As my readers know, I definitely foster a passion for the film and TV industry everywhere, but Vancouver B.C. perpetually holds a particularly special place in my heart. I am forever attempting to reach out to actors with whom I have had not previously had any contact, and it just so happens that Bernadette Beck is one of those incredible artists. While I have seen some of her works in the past, her recent recurring role in Riverdale has practically catapulted her to fan recognition, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with her recently as she detailed the highlights of her career from its inception to her current works and future aspirations.

Photo Credit: Liz Rosa

RH: Bernadette, it is so nice to chat with you today.

BB: Ruth, I’m glad it worked out to talk with you today too. Thank you for reaching out.

So how did you get started in the entertainment industry?

Well, when I was fifteen years old, I thought it would be neat to get into commercials. I did a little bit of theater in school, and I always participated in choir. I also grew up playing the violin and the piano, so I was very artistic in a sense. But I was keen on stepping outside my comfort zone. I went out and found an agent who recommended some acting schools that were primarily focused on film and TV. Initially, I was hesitant about pursuing roles for film and television. I come from a very conservative Christian home, so I focused on commercials and kept it light and fluffy. I was still in school at the time, but I figured I’d give it a shot. I would always go through the auditions with my mother in advance to see if she was okay with the content and if it fit with our moral code. I think I was auditioning for about a year as I was trying to figure out how it all worked and getting comfortable in the audition room and in this world. And my first role ended up being in a feature film. That was leaps and bounds bigger than anything I could imagine after being in TV commercials.

That was so good that your mother was supportive and took an active role. I’ve interviewed lots of kids in the industry, and I used to have this notion that a lot of these kids probably were going to get involved with the wrong crowd. But I find that usually when the parents get involved, it makes a big difference. 

Definitely.

You mentioned your first role was on a feature film. What can you tell us about that?

The film was called Girl In Progress, which starred Eva Mendes. We were shooting this back in 2011. I played a supporting character named Shannon. Prior to booking that role, I had never set foot on a film set before. All my training had been related to booking the role in the audition room. But not much had been said about on-set technicalities, camera angles, continuity…so I was totally outside my comfort zone. But I played it cool. And all I can say is that the experience was completely out of this world. I was surrounded by people who appreciated my work. They guided me and they made me feel special. Of course, I had the support of my mother as well. And at the age of sixteen, that meant a lot.

As I looked through your credits, I think I discovered that your first recurring role was on Psych. Is that correct?

Yes, I believe my character was on three episodes. Oh my gosh, the cast was just amazing. They are just as funny off camera as they were on camera. It was really something to be thrown into this world and be able to connect with such talent on that show.

I didn’t even know about that show until I started interviewing actors from Vancouver. And now reruns of that show play quite regularly on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Network here in the States. This makes it easy to go back and watch favorite episodes or episodes that you may have missed. And I really think it’s a great show now that I’ve gotten to see it.

Credit: Mandisa Photography

I’m glad you brought up the show because there are a lot of people who didn’t know what the show Psych was. The show is a lot bigger in the States than it is up here in Canada. There is still such a following and interest long after the show has wrapped up. It’s truly amazing because usually when a show ends, people will move on to the next show. But this show still has such a following after all these years.

Now I think that your first Hallmark work was Aurora Teagarden. 

Yes, it was a small role on Real Murders: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery.

What did you know about Hallmark before getting that first role with them?

I would occasionally watch Hallmark during the Christmas holidays. But I only became super familiar with them as I started auditioning for them. I gradually began to see a pattern and an acting style that they would often go for. Around that time I realized that, I really honed in on that, and that was when I booked my first Hallmark. While the role was pretty small, what I do remember about filming is that cast and crew were so warm and welcoming. It was a really tight-knit crew, and even though I was only there for the day, it felt like family. It was all-around a good experience.

Bernadette, that is so good to hear. Something I hear from those who work on Hallmark movies is exactly the experience you just described. Now, I know that most of the sets out there are wonderful, but sometimes people have a variety of experiences both good and bad on the same set. It’s so nice to consistently hear how wonderful it is working for Hallmark. And it seems to make no difference if they’re part of the crew, the cast, small or major role.

Absolutely.

This past Christmas season, we saw you in Time For Me To Come Home For Christmas. Was that your first Christmas film?

Yes, this was my first Hallmark Christmas movie. And I think you’re right that may have been my first Christmas movie ever.

What was your experience like filming that first Hallmark Christmas movie?

Time For Me To Come Home For Christmas

Hallmark movies are super light and always fun to work on. Our director, David {Winning} was amazing. It’s funny. Sometimes in life, there are people who from the moment you meet, they’re so easy to talk to. It’s like you’ve known them forever. I had seen David around before and I’d seen some of his other works. But he was so easy to talk to and so down-to-earth and relaxed and easy to talk to. He was just great to work with. And my part was so much fun to play. I was playing this fanatic country star fan who interrupts this romantic date that the two leads are having. It was very entertaining for me to play that role, and I’m sure it was entertaining for those who were watching. It’s a nice and wholesome environment and movie, and it was great to be a part of that. And then because of that film, I was able to have a nice family Christmas movie session over the holidays, and I was able to watch myself in this movie as was my family and friends. It was kind of cool.

I always hear how these actors who make Hallmark Christmas movies are so excited because during the holidays, the whole family can watch these movies together. And they had a part in it, which everyone can sit and enjoy together.

I agree with you. It’s a wonderful experience making the film and watching it with your friends and family.

Peaches ‘N’ Cream

So let’s talk about Riverdale. You were a part of season three that just recently ended. 

Yes, that is correct.

My daughter and I are huge Riverdale fans. We always watch the show together. So can you tell us about your recurring role from this past season?

My character, Peaches ‘N’ Cream, is part of the new, all-girl gang known as the Pretty Poisons. My character’s first appearance was season three, episode twelve.

Were you a fan of Riverdale before joining the cast?

Yes, I must have watched every episode of the show, I believe. And that’s just part of my philosophy. I think it’s important for us as actors to be familiar with what’s filming in the city. You never know. You get the audition, and it comes in handy for you to be familiar with the style of acting in the show and the genre the writers are going for. That was one reason I watched Riverdale was out of curiosity and to keep up what’s filming. But then I got hooked on it. Then I got busy, and of course, you start watching other things. So I started up again, and thankfully the show is always there. But I think my understanding of and familiarity with the show may have helped me book the role because I was able to fully understand–at least in a way–what they were looking for.

Of course, the sad thing with this past season of Riverdale was the sudden passing of Luke Perry. I think that was devastating on so many levels. Did you happen to have any interactions with him while on the show?

Vanessa Morgan and Bernadette Beck in Riverdale

No, unfortunately, I never had the privilege of meeting him. But I’ve been familiar with his work, and I think much of the cast viewed him as a father figure. Of course, especially K.J. {Apa}. They had been working so closely together for the last two or three years. And even during the show’s hiatus, they were pretty much on tour, going to all these events. They were with each other so much of the time. He was known by the crew as being one of the most respectful, down-to-earth actors they had ever had the privilege of working with. His sudden passing really broke a lot of people, especially those closest to him. It’s clear that the cast and crew are still healing. They were all affected by his death. I know it’s gonna take some time. But I’m really happy that Riverdale has been honoring Luke Perry’s passing and dedicating the remainder of the season to him. It’s nice that they continue to remind the viewers of his legacy. I’m so glad they did that.

I have read so many tributes to Luke Perry since his passing. And the most wonderful thing I think is that there is nothing negative written about him. That is an amazing legacy and cannot be said of all people who pass in this business. Back to Peaches ‘N’ Cream in Riverdale, I really loved the musical episode you did. 

Behind-the-scenes
Heathers the Musical

Thank you. Yes, that was based on Heathers, the 1980s musical. That was a great episode for me because I probably had the most screen time I had ever had up to that point. I was super surprised and pleased to be almost instantaneously thrown in with the core cast as well as the supporting cast. I was the newest cast member. I was put in a song right away with the core group. I had to learn everything from the song lyrics to the choreography…but the storyline of the episode is intertwined with the musical Heathers. Honestly, it was a work of art, and I’m really proud to have worked on it.

I will tell you that if you haven’t finished the season, you will see my character and some other new faces toward the end of the season as well. I know that in the U.S., you guys watch the show on Wednesdays. Then Canada gets it on Netflix the next day. But then the U.S. doesn’t get the entire season until some time during the summer.

True. There’s also the CW app here in the U.S. where you can get caught up too. I know that you’ve also done some stunt work throughout your career. How do you prepare differently for a role as a stunt person as opposed to an acting role?

Riverdale

That’s a good question. Training for stunts is much different than training for acting. Technically, stunt work is acting in a way; it’s just more physical. Acting, which we’re more familiar with, is communication-based. I’d say acting is more focused on emotion and your mental state and how we express ourselves through words and movement. Sometimes the two disciplines overlap when we see stunt actors or actors who do some of their own stunt work. In that scenario, it’s kind of nice having both. It can be tricky sometimes making time for both. I am now taking a martial arts class, and that same teacher can teach me how to act in totally different places. But I believe that if you have a strong passion for something, you will make the time for it. And I do make time for both. It’s tricky to balance both. It can be very challenging because they’re both such different worlds. But I think it’s important to have an understanding of both because, in the event that your services are required, you are able to jump in and do it.

Vanessa Morgan, Bernadette Beck, and Camila Mendes in Riverdale

I know that the job of a stunt performer has changed so much over the years. I’ve talked to some stunt people who have said that their job is to be prepared to do the stunt in the event that the actor cannot do it because it is often preferred that the actor do it themselves if possible. Or sometimes they help the actor prepare to do the stunt. So I would agree that it is good for the actors themselves to have at least have a working knowledge of stunt work. And I think it’s really cool that you can do both.

Photo Credit: Liz Rosa

I wanted to say that you’re also right about a lot of movies and shows wanting to use their own actors. A lot of people are not familiar with stunt doubles, and they think they can just sell it. They don’t notice it, but once you understand how a movie is made, you can easily tell when it’s the stunt double. Obviously, it is an issue of safety when stunt doubles are used.  Sure, you’re not going to be seeing their faces,  just their profile or some long-distance shots, but you don’t have to try to hide it if it’s the actor doing the stunt. But if it’s the stunt double, you have to use strange camera angles so that it’s all obscured and you see the back of their heads only. I know a lot of actors feel it’s important to be acquainted with that, especially if they’re getting cast in a lot of action stuff, just so they can get comfortable with stunts. There are some actors who feel very unsafe and very awkward and super out of their element. But they also haven’t had the training for it, so they need to get the training for it. It’s all about becoming more aware of your body and how to move and maybe knowing some basic elements of how to fall safely. Sometimes they’ll have a stunt coordinator on set that will help actors with certain actions like how to throw a punch or how to facilitate a kick. Those are just basic elements. They’re not dangerous or anything, but they show them how to safely do it and make it look good on camera.

So what are your goals in say five or ten years from now?

Photo Credit: Liz Rosa

Well, if I were to give you a five-year time frame, I would like to be a regular on a series. I think I’m ready for the challenges and the opportunities that come with a role like that. And what’s nice about having a recurring role like that–so far, I’ve done seven episodes on Riverdale–it’s kind of getting my feet warm, like getting acquainted with the ritual of how things work, the demands of memorizing dialogue like one night after the other. There are a lot of responsibilities that come with that kind of job. I think I’m ready for that. I believe I’ve definitely earned it as I’ve been working hard the past several years. I have almost forty credits now. I feel prepared to move on to being a series regular.

If I were to look for a long-term goal within the next ten years, it’s really hard to think that far ahead. I think my goal would be creating a name for myself. Not that I want to go on an ego trip, but it would be nice if my name were said and there were some sort of reference to that. I think most actors want that. In fact, I think the reason we act to begin with is not only do we want to figure out how we can showcase different people’s lives through different walks of lives, but I think it’s a way of sort of leaving our footprint behind. I think we all kind of want that in a way. That’s why we take pictures and write in our diaries and post things. It’s because we are leaving our footprint behind. So in short, that’s where I tend to see my future.

Bernadette, you are so organized in your responses. I can’t thank you enough for being so practical and authentic in answering all my questions. You’re a very well-spoken young woman, and I am so excited to see what the future holds for you. Fingers crossed! 

My pleasure, Ruth. And thank you for much for reaching out and giving me your time and support. Enjoy getting caught up on Riverdale, and here’s to even more excitement in the future!

Photo Credit: Liz Rosa

While I never seem to tire of interacting with and speaking with actors and other industry professionals, I have to say that Bernadette stands out to me for all the right reasons. She came to our interview with an aura of expectancy, skill, determination, authenticity, and organization. While most actors possess those qualities in varying degrees, observing that in a young woman such as she is often a rare find in today’s culture of instantaneous gratification and directed entitlement. Bernadette is not the typical young person who is splattered all over the news with stories of avarice and complacency that tend to make the older generation like me shake our heads and worry about the future of this post-modern world. On the contrary, Bernadette is one who is committed to providing quality entertainment that goes beyond gratuitous, superfluous, meaningless performances. In truth, Bernadette always thrusts herself into her characters and their storylines with a fervency that has made her relatable, genuine, and accessible. Acting is the career she has chosen, but in so doing, she has established a platform that has encouraged people to connect and relate to each other in positive and tangible ways that make a difference in our day-to-day existence. 

If you have not had the opportunity to check her out in Riverdale this season, I would invite you to look up that series on your preferred streaming service. And if Hallmark fans have not seen her in Time For Me To Come Home For Christmas, I would recommend that you check out her character in this engaging, instant Christmas classic. I appreciate the enthusiasm and artlessness that Bernadette provides for every role in which she is cast, and I can hardly wait to see her in future roles on an extensive variety of networks in the months and years to come!

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