I don’t remember the exact moment I first “discovered” Graham Verchere, but there is no doubt in my mind that I have been savoring his on-screen performances for quite some time. Once I saw him in The Good Doctor last season, watched him in Deadly Deed: A Fixer Upper Mystery, and heard about Summer of 84 finally being available to the general public, I figured it was time to see if I could feature him on my site. A few months ago, that opportunity presented itself, and I am quite pleased to share with my readers one of the young stars of Hallmark’s premiere tonight, Wedding of Dreams. 

RH: I am glad to be talking with you Graham! I have heard so much about you because I’ve talked to lots of people who have worked with you. In fact, Dylan Kingwell has been the main one I know of who just raves about you. 

GV: Thank you, Ruth, it’s nice to chat with you too. And yeah, Dylan is great.

In fact, I was just talking with a Hallmark fan recently and she said she hopes you come back to Fixer Upper Mystery and get paired up with Lilah Fitzgerald again. 

Woh! Oh yeah!

I’ve been watching you for a while now, and it finally seems like the right time to reach out and chat with you. So how long have you been acting?

I have been acting technically for about five years now. I started when I was ten. Our cousin, Will {Verchere-Gopaulsingh}, was doing some acting, and me and my twin brother thought it seemed really interesting, so we decided to take an acting class. We both really had a lot of fun with it, so we both kept going with it. He has since stopped acting, but obviously, I didn’t.

Graham with his twin brother Toby
Photos by Kathryn ©

I didn’t know you had a twin brother. That’s cool. Now, according to IMDB, your first credit was in Psych. Is that right?

Yes, I think that was the first role I got that wasn’t in a commercial.

Oh, that makes sense because commercials seem to be the way many actors start out. Speaking of Psych, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries regularly plays reruns of this show. 

I didn’t know that!

Yeah, so a lot of people who haven’t seen the show or want to relive it are able to see it pretty regularly. 

That’s really cool to know. I was on the second-to-last episode of the entire series. Season eight, episode nine. In fact, it was one of the last days they had on set with that show. You know, the series ran for so long, but I was there only for one day. Everybody was crying because these were like their best friends in the world.

With James Roday
Psych

Well, that’s quite a way to break into TV. Everybody’s crying, and it’s supposed to be a light-hearted, fun show. 

Yeah, it felt a little strange, but it was a great experience of course.

Then that means that you actually reunited with someone from Psych when you did Woody Woodpecker. 

from Woody Woodpecker
with Timothy Omundson

Oh, yes, Timothy Omundson! I think that was one of the first things I said to him on the set of WoodyWoodpecker is that I remembered him from Psych. But I can’t remember if I actually met him on the set of Psych. I don’t think we had any scenes together. But I definitely remembered him from Psych.

I actually watched Woody Woodpecker and interviewed Jordana Largy back when she first was cast in that movie. 

Yeah, we filmed that more than a year ago now. Actually, more than a year and a half ago now. There was a lot of CGI in Woody Woodpecker. When we were blocking scenes for the film, they usually had a stuffed Woody on a pole that they swung around to show where he would be during the scenes, but when we were filming, we had to just look where we thought he would be.

Oh, wow, that is something. I know there were a lot of mixed reviews concerning the movie, but I thought it was a cute, little story. And I’ve recommended it to several people. 

With Paul McGillion
Signed, Sealed, Delivered

I agree that it’s cute and fun. I think you shouldn’t go into it expecting to cry. {laughs}

Right! Now, shortly after Psych, we got to see you on Signed, Sealed, Delivered. 

Oh, yeah, Signed, Sealed, Delivered. I think I only had one scene, but that was fun. It was a flashback scene. I played Young Danny Barrett in “The Masterpiece” episode.

So after Signed, Sealed, Delivered, it looks like you went to another Hallmark project, Along Came a Nanny. 

With Sara Lancaster
Along Came A Nanny

Exactly! That was such a fun movie, but it was a little weird for me. I believe I was a bully in that movie, and I had never done any role like that. Being a bully is not like me at all. I didn’t really share any scenes with the main cast members–Cameron Mathison or Sara Lancaster–but the main person I interacted with was Valin {Shinyei}. We have seen him around a lot in so many other productions we’ve done.

With Cameron Mathison
Along Came A Nanny

That’s cool. It looks like Hallmark really likes to use you in their films. In fact, I hadn’t even put together till I was researching you that you were actually in Paul Greene‘s first Hallmark movie, Perfect Match. 

Yes, Danica {McKellar} played my mom.

Now coming into this film, did you know who Danica was?

We obviously did a bit of research before coming in so we wouldn’t be completely clueless. I think my mom saw Danica in The Wonder Years, but that was a bit before I was alive.

Perfect Match
With Paul Greene and Danica McKellar

It seems that Danica always seems to get along well with the kids. I mean, Paul does too, but since Danica was playing your mom, do you have any special memories from filming that movie? 

Well, when we started out filming, we both figured out that both Danica and I were total math nerds. I had gotten really bored the summer before and decided to see how much of Pi I could memorize. And it turns out she wrote a song about the digits of Pi. So off-camera, we tried to see how far we could go with the numbers of Pi, and I ended up winning, I think. I think she knew more, but because she only knew it in the song, I was doing it off rhythm, and it tripped her up.

Interesting. I remember the Pi song because she actually sang that on-screen in her Hallmark film Campfire Kiss. 

Oh really? That’s cool.

Now, I didn’t realize you were in Once Upon A Time.

From Once Upon A Time
With Merlin (Elliott Knight)

Oh, yeah, it was a pretty small role. I was in season five, episode seven, and I played the young apprentice. But it was super fun to be a part of that series. The person I was with for pretty much my whole role was Elliott Knight, who played Merlin. 

Were you a fan of the show before you got cast in an episode?

Yes, we actually had been watching for quite a while, and we had been keeping up with the episodes.

I see you were also a part of Jim Henson’s

On the Turkey Hollow set with the puppeteers

Turkey Hollow. Now, I will admit that I had not seen this as of yet. What was that experience like?

Honestly, the entire experience was really magical for me. I was pretty young when I did that movie, and to be working with these amazingly-made puppets–they were insane! And the incredibly talented puppeteers. They sometimes kept the puppets in character between takes. And that was always really funny.

I notice something in your credits that was rather un-Hallmark. You were on Fargo. How did you get to be a part of that show?

Fargo © Copyright 2017 FX Networks. All Rights Reserved

From what I remember, the audition is something that came to me when I was really busy, and I remember being super stressed out. Because Fargo is set in Minnesota, they have these crazy accents, and I tried to learn the accent the night before the audition. And I can tell you it did NOT go well! {laughs} I’m sure that accent was the worst thing they have ever heard. I have heard that I look a lot like Carrie Coon, who played my mother in that show.

When you first joined Fargo, did you have any idea you would be on as many episodes as you were?

I was on a total of seven episodes, and while I’m not sure when I found out how many episodes my character would be on, I do know that all the episodes were filmed together at the beginning of 2017, if I remember right. It was January in Calgary, and it was really cold.

While I have not seen Fargo, I am aware of the content. So were you the only young person filming this show? 

I think I was the only kid on the show that at least I encountered.

Some of the content on that show was not kid-friendly. 

Thankfully, I wasn’t in most of those parts except for a select, few scenes. But it’s also less shocking when you’re filming because you can tell it’s not real. It is a lot less scary ’cause if you’re watching someone in the show who might get hurt, you can see them get up as soon as the director says “Cut!”

I also didn’t know that you’ve done some voice work for My Little Pony.

Yeah, that was a while ago. I think I did two characters throughout three episodes. Pipsqueak and Chipcutter.

Now was that your first voice work?

Yes, that was my first voice work. I have now done other voice work, but most of my voice work has been for My Little Pony. Voice work is usually pretty different from film and TV. I didn’t get to meet a lot of the main characters because they often have a separate recording studio in Los Angeles or somewhere else. But it’s true that there is also a lot of people from My Little Pony in Vancouver. So I guess I did meet some of the people in the studio. And they were all amazing.

When you were on My Little Pony, did you get caught up in the fandom for the show?

I have had some awesome interactions with the fans of the show. On Twitter, I saw that somebody made and painted a wood carving that was all the characters from My Little Pony. I think they got it signed. The fans are really, really dedicated to the show.

Yes, that is so true. And it’s not just little kids that follow the show. There are adults too.

Yeah, it’s not the audience you might expect.

You also have been a part of The Good Doctor. My family and I absolutely love this show. So how did this role come about for you?

Well, when I got the script, we all had a similar feeling about the show. When we read the script for the pilot the first time, we had this feeling that we knew the show was going to get picked up. This is simply amazing!

From The Good Doctor

So you play young Shaun and do the flashback scenes. I’ve talked with Dylan about his role also. Both you and Freddie Highmore are so authentic in the way you portray the autism. How did you go about getting into character for that role?

When I first auditioned and got the script, my mom helped me out a lot because she’s a surgeon and she works with a lot of autistic children. She gave me a lot of advice on how to do autism realistically. And that was really important when we were filming. We wanted to do it realistically and not negatively. Because autism isn’t inherently negative. They did bring in an autism specialist to set for both Freddie and I once we started filming

That had to be amazing to meet Freddie Highmore. 

Oh yes, he’s one of the most insanely talented people I’ve ever met.

Do you have a favorite episode of the show from this past season?

Mmm, that is a tough question. I was only in the first five episodes of the season. So I would have to say the pilot episode would be my favorite episode to film. I was on set the most for that episode. Also, there was the bunny. They adopted the bunny for the show, and we actually got to name the bunny on set. Her name is Caramel.

Well, I hope that we get to see you again on the show. There just have to be more flashbacks. After all, season two begins soon. 

It would be lots of fun to come back, so I guess we’ll see what happens.

Photo by Matt Leslie

I understand that you are also in Summer of 84. I’ve talked with a couple of people about this movie, and I am really excited to see it. 

Yes, that has got to be one of my favorite experiences ever on set filming.

I know it’s run the film festival circuit, but it’s now available to watch via streaming services like Amazon Video. So everyone can see it. What can you tell us about this movie and your role?

I will say first that it is definitely not like Hallmark. It’s kind of a psycho-thriller-horror movie. It starts out as this classic ’80s adventure-style movie like Goonies or Stand By Me. Then as it gets into the later part of the movie, the adventure gets way too real for these kids.

The other kids I’ve interviewed about it are Jaiven Natt and Corey Gruter-Andrew. And I know that Tiera Skovbye is also in it. In fact, I think Tiera’s fiance is involved, right?

Yes, Jameson {Parker} is one of the producers.

So what can you tell us about your character?

Summer of 84

His name is Davey and what makes him interesting is that he has this quirk of being a total and complete conspiracy theorist. He has these posters plastered all up in his room of how the moon landing was fake and all that kind of stuff. In fact, there are even more creative things than that. I think there were some that show how there are lizard people in the sewer or Sasquatch was found dead. So he and his friends in the summer of 1984 go looking for some adventure and they find some evidence that points to my character’s neighbor being a local serial killer. So my character, Davey, convinces his friends to go on this wild goose chase to hunt him down and prove to everyone that he is in fact this serial killer.

You guys just must have had a blast filming this movie. 

Summer of 84
Photo by Matt Leslie

It was really fun. All four of us boys all had the exact same sense of humor. The first two days on set, we were filming in a studio. We were filming all the scenes in the kid’s treehouse. So we were locked in this boiling hot tiny box for two days straight. We really had to get to know each other and decide to like each other or hate each other. But, of course, we really hit it off.

Well, I have to say I’m looking forward to sitting down and watching it sometime soon. And I’m sure other Hallmark fans will want to see it too. After all, lots of Hallmark fans have very diverse tastes just like me. 

I know it had a very limited theatrical release, but now everyone should be able to stream it. I will warn everyone that it does get really dark. But it is also really well-done.

I know Hallmark viewers got to see you in the most recent Fixer Upper Mystery film. I was so happy to see Lilah in this one, but then to have you pop up too made the film even more fun to watch. What was it like to work on that film?

With Lilah Fitzgerald

Well, it was fun. Most of my scenes were with Lilah. It was so great to be on set with her. It’s also filmed in Victoria, so we had to take a seaplane over from Vancouver just for the days on set. And it’s the prettiest plane ride you’ll ever see. It goes over the water, and it’s just like the best view.

Did you have a chance to work with Colin Ferguson or Jewel in any of your scenes? I’m trying to remember. 

I did have a few, but I didn’t get to know them too well.

I think a lot of the viewers are hoping for a romance between your character and Lilah’s character. The fans want to bring you back if there happens to be another movie in the series. I know we all liked seeing you two on screen together. We’ve already got people matchmaking.

Oh my gosh!

{laughs} Well, matchmaking as far as your characters go, not off set.  After all, we’ve seen you grow up in the industry, and how old are you now?

I’m sixteen.

I think people just want you to have some on-screen romance. And you’re probably just thinking that you want things to continue as they are without any romance. And your mom is probably thinking the same way. Let’s not rush it. But with Hallmark, you never know. Oh, I did skip last summer’s Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. A lot of Vancouver kids were in that last year. 

Escape From Mr. Limoncello’s Library

Yes, that was on Nickelodeon last summer. My role was pretty small in that one. I’m one of the older brothers of the main character, so I’m there in the beginning for a bit when they introduce him. And then a bit in the end.

Any other upcoming roles you can tell us about.

Well, it just so happens I am in Wedding of Dreams which premieres tonight on Hallmark. It’s with Debbie Gibson.

Oh, that’s great! There’s a lot of young people in that one.

Yes, there are six kids in her music class.

Behind-the-scenes
Wedding of Dreams

Do you sing in the movie?

Yes, because it’s a music class, there is some singing and some instrument playing. What helps is I have done a lot of musical theater as well as film. And I learned how to play guitar for Woody Woodpecker. So that worked out perfectly for this one.

Recently, another big announcement was made. If you remember Grace Vanderwaal who won America’s Got Talent season eleven…well, I am going to be the lead opposite her in an original feature for Disney’s upcoming streaming platform. The film is called Stargirl, and it is based on the novel of the same name. I will be playing Leo Borlock, and Grace will be playing Stargirl Caraway. So keep an eye open for more information coming about that one.

Wow, Graham, that is super exciting! So how have you kept up with school and your busy filming schedule?

Well, it can be difficult, especially when I was filming Fargo. We were filming in Calgary, so even when I was just filming one day, I would have to miss two or three days of school because there was a day of traveling to and a day of traveling back. It really helps that there’s tutors on set when I miss too much school. But my teachers are all super supportive too and they help me out if I need an extension or something. Everyone is really helpful.

That’s great that you’ve been able to make it work. And it sounds like you have a great mom too who is very supportive. 

Yes, I know I couldn’t be an actor without her help.

So in addition to acting and school, what do you like to do when you do have free time?

Well, I think I’m a pretty boring person actually. I do the normal things like play video games, do homework, and hang out with my friends. But it’s just the normal stuff. Nothing exciting.

Well, that doesn’t sound bad to me. Normal is good, and I tend to think you have the makings of a future leading man when you get a little bit older. You’ve certainly got the talent, Graham, and there’s nothing wrong with having a normal life. It’s really not as boring as you think it is. It makes you relatable if you do those kinds of things.

Ruth, thank you for saying all that. I would love to be a leading man if that is the way things work out.

Graham, thank you so much for your time today, and I am very excited to see you in all your upcoming movies and shows!

And thank you and to the fans for all their support. It means so much, and I sure hope everyone likes Wedding of Dreams.

One might erroneously assume that having such unbelievable opportunities as Graham has experienced would begin to transform him from this normal, down-to-earth teenager, but nothing could be further from the truth. At sixteen, he is maturing into a handsome young man whose passion is acting. Notwithstanding, he never forgets to keep himself grounded and remain abundantly grateful for every opportunity sent his way. Anyone who has ever worked with Graham sings his praises to the utmost, and just to see his brilliance and consistency in every movie and/or show is a genuine treat for a viewer like me. I am immensely appreciative of his parents as well for raising such an astute, reliable, and humble artist like Graham, and it baffles the imagination to consider what the near and distant future may hold for him.

Please tune in tonight (September 8th) to the Hallmark Channel for the premiere of Wedding of Dreams in which we viewers will have the opportunity to see yet another skilled performance from a young man who has decidedly become and maintained his “Hallmark favorite” status for practically his entire career. Additionally, please consider visiting all of Graham’s links below and possibly give him a follow where you can. While his parents, family, and friends are exhilarated for all the extraordinary possibilities being tossed his way, I tend to think that the best is yet to come as Graham proceeds to hone his craft and further his abilities, expertise, and fortitude in the months and years to come.

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