry}. They are such great friends and actors. Their characters are both so different and yet so interesting. For Faith…I’m trying to think. I think she’s had more interactions with Lucas in town. For that reason alone, I would think she would be Team Lucas. Also, he opened the library, and I know Faith would be the first one in there checking out the medical section. Perhaps for Faith, she would be Team Lucas. But for me myself, I can’t decide. I’ve strategized every time I do an interview or talk to somebody to switch it up each time. I think on my last one, I said Lucas, so this time as Andrea, I will say Nathan.
Andrea Brooks Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
They’re both so great that I know it can be tough to choose. Some of the Hearties have become rather adamant about their choices, and they are attempting to be rather persuasive when interacting with fans. When I posted an interview with Chris recently and mentioned I might be Team Nathan, a Heartie responded with a good paragraph about why I should be Team Lucas. I’m torn between the two, but as a mother, I find myself choosing Nathan because I feel he would make a more stable father for Jack. And as my mom said, back then, a town wouldn’t be hiring a schoolteacher who was dating, let alone marrying, a saloon owner. But before anybody knew who Lucas was, I was Team Lucas. That was back when most of the Hearties were choosing Team Nathan, since he was a Mountie. But for me, I don’t really care who Elizabeth ultimately chooses. I just don’t want either one of them to leave the town.
behind-the-scenes
When Calls the Heart
I’m great with that. I don’t want any of my friends leaving.
I know you’ve posted a lot about the way your character in Supergirl has changed as of last season. I need to binge-watch this show because I haven’t watched since like season two or three. I mean, I now watch Batwoman, and I really got into it. So I’ve got to start watching Supergirl.
Oh, really? Oh, good! I still haven’t watched Batwoman. I’m so behind on all my shows…always. But I’ve met that entire cast. The CW community in Vancouver is quite small. It’s got a lot of actors who have come from all over the world. They shoot here, and they live here for ten months out of the year. So we’ve all started organizing little hang-outs and getting to know each other quite well. So Batwoman has a fabulous cast. The writers are all so spectacular and so passionate about this project. It’s dark, from what I’ve seen.
with the Supergirl cast
Yeah, it is dark. Actually, the character that I really like is the villain, and that is something that has never happened in a show like this. Rachel Skarsten, who I know from a Hallmark Christmas movie, she is just incredible! And everybody I’ve spoken with who has worked with her has simply raved about her. And, of course, Gracyn {Shinyei} has been on the show as well.
Yeah, and she’s great! But back to Eve on Supergirl, it’s been fabulous getting to play this character. She’s always walking the line of being good and evil. It was established last season that she was a double agent, and then at the tail end of last season, it was established that she was a triple agent. She acts a certain way, but there’s always a reason why, and her moral compass is just all over the place. There’s always so many hectic things happening in Eve’s life.
Supergirl — “Luthors” — Image SPG212b_0191 — Pictured (L-R): Andrea Brooks as Miss Eve Tessmacher and Melissa Benoist as Kara — Photo: Cate Cameron/The CW — é 2017 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved
This season, she was turned into an AI for a huge bulk of the season. There’s just been nonstop craziness for this character, but it is fun to play something that is a little bit opposite of the typical Hallmark character I would play like Faith. Eve is crazy and wild. I’ve learned how to shoot guns because that’s a real character plot point that we’ve dealt with throughout the seasons. And it’s so fun because you always feel like you’re on your toes and you’re doing something different. The one thing I know from speaking to a lot of actors is people don’t like to be stagnant. They don’t want things to just remain the same. That’s tough when you’re on a show that lasts a lot of seasons because while your character has peaks and valleys and journeys, they’re still that character. So it’s always very thrilling to get to play something that is so opposite of the other character. It’s kind of like this constant juxtaposition, and it’s a thrill.
with Katie McGrath
Supergirl
Well, it’s one that is definitely on my list to catch up with at some point. In fact, I have to say that I’m amazed the show has lasted as long as it has. Not to be disparaging, but sometimes, as we know, shows just don’t make it. And I was a bit skeptical this one would. But I think that since it’s part of the CW multi-verse, I guess that’s a big reason why it’s still here. I know that when Batwoman started, I saw so many people trashing it online.
Yeah, I think there were people who were all upset because they thought it was gonna be something that it wasn’t. And sometimes the internet can just get all upset and people will act irrationally. I think that’s what happened. Any show that deals with politics or any other hot topics, it’s bound to get torn apart one way or another. But hopefully, there’s enough fan base now to support it through that mess. But you know, that happens to every show, no matter what. You’re not gonna please everyone no matter what show you’re on. People are gonna be vocal, and you just have to learn to tune them out.
Comic Con Supergirl cast
Now, I think it’s amazing you did both of these shows while pregnant. When exactly did you go on maternity leave?
I worked right up until three and a half weeks before I had the baby. And then I went back to work when she was seven weeks old. So no, it was not a super long time, but it worked well for me. That was my choice. In this business, you’re constantly checking in and there’s always decisions that have to be made. So after Christmas break, it was my choice to come back. I’ve been very supported as I’ve come back. You need a lot of support when you have a little baby and you’re bringing a baby to set and you’re feeding the baby and all that craziness. So I’m quite lucky.
I think it’s fantastic that there are so many networks who are supporting mothers who want to have children. I don’t think that was always the case.
returning to Supergirl
I think we’ve come a long way, and there’s still a ways to go. Hopefully, the fact that I can be vocal and public about being pregnant on two shows…I’m hoping that will make it much easier for the next girl if they choose to start a family.
I think it’s funny how many Hallmark actresses have gotten pregnant in the past couple years.
Yeah, you know, I was talking to Randy {Pope} about that over at Hallmark, and he was like, “You know, you’re one of nine of our actresses who is having children this year.” And I was like, “Awesome!” I was so happy to see that they don’t punish women for the fact that we are able to work and have families. It’s the ultimate dream. It’s great to see that networks in this business don’t turn their backs on mothers. It means the world.
pregnant Andrea
I remember when you posted about going to work because I couldn’t believe how little time you took off! But then again, I worked up until a month before my daughter was born. She was born in the middle of June, and I was back to work about the middle to the end of August. I was ready to go back. It was about six weeks, I think.
I know every woman is different. I’m sure some women have a baby, and they decide that they don’t want to go back to work right away. They might want more time. For myself, I was ready to go. I had planned it in a way that we could make it work, and it did. I think it’s just a matter of listening to and knowing yourself and your body, and networks are just so different now. They honor your wishes, and I hope they keep going in that direction because it’s all good.
In the Key Of Love
Interestingly enough, In the Key Of Love is going to be premiering this weekend on the Hallmark Channel. I saw it when it was on Hallmark Movies Now last year. I don’t know if I ever had the chance to tell you how much I loved you in that movie. I know a few people who have seen it didn’t seem to like it, but I enjoyed it. In fact, some people claimed that Hallmark was hiding this movie on their streaming service. I don’t think so, especially since they’re showing it now. It’s the movie that introduced me to Laura Osnes.
Oh, yeah, what a legend she is. She’s Cinderella from Broadway. That girl has so much talent. This was her first movie, and we became fast friends. She’s fantastic!
Thomas Cadrot, Andrea Brooks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman
She is amazing. And in addition to the music and the story and all that, I loved the fact that the cast was so diverse! I was so glad that your character was marrying someone of a different ethnicity.
Yeah, I was very, very excited when I found out that was going to be happening. And Thomas {Cadrot}, who played my fiance/husband, was so sweet and so lovely. Also, that movie was tough because I was in my first trimester while shooting that, and nobody knew, because for your first trimester, you’re very selective about who you tell. Just in case something goes wrong, God forbid.
Laura Osnes, Andrea Brooks, Thomas Cadrot, Scott Michael Foster Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman
I remember that whole movie feeling so sick. I remember being sick and being in the wedding dress that had a six-foot train. And we were shooting in a park. It was very public, so people had come down to take photos. So there were all these people standing around, and I remember feeling so nauseous and having to go through with this wedding. Of course, much of this movie takes place on the wedding day. So every day, I would put on the wedding dress and just think, “Oh my goodness, is this nauseous feeling ever going to end?!” So when I look back at those photos, that’s all I remember. I barely remember the movie. I just remember my feelings of, “Oh, I really need to sleep. I’m really tired.” And “I really need a peppermint tea.” I think I drank more peppermint tea than anyone in the history of the universe! So it’ll always be memorable for that reason. I always think when I see photos of me in the wedding dress, I remember I was so concerned that you could see a baby bump! I was concerned the whole movie!
In the Key of Love
Andrea, I promise you, we could see nothing!
It was a cute, adorable movie. The cast was fantastic. And despite everything and the reshuffling of everything, I’m glad people saw it and that many more are about to see it.
Also, the scenery was gorgeous!
Oh, yes! Now, the funny thing is that the reception venue in that movie is the same venue we use in Supergirl for Lex Luther’s compound. I’ve been there so many times shooting for Supergirl. It’s always dark, and it’s where Lex Luthor comes up with his evil plans. Then flip to Hallmark, and it’s the same venue all decked out in wedding gear. It’s a location at the University of British Columbia. It’s beautiful, and it’s definitely got multipurpose capabilities.
as Eve
So, we back to When Calls the Heart, we are not assured of a season eight as of yet, but I tend to think it will happen. Even so, the fans should keep asking. However, assuming we have a season eight, what would you like to see happen for Faith?
with Paul
I think if we are lucky enough to venture into season eight…you know, Faith has grown up so much. It would be really nice for her to find her footing as a more mature person. When we met her, she was really young and hopeful. Fast-forward to maybe where she finds herself in the thick of her career. Really passionate, knowing that she is exactly where she’s always meant to be. I think that would be really exciting for her. It would also be a nice, fun challenge for Carson and Faith. If you go off and continue your education and come back, you might not come back exactly the same person. That would also be very interesting.
Sunday is always a big night for you since When Calls the Heart and Supergirl are both on.
Eve is Back
Yes, that’s true. On Supergirl, I think the episodes they are showing now are the ones where I was on maternity leave, but I am currently back filming the show. I think Eve is finally returning in the episodes, though. I think you can see me in tomorrow night’s episode, if all goes according to plan. Unfortunately, now with the baby, I just don’t have the same amount of time to dedicate to Twitter. I try, but I just can’t always get caught up. I really do like the storylines that are coming up, and I’m gonna try to be there to interact on Twitter if I can. Really, I love the fact that we still do this live-tweet thing. The Hearties tune in every week, and I love that they do their part to get the hashtag trending. It’s so impressive after all these years that we still have the weekly meetup.
with Paul
Well, maybe if we get another season of When Hope Calls, maybe they can have Faith pay a visit to Brookfield in season two.
That would be lovely.
I don’t know how Alfonso {Moreno} keeps up with both shows.
I know! There’s so many characters and storylines and two completely different universes. I understand about crossovers on the CW. We’re starting to kind of do that in Hallmark. It’s amazing, but it’s not easy to manage. So that’s definitely a testament to Alfonso and the writers.
Andrea Brooks, Paul Greene Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter
Absolutely. So maybe we could even have Faith and Carson visit. After all, Lee and Rosemary visited, as did Nathan. And you might be able to help the infirmary since there is just a single nurse there from England. I think you’d like Nurse Maggie.
I think Faith understands that situation. Sound like it would be so much fun.
Now besides these shows and In the Key Of Love, do you have anything else coming up?
Andrea
Well, nothing confirmed as of right now. We’re definitely focused on the end of the season of Supergirl. That’s where my head is right now. And I’m really crossing my fingers that everything falls into place for a season eight for When Calls the Heart. There have been a few discussions with Hallmark for some potential projects, so I have no doubt that some of that will come to fruition. But I also have to make a choice. I’ve always been a workaholic, so I have to think about if I want to take some time during the hiatus I get in between the two shows. Maybe I’ll take some family time this year. It all kind of comes down to scheduling because that’s always been my situation. But full steam ahead, there’s gonna be a lot there and a lot of content involving me over the next year or so.
“glammed” Andrea
I hope so, Andrea. You know, we’re always pulling for you to be in a lead role, and we still hope that happens for you. I know that can be something hard to talk to the fans about. It should be so easy to be cast in a Hallmark lead role. But most people just don’t know how hard it is. Everything has to align just right in order for it to happen.
I will say that I’ve fallen victim to scheduling when it comes to some of this stuff. That’s the thing. When you’re a lead, you have to be there every single day for the full three-week shoot. It’s really hard for me to have a full three weeks off Supergirl. We only have a couple of months off for hiatus. When you’re a supporting role, you might only work half the time or three-quarters of the movie. There’s a little more wiggle room.
with Erin and Pascale
I see what you mean. Well, I’m sure it will happen eventually. And I know you also have hopes one day in the future to be a director. I think you’d like to direct your own project, isn’t that right?
I would love to on down the line. I mean, Ali Liebert has been so successful with transitioning into behind-the-camera work, so at some point, I would like to do some directing or some producing. But for the time being, I see how busy my life is with these two shows, and I think those kinds of dreams need to be pushed a little into the future. I totally have aspirations to get behind the camera at some point.
Well, you’re still young.
Supergirl Ladies
On Supergirl this year, David Harewood, who plays Martian Manhunter, he’s directed two episodes this season. He also directed last year. And Melissa Benoist, who plays Supergirl, she directed her first episode this season. It was one of my first episodes back, and it was a really Eve-heavy episode. It was so fun getting to work with her in a different capacity. She was so good! When you have actors directing, they really speak your language because they’re on your team. They know what it’s like. She gave the most amazing direction, and we had a ball. It was definitely one of my most memorable moments of Supergirl.
Hallmark TCA’s summer 2019
That’s cool! I know that Peter Benson just did his first directing of a movie for Hallmark. It was one of the Aurora Teagarden movies. It seems like Hallmark is really supportive of having their actors also become directors. Robin Dunne and Eric Close are two who come to mind, so maybe in the future, that might be an option for you.
I would love to give it a try one day in the future.
Of course, now that you’re a mother, things are a bit different.
Yeah, I’m trying to keep all the balls up in the air right now. But it can be quite exhausting. It’s amazing, but it divides your focus a little bit.
Pregnant Andrea
I knew before your daughter was even born that you were going to be a great mother, Andrea.
I appreciate that. I’ve been so lucky. Between everyone that I’ve met professionally and all the fans, I have this endless support. It’s scary being pregnant and public about it and being on two shows. I mean, there’s the odd mean comment, and it really can affect you. But I have to say I’ve been overwhelmed with so much positivity and so much wonderful advice from my castmates. It just couldn’t have been a more ideal situation. I mean, with every pregnancy, you have peaks and valleys and the days that you don’t feel so great. But the positivity far outweighed all the negativity involved. So it’s always nice to hear positive comments because this can be a tough gig.
Credit: liliya portraits
I hear ya. Occasionally, I still get the people who tell me how I should do this or that, and sometimes, I’ve had unpopular choices amongst my friends, family, and even my students as I’ve been raising my daughter. But I concur with what you’re saying. It’s been a mostly positive experience for me in being a mother too. And by the way, Andrea, I really think you look great.
Thank you, Ruth. On top of all the work I was doing while pregnant, I worked out like a maniac. I did that deliberately, and I’m so glad I did. Even though in the moment, you feel like a balloon, you’re still toning your muscles. I had to make a lot of amendments with my workouts when I was pregnant, but as a result, because I worked so hard and I would eat as healthily as possible…Rice Krispie squares on set, that was my vice on set for some reason. I don’t even really like them all that much, but when I was pregnant, they were delicious. But because I focused on my health soon after the baby was born, I’ve been very lucky. The weight has come off naturally and nicely ’cause I was such a stickler for staying healthy.
Home & Family
I’m so glad for you, Andrea! And it’s been great to catch up with you today.
Same here, Ruth. It was long overdue.
I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to see your journey. How you got married, and now you have a baby. And you have such a supportive family, I know.
Oh, yes, my mom is the one who is with me on set and watches the baby. It worked out beautifully. I know it gets tough and there are hard days, but it’s all so worth it. And a baby really brings family together.
Thank you again, Andrea. And you know we’ll be watching. And I loved seeing and hearing your little one during our chat too.
Yeah, it was her nap time for the most part, so I’m glad she didn’t interrupt us too much. Thank you as well, Ruth. I so appreciate your support as well as the support of all the fans. Enjoy When Calls the Heart, In the Key of Love, and Supergirl!
with her little girl
Considering all the actresses that I am privileged to know, Andrea has distinguished herself as one of the most preferred young actresses with whom I’ve had the opportunity to connect. Without exception, she invariably reaches far beyond the call of duty when it comes to role characterization and fan interaction. She lives her life with an obvious attitude of gratitude, and whenever I chat with her, I know that our conversation will encompass the entire gamut of her work, the film and TV world as a whole, and a bit about her personal life as well. Whenever we have our interviews, I consistently feel like I’m conversing with an old friend, and I am forever in her corner, no matter the trajectory of her career. To watch her blossom both personally and professionally is something that induces me to beam with pride for this impeccable young woman she has become, and the fact that she has attained such social and professional perception at her age is something that has definitely set her apart from a few of her less-committed contemporaries. Andrea is one of the most positive and most gifted women I know on this earth, and in the near future, I am convinced that even more people will be exposed to and recognize her for her unique contributions to the film community as well as to the world itself. To even imagine a world without Andrea Brooks is an experience I’m not certain I would wish to endure, and I am grateful to Hallmark and the CW for continuing to highlight and recognize the authentic, enlightened woman that she is who remains humble, down-to-earth, responsible, kind, and committed to making this world a better place.
If you can, I would invite you to watch In the Key Of Love tonight (March 21st) on the Hallmark Channel, and then be sure to tune in tomorrow night (March 22nd) to the Hallmark Channel/Super Channel Heart & Home for the next episode of When Calls the Heart (I cannot guarantee that Faith will make an appearance) and the CW for the next episode of Supergirl. While you’re making plans to watch and enjoy a weekend of Andrea, be sure to visit her links below and consider following her on your preferred social media platform. Ss an energetic mother, wife, and industry professional, Andrea consistently makes the time to update her fans about her upcoming appearances and shows. I realize this is an uncertain time in our world, but I invite you to choose the path of Faith, Hope, and Love. And while I know that the greatest of these is indeed love, in the case of Andrea, I would say that “Faith” provides a great deal of love to all the Hearties out there!
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CHECK OUT MY OTHER INTERVIEWS WITH ANDREA
Interview With Actress Andrea Brooks, “Jingle Around the Clock” & “When Calls the Heart”
Interview With Actress Andrea Brooks, “When Calls the Heart”
Hallmark TCA’s summer 2019
Interview With Actress Andrea Brooks, “When Calls the Heart”
http://starrymag.com/andrea-brooks-when-calls-the-heart/
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2 Comments
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Wonderful interview.
