As most of my readers know, I maintain an especially amicable relationship with the members of the cast of one of my all-time favorite shows, When Calls the Heart. I had the supreme honor of meeting Chris McNally a couple of years ago, and our first interview occurred as a result of that auspicious meeting. Our friendship has continued to grow now that we have officially met three times (twice at the annual Hearties Family Reunion and once for lunch with him and Marcus Rosner), and as season seven is now upon us, I am ecstatic to share our most recent interview with all my readers today.
Chris McNally Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
RH: Chris, it’s so nice to catch up with you today. Thanks for making the time to chat.
CM: My pleasure, Ruth. Thanks for reaching out.
I know that Christmas was very busy for you. We got to see you in Christmas Cookie Matchup and then on Christmas Day, there was the When Calls the Heart Christmas movie.
Oh, yes, did you get to watch Christmas Cookie Matchup?
Chris McNally Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kim Nunneley/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC
Uh-huh, I sure did! I really enjoyed it. We love all those Food Network competition shows, and it was refreshing to see a Hallmark take on it. It was a little bit different than the others, so that was fun to see. I assume you probably had never done anything like that before, right?
No, I hadn’t done anything like that before. It was a first for me.
I can imagine. Did you find that it was challenging or fun or both?
Chris McNally, Jodi Johnston Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kim Nunneley/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC
Well, the process of baking was a lot more involved. I thought we were just gonna go in and be an extra set of hands and maybe beat some eggs and just kind of be there. But as it turned out, we had to be a lot more heavily involved in the actual baking process. There was a lot more added pressure than we had anticipated because there was a $25,000 prize for first prize. None of us wanted to be the reason that our partner got eliminated.
Of course, we don’t get to see all the baking stuff involved since they edit it for television. There’s only forty-five minutes alotted for the program. Like for the first episode, I think you had three hours for that first challenge. I was thinking, “Oh my goodness, that had to be tiring.” Especially for anyone who has not done a lot of baking. Sure, Kavan{Smith} probably had an advantage because of his baking/cooking experience. But I think it would be tough, and I admire anyone who participates in those kinds of shows.
Kavan definitely had an advantage over everyone else because he had so much experience in cooking. But it was very exhausting. It was a lot more work than any of us anticipated.
I don’t think there were any negative comments from those who did watch the show. Well, maybe one person who thought the competition was rigged or something, but it was clear that wasn’t the case. For me, it was lots of fun to see you guys in a different environment. We’re so used to seeing you on When Calls the Heart. And then seeing you on this show when you were yourselves was lots of fun for me because I know you guys outside of the show, at least a little bit. And I remember a lot of people commenting about how it was fun to see you guys in a different light and see your personalities.
Good, I’m glad to hear that.
Chris McNally Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kim Nunneley/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC
Those challenges were something very different from the other food competition shows I’ve seen.
All of the challenges they gave us were pretty interesting. And the final one was really off-the-wall. When they told us about that final one, we were all like, “Wow!”
I tend to agree. But a kind feature for me was that when someone was eliminated, they got a parting gift. We don’t see that on the other shows. Also, the atmosphere was not negative. It was positive and never came off as a cutthroat competition. People were competitive, but not mean.
I’m glad people enjoyed the show. I will be honest that I don’t think I do as well with reality TV. I tend to be too shy. It’s hard to expose who I really am in front of the camera.
I understand that completely, Chris.
Chris McNally Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
I remember hearing something once that explains exactly how I feel when it comes to acting. I became an actor so that I could play different characters, not expose myself. I like portraying different characters and not being me in front of the camera.
Chris, I think you did just fine. It may have been a bit uncomfortable for you at times, but it was a joy to get to see you. In truth, they actually focused more on the contestants rather than the cast. We didn’t see extensive coverage from the When Calls the Heart cast members.
Andrea Brooks, Chris McNally, Kevin McGarry Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kim Nunneley/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC
Oh, that’s a relief. And I loved being with the cast, but it just wasn’t as easy to be me in front of the camera. I’m sure glad everyone enjoyed it though.
To be honest, one of the biggest discussions I saw amongst the fans was, “Who is taller–Kevin {McGarry} or Chris?”
I think we’re about the same height, but I think Kevin might be a little taller. When we’re talking face-to-face, he seems a bit taller than me. But I don’t know. I’m not sure.
Kevin McGarry, Chris McNally Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Alexx Henry/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC
It was one of the big questions I remember seeing, and I was trying to figure it out myself. No one seemed to be able to answer it. While I think they featured you in one of the episodes, it wasn’t anything major. One of the episodes, they showed how you were focused on working with your partner and doing a good job. But anything funny or memorable seemed to come from Pascale {Hutton} or Paul {Greene} or Erin {Krakow}. However, I do remember after you both were eliminated, there was great scene with you and Kevin hanging out. That was probably the best scene for you.
I’m so happy to know that people liked the show and that I didn’t look too silly or anything.
No, I assure you, Chris. You were great. And now we have When Calls the Heart.
Jaeda Lily Miller, Johannah Newmarch, Gracyn Shinyei, Eva Bourne, Aren Buchholz, Pascale Hutton, Kavan Smith, Erin Krakow, Chris McNally, Jack Wagner, Andrea Brooks Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Yes, we filmed season seven all the way into December. And the Christmas movie aired on Christmas Day.
Which was just amazing. They had featured a little clip on the Christmas Preview special beforehand, so we got to have a sneak peek where everyone was eating hot dogs. So it was nice that both you and Kevin were in this movie this season because back in 2018, your characters hadn’t arrived in Hope Valley yet. So it was wonderful to see Nathan and Lucas this past Christmas.
That’s true. I had almost forgotten we weren’t in the Christmas movie the previous year.
HFR5
Kevin & Chris
And now that season seven is in full swing…I was at the Hearties Family Reunion this past fall, and I know there’s a lot of discussion about whether people are “Team Nathan” or “Team Lucas.” I thought what you both did at HFR was just perfect.
Oh, you mean the shirts? {laughs}
Yes, I thought that you wearing the “Team Nathan” shirt and Kevin wearing the “Team Lucas” shirt was very clever.
Thank you. That was our idea. Then Brad {Krevoy} saw that, and he said that we had to step this up in some way. We were just gonna walk out in our T-shirts, but then Brad said, “No-no, you guys have got to cover up those shirts in some way, and then we’ll reveal it at the table during the panel.”
Chris McNally Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Well, that made it fun. I enjoy the whole conversation about whether Nathan or Lucas should be with Elizabeth. It’s an interesting dynamic, and the way they left things at the end of season six was perfect. And as for season seven, I enjoy what I’m seeing so far.
When Calls the Heart
Season 7 Celebration
That’s great to hear, Ruth. That means that our head writer/showrunner, Alfonso {Moreno} did what he wanted to do. He wanted to try to divide it as equally as possible at the end of season six. He was really hoping that about half of the fans would be Team Nathan, and the other half would be Team Lucas. I feel like he accomplished that pretty well. So now with season seven premiering last weekend, we’ll see what the fans think about both of us. From what I’ve felt and seen from the fans, there seems to be a strong affinity for both guys. And Elizabeth has a difficult choice.
behind-the-scenes
I know you’re right. With me, to be honest, I could go either way. I can see the pluses and minuses for both characters. There’s that part of me that loves that Nathan has this niece that he’s raising. So he’s got that connection with Elizabeth since he’s raising a child, and she’s got Baby Jack. Then with Lucas…well, I hope that Lucas gets more of a chance to interact with Baby Jack this season because I know he didn’t get a lot of chances during season six.
Yeah, I think you’ll see some more interactions this season. But I still think Nathan may have more scenes with Baby Jack. We’ll see what the Hearties think about that. Lots of times, Lucas is chatting with Elizabeth while she’s holding Jack. But keep your eyes open. You never know if things might change for Lucas as the season goes on.
Erin Krakow, Chris McNally Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Oh, Hearties will be watching. Lucas has certainly done some incredible things for Elizabeth. But when I think of which man would be better for her, I make the decision from a parental perspective. Nathan seems like he would be a better parent for Jack, but in many ways, I prefer the excitement and spontaneity your character brings. But my parental side says Elizabeth needs to be with someone who already knows how to be a father figure. Lucas is running a saloon, after all, even though he’s such a charming gentleman. But…well, I just find that I’m torn.
Chris McNally Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
I can definitely see what you’re saying, and it makes a lot of sense. Nathan would definitely be a strong parent for Jack. Together, I’m sure they would make a great family. I can understand your concerns, and I think a lot of Hearties might be going through the same thing when they consider whether they’re Team Nathan or Team Lucas.
But the good thing is that no matter who Elizabeth ultimately chooses, I think both Lucas and Nathan will be sticking around Hope Valley. I mean, after all, there are so many unattached females in town, so I think there could be someone else for the one that Elizabeth doesn’t choose.
Oh yeah, we’re both sticking around. We’re not leaving Hope Valley as far as I know. I think it’s pretty safe to say that as of right now, Nathan and Lucas are both there to stay. And I can’t see that changing any time soon.
Chris McNally, Erin Krakow Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Alexx Henry/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC
Another thing I like about having both of you pursuing Elizabeth is seeing the different sides of Elizabeth’s personality that both men bring out of her. I think that’s an entertaining dynamic.
I agree, and you will definitely see more of that this season. I think both Nathan and Lucas challenge her and make her think in different ways.
That’s fantastic to hear, Chris. So, with the Christmas movie, what were some of the special moments from that movie for you?
Well, sometimes it’s all a blur. We started filming season seven and then took a break in the middle to film the Christmas movie. And then we went back and finished filming season seven. So sometimes it’s hard to remember exactly what happened in the Christmas movie as opposed to the episodes of season seven. I think that the grand gesture that Lucas made towards Elizabeth in the Christmas movie was fantastic, and I believe you will see more of that from Lucas in season seven. He’s definitely stepping up his game to hopefully win her heart.
Chris McNally, Aren Buchholz Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
It has been quite something to see Lucas pulling out all the stops to capture Elizabeth’s heart. Then on the flip side, Nathan has been struggling just a bit.
I don’t want to spoil anything or give too much away. I just encourage all the Hearties to tune in each week and see what happens. I believe both Nathan and Lucas are giving their all to hopefully win Elizabeth’s heart. I won’t say what happens at the end of the season. You just need to watch and wait.
Chris McNally, Natalie Hall Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Deon Nel
Oh, we will be, Chris. Of course, 2019 was a pretty good year for us to see you in Hallmark movies. Not only were you a part of When Calls the Heart, but we saw you in two other Hallmark movies, A Winter Princess and Sailing Into Love.
Sailing Into Love
Oh, yeah, that’s right. Both excellent experiences.
And movies that the fans really enjoyed. However, you were also in a non-Hallmark movie this past summer.
Oh, yes, the Lifetime movie, V.C. Andrews’ Heaven.
Heaven
I watched the entire series of movies. Cindy Busby was the first person to tell me about these movies, so I knew I had to watch all five movies. I also talked with Jason Cermak because he was in a couple of them. I never read the books, so I wasn’t familiar with the story. When I watched the first movie, it took me a while to figure out who you were. But I really enjoyed the way you portrayed that character. Cal could have come off as being very unlikeable, but I found your character extremely likable. I actually felt bad for Cal at the end of the movie. I never thought of him as a creep or as a pervert. I suppose outside of the story, he could have been seen that way. Interestingly enough, I chose to watch the movies when they were shown as extended versions that featured interviews with the cast members. I was happy that they did interview you. I can’t remember what they asked you, but it was fun to see that.
Heaven
I had actually forgotten that we did those. But yeah, I remember they did those interviews one of the days we were shooting. I’m glad you were able to watch that movie, and it sounds like I accomplished what I set out to do with the character. Cal could have been perceived as a really bad character, but I tried to understand the motivation behind his decisions, and I hope that everyone who watched felt some sympathy for him.
Chris with Erin & Hrothgar Matthews
So we will all enjoy watching When Calls the Heart. We’ve just started season seven, and we will be watching every week and live-tweeting. Even though we didn’t see you in any other Christmas movie but When Calls the Heart Home For Christmas, Hallmark did replay some of your Christmas movies from years past. Rocky Mountain Christmas and Hearts Of Christmas are always favorites. And hopefully this year, we’ll see you in more Hallmark movies.
Chris at Christmas
I forgot that Hallmark plays those movies during Christmas.
Yep, from the end of October through early January, it is nothing but Christmas on all three Hallmark Channels here plus their streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now. Speaking of your past work, the biggest question is, do you have anything else coming up that you can mention?
At this point, no. But I am hopeful.
As are we! Hallmark definitely knows who you are and they’re bound to give you another movie soon.
I really hope so. I would love that. I want to be sure to thank you, Ruth, for all your support. And also the support from the Hearties means so much. I look forward to seeing what everyone thinks of season seven!
Chris McNally Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Alexx Henry/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC
Chris is one of those extraordinary actors that you just cannot help but adore every time you witness his impressive presence on-screen. Whether he is characterizing a brooding, disconsolate man who is searching for true purpose in his life or whether he is the charming, enigmatic old-world gentleman who is simply searching for love and acceptance, the range of Chris’ acting capabilities is staggeringly diverse and extensively adaptable. Because of his natural and undeniable charm and dashingly good looks, Chris embodies the role of Lucas in such an unfettered way which conclusively draws the viewer into his world while engendering genuine devotion to this character, no matter whom Elizabeth ultimately chooses as her next life partner. With an aura of effortless swagger and a winning smile, Chris can easily captivate the hearts of every female viewer (and the men admire his masculinity as well, no doubt) of every nationality, gender, creed, etc. Even though I tend to be “Team Nathan,” I cannot deny the intoxicating vitality nor the dazzling personality of Lucas as defined by Chris, and I owe everlasting gratitude to the powers that be for casting him in a role that challenges my convictions and expectations about an extensive variety of matters and situations. As we ascertain more about Lucas and what has comprised his past, I believe we will continue to catch a glimpse into the soul of Chris himself. There is always more to the “quiet, retiring” individual once you take the time to get to know the person, and becoming acquainted with Chris over the past couple of years is an honor I do not take lightly. He has consistently exhibited his authentic self within the confines of our interviews and chats, and for that honor, I feel endlessly blessed.
Please make every effort to tune into the Hallmark Channel (or Super Channel Heart & Home) every Sunday night from now until the end of the season, and be sure to watch for the phenomenal gifts that Chris perpetually brings to the screen every week. Additionally, feel free to visit his links below (he doesn’t always live-tweet, but on occasion, he gives it a valiant attempt) so that you don’t miss all of his news and upcoming appearances. While he is only involved at present with When Calls the Heart, we are all confident that we will see him featured soon in another movie or show on Hallmark (or any other network, for that matter). As a working actor, Chris is one who never takes a single job for granted, and his dedication to the craft is evident in every role he is granted. His humility and his work ethic are only heightened by his intrinsically affable nature, and I urge all Hearties to take a moment to support him in all his endeavors. I am honored to be able to call him a friend and a colleague, and I can hardly wait to see what amazing opportunities await him in the weeks, months, and years to come.
FOLLOW CHRIS
Chris McNally Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Chris & his dogs
