From the moment that season one of Chesapeake Shores initially aired on the Hallmark Channel, I was totally smitten with the character of Connor O’Brien. Indisputably, it is the phenomenal portrayal of this multi-layered character by the clever, dashing, impeccable Andrew Francis who continues to captivate audiences. Moreover, as I told him in our first interview a couple of years ago, he was (and is) my favorite of the O’Brien siblings. Even now, as much as I adore the O’Brien sisters, Mick and Megan, Kevin, and dear Nell, I am always riveted whenever Connor is on screen. I am immensely honored to share my second Andrew Francis interview with my readers today in anticipation of the season four finale of Chesapeake Shores premiering on the Hallmark Channel and Super Channel Heart & Home this Sunday (September 29th). 

Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

RH: Andrew, it’s so very nice to chat with you yet again.

AF: Always nice to hear your voice, Ruth. Thanks for reaching out for another interview.

I know that we are currently enjoying your work in Chesapeake Shores, which is almost done for the season. 

Yes, episode five just aired, so there’s only one more to go.

Britt Irvin, Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

A lot has happened this season. Initially, I wasn’t sure what the season would be like since it was only six episodes. I was a bit concerned about it being a good season because I wondered if maybe there wouldn’t be enough episodes to really do anything spectacular.

Yeah, I can understand that.

But this season has been so eventful. The writers, the cast, the crew…these episodes have been jam-packed.

Yeah, there’s always a lot going on, which is really nice. Not to say there wasn’t in past seasons, but I have found with this season that it’s a lot of coming together of energies. Like with Mick and Megan and with Kevin and Sarah and Jess and David. Then, of course, there’s some parting of ways as well. Simon and Bree and Connor and Danielle.

Yes, I didn’t expect there to be two breakups. 

Yeah, there’s a lot. It’s heavy. There’s so much beautiful, gushy, Hallmark-y goodness between some of the couples, so you’ve got to have a little bit of the range, especially in a show like Chesapeake Shores.

And as much as I liked Connor and Danielle, it just seemed like there wasn’t that much going on between them. She’s been around since season one, and they’ve been trying to have some kind of romance. But it’s just like it’s an on-again, off-again thing that doesn’t seem to go anywhere. 

Britt Irvin, Andrew Francis Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Back in season one, Jess was the one who caught them when they shared their first kiss on the bench at the O’Brien house.  Over the seasons, what really happens with these two is that Connor and Danielle are such great friends when they are going through law school and they work together. They get along really well, and they can bounce ideas off each other. As you saw in the fifth episode and onto next week’s episode as well, Connor talks about his feelings about the Danielle situation and what he lost. But he also has come to the realization that they both wanted different things. They both saw life differently. They were able to connect over law and get along smashingly. But when it came to family and life issues, there are such big differences that they had to go their separate ways.

And sometimes that happens in relationships. You think that you’re going to be together forever, and then you get to know each other better, you realize that may not be the case.

Things can often look great on paper.

Right, and you can still be friends, but there’s not that…

There’s not that spark.

That was kind of heavy for Connor, but it’s clear that he has come such a long way in this show.

You know, it’s about time. He started with a big chip on his shoulder. He was mad at his mom and dad. And then he was mad at Kevin in season two, and then he had a chip on his shoulder with his sisters. But now it seems like he’s gotten all those chips off his shoulder, and I really enjoyed being a person who the other siblings and even the parents can talk to. Connor has come into his own.

I would agree with that. And as much as I adore all of the O’Brien siblings, from season one, Connor has been my favorite. 

Well, they do write him with a lot of drama. There’s a lot of layers to Connor, which is such fun to play. And also super fun to watch.

You know what I love about Connor? You never know what he’s gonna say next. 

That’s what’s so fun! When I get the scripts, I’m like, “Hey, I wonder what he’s gonna say this time!”  {laughs}

Right! He doesn’t always think everything through. I think he just jumps in and goes for it, and he doesn’t always think about the consequences or what might happen down the road. Sometimes it works out really well for him, and other times, there might be some difficulties. But he always keeps going, and you have to admire that about him. He does not give up. 

Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

It’s true. And I think he has the O’Brien fire, which is mentioned several times over the course of the series. And that gets him to jump into things very quickly. And like you said, sometimes it works out great, and other times, it may work out great, but it’s not the way he expected things to go. For instance, the way he handled the case with Uncle Thomas. He decided he was going to go rogue after talking with Danielle and seeing all these other people going to trial. He took a chance that may not have been worth it, but it worked out in the end. But then he got demoted down to research because you have to listen to the people that are above you. Even if you take ten of those shots, but lose one, that one loss is going to negate all the other successes.

Excellent observations there, Andrew. And as for the current season, in my opinion, this has been the best season so far. 

That’s great to hear, Ruth.

I know some people have already decided that season five is assured for Chesapeake Shores, and I appreciate that Michelle Vicary has stated as such. But the way I see it, until we get an official announcement and find out how many episodes we will have in season five, we need to let Hallmark know that we would like another full season of the show. 

Andrew Francis, Gregory Harrison Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

It’s important to remember that there’s always a lot of moving parts. Everything from actor availability to just so many different factors that affect that decision. But the main thing that needed to happen this season was that the show needed to come out of the gates like fire, which it definitely did. The viewers needed to gravitate towards the storylines and the evolution of the characters, which they have, and the writing supports this massive growth in relationships. And I think that gives the series a lot of legs. So I’m hopeful, and I think the series would do very well with many more seasons, but we have to wait and see what happens.

Absolutely. My mom and I typically watch together, and last season honestly wasn’t her favorite. We had many discussions about it. I wasn’t sure if she would be willing to watch this season. But she has, and she has really enjoyed it. 

That’s great to hear. I know some had mentioned they didn’t enjoy last season as much. But I think this season, they really nailed it, and they were able to direct all the right kind of energy into the right storylines.

I couldn’t agree more, Andrew. We will definitely look forward to seeing the season finale this coming Sunday. And I plan to keep asking for season five until we get that official announcement. 

Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Yes, please keep asking. And keep hashtagging #ObriensForS5.

I noticed you were sent to Twitter jail the other weekend.

Well, that makes two of us, right?

{laughs} Too true!

I just want to send a like out to everybody, but Twitter seems to think I was liking things too much. I don’t think there should be a limit on our likes.

I get in trouble for tweeting and retweeting too much. But when I saw that you got in Twitter jail too, I thought that it was too bad that we couldn’t enjoy our time in Twitter together.

Oh, a Twitter jail party would be so much fun!

So we now have two O’Briens that are not attached to anyone. 

Andrew Francis, Meghan Ory, Brendan Penny Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

That’s right. And it’s fun to see the difference in break-ups. I really love how they wrote that. With Simon and Bree, they have somewhat of a spark, but it’s more of a verbal spark. And in some ways, it was the same way with Connor and Danielle. We could talk, but when it comes to the real meat of the relationship, in both cases, that part wasn’t there. And that’s why Bree and Connor were able to get along and talk because they were going through similar circumstances.

Now, this year, we got to see you in one of the Morning Show Mysteries. 

Yes, with Rick {Fox} and Holly {Peete Robinson}.

Tara Wilson, Holly Robinson Peete, Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

I remember it well because I was concerned that you might be the killer. And I kept thinking, “Don’t let it be him!” 

{laughing} You never know till the very end. That’s what so great about Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.

While I didn’t want you to be the killer in that one, I’m sure it would be very interesting if they ever did cast you as the murderer. They’d probably have you playing this really nice character and no one would suspect you. 

Well, they’ve had me be the almost-killer so many times. I’m sure a killer role is somewhere down the line for me. In fact, I recently finished filming a Ruby Herring mystery. It’s the next one that is coming out this upcoming Sunday night where I may or may not be the killer.

Oh, you’re in that movie!? 

Yes, I just did ADR for it, and it looks fantastic!

Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

I’m so glad. I loved the first one. In fact, the only complaints I’ve heard from the first Ruby Herring movie involves the color of Taylor Cole’s hair. 

I heard something about that on set. And from what I can see, the color of her hair has been adjusted. In fact, I can assure the audience that when I was working with Taylor, I felt that the color of her hair looked as natural as possible. I would say the hair team did a great job. But as far as filming this movie, working with Taylor and Stephen {Huszar} was such a pleasure.

I can imagine. The first one was so strong, and I’m thinking this second one is going to propel the series to become even more popular. Now, I realize when it comes to mystery movies, it is always difficult to tease them. But what can you tell us about your character without giving anything away?

What can I say without saying too much? Well, he is an artist. He was working in software in another city, and he decided to move to the city that Ruby lives in. For the time being, he’s working at a yoga studio making smarties while making his art at the same time. He has a sort of a gallery showing coming up, and he invites Ruby to come to the showing. I think he has a little bit of a crush on her too. I think that’s about all I can say.

That had to be a fun role to play, Andrew. I bet you fit really well into that part.

Yeah, it was easy to step into. And then it was fun to find the voice of the character and watch how he pumps up the mystery.

I can assure you I’ll be watching. All too often, the standing joke is that I interviewed the murderer. It’s not always true, but…

{laughs} I can neither confirm nor deny.

Clowning with Brendan Penny

Oh, I know. And I wouldn’t want you to spoil it for me anyway. I like to be surprised, and I want the opportunity to figure it out on my own.

Do you like watching trailers to movies?

I actually try to avoid them. 

Same with me! If a trailer comes on, I might watch the first six or seven seconds, and I’ll know by then if I want to watch it or not. They always throw little clips from the very end of the movie in a montage, and you’re not necessarily supposed to know what that’s supposed to mean. But if you start watching the trailer hard enough and then you watch the movie, you’ll remember the part from the trailer where the building blows up, and you know what’s gonna happen.

I know exactly what you mean. I try to avoid spoilers and previews whenever possible. For example, the first episode of Chesapeake Shores this season, David Lewis was in it, and I didn’t know that ahead of time. I was excited and tweeted about it, and some people were amazed I didn’t know because he was evidently featured in the previews. But I explained I didn’t watch those. Sometimes it’s just nice to be surprised and watch something and see someone I know and be like, “Oh, I know who that is.”

Yeah, it’s more fun that way.

I tend to do that with shows that are shot in Vancouver. I’ll watch the credits for the guest cast list roll by and say, “Oh, I know that person, and that person, oh they’re in it??” 

How true. The bubble of Vancouver is relatively small so you see a lot of the same faces popping up all the time.

Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Definitely, and I love that. So, Andrew, are we gonna see you in a Christmas movie this year?

Well, I’m actually waiting to hear about two Christmas movies, so it’s something I can’t talk about yet.

I understand that completely. We will just hope that one or both of them work out for you. We always love seeing you in Christmas movies.

You know, they just finished filming Christmas In Evergreen 3. My character was mentioned, but sadly, Oliver is hard at work on his new business. So he doesn’t make a face-to-face appearance.

Aw, that’s too bad. But that happens sometimes.

Christmas In Evergreen 2

It’s such a great group. I loved working on Christmas In Evergreen 2. I looked at all the photos from every cast member, and my heart was like, “No!” It was all the same people, and they are just lovely individuals.

Well, we’ll just hope these others work out for you then. And personally, I don’t care if they’re Hallmark or another network. I just want to see you in a Christmas movie. Lifetime has upped their game in the Christmas movie department.

I don’t know if they’re gonna be able to take on Hallmark.

Well, of course not! 

No one’s catching Hallmark.

I would agree with you on that.

I mean, they can try, and I’m glad they’re making a valiant effort.

The way I’ve described it to people is that Hallmark is the leader. Lifetime has their ups and downs, and while they’ve gotten better, they are not on the same level as Hallmark. Once in awhile, their movies are good enough where you might say, “That should have been a Hallmark movie.” It really depends on so many things.

It’s true. It’s the people behind it who can really make these films great. I know there are some writers and others that crossover from Hallmark to Lifetime and back and forth. It’s a very loose metaphor, but it’s a bit of a Coke/Pepsi type. Hallmark is the coca-cola, and Lifetime’s the Pepsi! Both delicious, but one is the definite leader.

So in addition to all of this, is there anything else upcoming you can mention?

O’Brien Table

Most of the projects I’m involved with are really in the works or under wraps. But what has been really cool lately is…I think I told you last time about opening the Meditation Center. We’re coming upon two years, and we’re looking at getting a second location. What’s nice is whether I work on Chesapeake or any of the Hallmark productions, some of the cast and crew and some of the executives come by. For instance, on the last film, Ruby Herring, the executive producer, Beth Miller, came by. And Fred {Gerber}, our director, he wants to come. And Stephen even came by. So many people from the shows around keep coming by. It’s just been so great knowing that this work has helped me in the entertainment industry, and it’s wonderful to know that other people in the entertainment industry are finding peace as well in this business that we’ve created. Which is very gratifying and very fulfilling. I really enjoy being on set and having that busy lifestyle that I absolutely love. But then being able to come back and balance that with the meditation center is just such a treat. And then having people that I know and work with on set come here and visit me at the studio has been such an absolute pleasure.

I know that whenever I talk to someone who has worked with you, they always speak highly of you.

Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Starbuck/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC.

Aw, that’s really kind of them.

And that’s the thing too. I think those who have known you for a while have mentioned how much you’ve grown over the past couple of years.

Very much so. Coming from season one to now, I’ve taken a big turn. I decided to quit drinking and the lifestyle that goes along with that. I quit smoking. I decided to stop eating land meats; I’ve become a pescatarian. I just decided to let everything go, and mediation has been a big help with that. And obviously, acting is my passion. I’m in an acting class right now, which I’m just eating up and learning all the techniques and bringing that to my work on screen.

I know that I don’t know you well, Andrew, but even though I didn’t know what was going on in your personal life before, I can certainly tell that there is something different about you that comes across on the screen. I don’t think actors realize how much things going on in their personal lives and even if they are positive or negative can come across on the screen. I think it’s just the aura that they give off. 

Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Definitely. When you’re coming to a part, you’re bringing yourself to that role. You mention how you’re able to see a change in myself playing Connor because we’ve had the pleasure so far of doing four seasons. In a movie, however, you might see an actor playing a character, and the actor may be a super grumpy person in real life, and that will, of course, come through. But you tend to think that’s just a character choice. But when you can see a long-running show and someone has made significant personal changes in their lives, you can really see that come across on screen. I’ve been told that by Dan Paulson and Matt Drake {producer}, but I’ve been told that by Bill Abbott and Michelle Vicary too. When I saw Bill at the last party and the one before that, he noted that there had been such a change from the start, and he said I was shining up there and lighting it up. Of course, he assured me that I was good when I started, but the evolution has been just beautiful. And hearing those words from a person like Bill who gets to see so much content and hearing it from the people I work with…it really gives me a lot of motivation to keep on going.

I applaud you for making all those changes, Andrew. Not everyone is willing to do that. They might talk about doing it or changing this or that, but putting the time and energy in to make those changes happen is commendable.

Thank you, Ruth. Walking the walk and talking the talk are vastly different.

I’m with you there. I hear from people regularly who wish they could do what I do for a living. But most do not realize how much time and effort is put into what I’m doing. They just see the finished project. 

Yes, much like what we do. It looks all shiny and beautiful when people see that finished product of a TV show or movie. The direction and editing is done. They don’t see the sixteen-hour days when we were all in the O’Brien kitchen doing entrances and exits and feeding muffins or, for instance, bubblegum ice cream. I mean, I don’t want to get too graphic, but I ate a lot of bubblegum ice cream! {laughs}

But I think a lot of people can see the change in Connor over the seasons. It’s been exciting to see that.

Andrew Francis Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

And that’s been one of the advantages of having a great writing team. And a little bit of luck too, I guess. Connor started in a place where my personal life was a little bit. He had a chip on his shoulder, and he was a little bit distant. And as I have grown, the character of Connor has been written to grow as well. Every season I start reading the script, and I say, “Do they have cameras?! What’s going on here?! They’re tracking my maturity level with the script!” It’s a tribute to Michael {Berns} and to Kirsten {Hansen} and to Brian Ross and all of our great writing team. They have all seen where I am and they have been able to mold the character of Connor and to push the best out of Connor and the best out of my acting ability.

I couldn’t agree more!

Zen With Jesse Metcalfe

Oh, and as far as future works go, I do have a new cartoon coming out on Netflix, though I can’t say what it is yet. It’s kind of an older adult comedy. It’s hilarious, and I’m absolutely loving it. We’ve done twenty episodes so far. Also, I produced three movies about five years ago, and one of them just got a theatrical release in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. It’s called Welcome to the Circle. That’s with Cindy Busby, who is on Hallmark quite a bit. And Hilary Jardine, Ben Cotton, Matt MacCaull…just a really great cast. It will be in theaters in the coming months. I can’t say too much about it, but Cindy’s character is a sort of floaty character. She’s one of the goddesses per se, but there might be a little bit more to her character than you first realize.

With Diane

That’s great, uh, Andrew! I had to think about your name for a minute. I almost called you Connor!

I will take that as a compliment, Ruth. I don’t think Diane Ladd has ever called me anything but Connor, and if fans identify me as Connor, I am certainly not upset by that.

I’m very excited to see the last episode of season four of Chesapeake Shores, and I’m definitely hoping to see you at Christmas as well. And excited for Ruby Herring Mysteries: Her Last Breath too! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today.

Ruth, as always, it is a pleasure to chat with you. I hope all the Chessies enjoy the last episode and then watch to see if I’m the murderer or not on Ruby Herring!

I will never attempt to conceal my immortal admiration for Andrew and the incredible talent and spirit he consistently brings to the screen in all of his projects. Even back in the day prior to his more recent personal transformation, there was something extraordinary about this young man. His credits are quite impressive and there’s no doubt that he is a perpetual favorite of multiple production companies. The way in which he has authentically ingratiated himself within the Hallmark community is an achievement that not all can accomplish as easily as Andrew. Then again, not all have the charm, sincerity, expertise and persona that the astounding Andrew Francis possesses in spades. His overflowing gratitude to all of his fans and viewers streams from the very essence of his soul. Moreover, I tend to think that should he ever play an unsavory killer in a Hallmark mystery, a preponderance of the viewers would still eagerly take his side and claim that his actions were somehow warranted. 

I hope that all Americans and Canadians tune in this Sunday night (September 29th) to the Hallmark Channel or Super Channel Heart & Home for the gripping, highly anticipated season four finale of Chesapeake Shores. It is also my honor to invite anyone who has not checked out Andrew’s links before to visit all of them below and immediately follow him on all social media possible. Andrew is one of those distinctive people who automatically commands the attention of countless viewers the moment he appears on screen, and it just seems that he continues to flourish more every time I witness his prowess in any kind of role. While he has had the opportunity to play a supporting lead and even get the girl (Remember Mr. Miracle and others?), I am praying that one day soon, Hallmark will take the next obvious step and cast him in a movie where he is the unquestionable lead while formulating all the action around him and whomever they choose for his leading lady. {I mean, my goodness, wouldn’t she be a lucky girl?!} Until that auspicious day, I plan to support this delightful, talented, benevolent, humble, radiant artist with every ounce of my being while rejoicing with every additional success he celebrates within his career that is decidedly on the significant upswing!

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