I know I regularly sing the Hallmark Network’s praises, but I have to say that they are responsible for introducing me to a massive variety of talent out there in the film and television world. Very frequently, I tell my interviewees how I first saw them and/or noticed them on Hallmark, and that is completely accurate in the case of Tori Anderson. I didn’t even know who she was until I did a bit of research and realized that I had seen her in a couple of other works, but it is the Hallmark premiere of Return To Christmas Creek that will forever cement her name and talent in my mind and heart. In anticipation of tonight’s movie (11/17), I had the wonderful opportunity to briefly chat with Tori, and I am honored to share our conversation with my readers today.
Tori Anderson Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steve Wilkie
RH: Tori, it is so nice to get to chat with you today!
TA: Same here, Ruth. Are you doing all right?
Yes, I am, thanks. I’m very busy.
Well, busy is good, right?
Tori Anderson, Stephen Huszar, Steven Weber Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Yes, I would agree busy is very good. I am so excited about your first Hallmark Christmas movie coming up tonight!
Thank you so much! I can hardly wait!
I was going through your credits, and while I recognize a lot of shows that you’ve been on, I have to admit that I have not seen very many of them.
Oh, I understand. There are a lot of shows out there to watch right now.
Tori Anderson Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
I have seen you in Murdoch Mysteries. I’m a huge fan of that show. And then interestingly enough, going way back, I happen to have seen you in the film To Have and To Hold. An old Lifetime movie now.
Oh my gosh, I haven’t thought about that one in a long time!
Now, you’ve had this incredible career. But I’m wondering, why did you decide to become an actress?
Tori Anderson Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
I was terrifyingly shy as a child to the point where my younger sister would ask questions for me. I would actually tap her on the shoulder and get her to ask my questions for me. I was very, very nervous about talking to people in general.
So for me, acting started at a young age. My parents put us in a local music festival. We did poetry, monologues, and Shakespeare from the time I was around ten. And I found that there was a freedom I experienced with acting and using someone else’s words that I hadn’t felt before. I found that it was liberating for me and it encouraged me to help me come out of my shell and take on different roles. I was really inspired when I was stepping into someone else’s shoes and situation. And then as I got older, it was about learning more about the human condition and people. How we read them and body language. It is a career that is incredible, and I am amazed that I was able to morph my love for acting into such a career.
And you certainly have done just that. Look at all these amazing credits! And here you are at last in your first Hallmark movie! Were you a Hallmark fan before doing this film?
Tori Anderson Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Yeah, I would say I was a Hallmark fan. I mean, of course, I was familiar with Hallmark. I think everyone knows Hallmark. When I was growing up, we didn’t have cable. I didn’t get to watch a lot of things. Mostly, my parents would come home and we would only watch a movie on Friday or Saturday night, and it was always one of my mother’s choosing. So we had a limited amount of movies that we watched during my childhood years. But I’ve had several friends who have been on Hallmark shows, and so I’ve watched them and loved them. I think there’s a beautiful levity that Hallmark provides. Especially during times when things are a bit trying, it’s a nice outlet that’s just so uplifting. They’re all about light and brightening everyone’s spirits, and they have just the right amount of drama peppered in at just the right places. It’s definitely a fun network to be a part of, and their films and shows are filled with joy throughout.
Viewers are about to see you in Return To Christmas Creek. I know it’s an incredible story, since it’s written by my friend Kirsten Hansen. But what can you tell us about your character and how she relates to the overall story?
Steven Weber, Stephen Huszar, Tori Anderson Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Return To Christmas Creek is centered around a family that is a bit broken. The viewers will find out that there is an event that happened about seventeen years ago that has caused a rift within the family dynamic, and because this rift happened around Christmastime, my character, Amelia, has some reservations about Christmas and about how the holiday is supposed to be about family. So Amelia develops an app about Christmas, and the investors disagree with her approach to it. So she decides to go back to her roots–the town that she loves and misses–and see her uncle that she’s kind of had this falling out with. So she goes back in an attempt to rediscover what she’s lost, and in so doing, she rekindles the familial bonds.
Where did you film this movie?
Stephen Huszar, Tori Anderson, Steven Weber Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
We filmed it in North Bay, Ontario in Canada. We filmed it in the middle of summer, so it was very hot. We were wearing many layers, so you can imagine what it was like.
It does seem quite regularly that Christmas films are shot in the middle of summer.
Yes, but to be honest, I prefer that instead of the bitter cold of the Canadian winter.
I definitely get that. So I know we’ll all be watching Return to Christmas Creek, but I just want to make sure. Are there any other upcoming works that you would like to mention?
Stephen Huszar, Tori Anderson, Steven Weber Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Yeah, I just did a show called Ransom that is shot in Budapest. I just got back from that about a week ago. So that’s something to be watching for. And then I just moved to LA, so the world is my oyster!
Well, that’s great news, Tori! Maybe we’ll start seeing you a lot more now.
Oh, who knows?
Stephen Huszar, Tori Anderson Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
I’m gonna make that prediction then. And all of the Hallmark fans will send you good thoughts and positive vibes. After all, pilot season is coming. And I bet they will see just how wonderful you are, and they will cast you in lots of things.
Oh, thank you.
Tori, it was so nice chatting with you today. I was already excited for Return To Christmas Creek, and after chatting with you, I am even more excited.
Oh, Ruth, you’re so sweet. Thank you. I really do hope everyone tunes in and that all the viewers enjoy our movie, Return To Christmas Creek.
Tori Anderson, Stephen Huszar Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Even in the short time Tori and I chatted, I sensed a connection that was genuine and abiding. Tori is a working actor with an extensive variety of remarkable credits to her name, but she recognizes the fact that one cannot rest on past accomplishments. She continues to hone her craft and pursue her passions all while hoping for more amazing opportunities to utilize her skills to inspire, entertain, and connect with the viewers. Her humility is innate, and it is clear that she takes nothing for granted. I do hope that everyone in the U.S. tunes in tonight (November 17th) to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries for the U.S. premiere of Tori’s first Hallmark movie, Return to Christmas Creek. (I don’t see any Canadian date for a premiere as of yet.) Furthermore, be sure to visit all of Tori’s links below and consider following her where applicable. There is absolutely nothing like promoting positive, gifted women like Tori, and as she is now a distinctive part of our Hallmark family, let’s fully embrace her with all of our admiration, support, and kindness!
FOLLOW TORI
Tori Anderson, Stephen Huszar Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steve Wilkie
Stephen Huszar, Tori Anderson Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Tori Anderson, Stephen Huszar Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
