A couple of years ago, I was introduced to a promising young actor, Clayton Chitty, in the Hallmark movie The Sweetest Heart. Even though this movie was not my all-time favorite Hallmark romance, I took notice of the actors who were involved, and it has been a joy to see the trajectory of each of their careers as they have progressed from this fan-favorite film. Around the same time, Clayton’s character, Kevin, began to show up in Hope Valley on the popular Hallmark Channel show, When Calls the Heart. However, each time I interview him, a good share of the Hearties seem to declare, “I don’t remember him. Who is he?” Well, all that changed this season when Kevin and Fiona began a potential romance. Needless to say, Kevin has now become a charming fixture in Hope Valley, and in anticipation of his character arc for this season, I had the supreme honor of interviewing Clayton for the third time!
RH: First of all, an obvious question. I notice you are now Clayton James as opposed to Chitty. Why the change in last names?
behind-the-scenes in Hope Valley
CJ: I wanted to change my last name for a while. I had always been torn to keep Chitty, as it didn’t sound very “actor-like”. It has been a blessing and a curse since I was a kid. I’ve always thought it was a fun last name, and some people thought that was my first name as friends would just call me “Chitty”… James seems okay … for now, I’ll just try it out!
Last season, we started to see your character a bit more often on When Calls the Heart, but Hearties suddenly “woke up” when it seemed like Kevin and Fiona might be falling for each other. What can you tease about the rest of the season for Kevin?
with Kayla
It was a bit of a mystery for myself as well. Fiona and I were playing darts last season in the final episode, and Kayla {Wallace} and I had joked about what would happen if we started to fall for each other. As of right now, Kevin just has a little crush, and Fiona seems to like having Kevin help her get out of a jam! As far as the rest of the episodes go, I think we’re all just excited to see Jesse and Clara fall deeper in love. As far as Fiona and Kevin we shall see where the wind takes us……
Aren Buchholz, Kavan Smith, Clayton Chitty, Ben Rosenbaum Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Any special memories you can share from filming season seven?
There were a few fun memories. My favourite was how beautiful the wedding turned out…. But everyone will have to wait to see!
Assuming there will be a season eight, what would you like to see for Kevin next season?
I love being a part of the town. I would really like to see Kevin become more involved in the storyline. The character is a great, all-around addition to the town. I would like to see Kevin fixing more things or building something out of metal. LOL
Clayton James Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer
We got to see you in a Hallmark Christmas movie this past season. Please tell us what you enjoyed most about working on Christmas On My Mind.
Christmas On My Mind was extremely fun. The cast and crew were all so fun to work with. We had a few scenes in the small area of North Van called Deep Cove. I worked in the bike shop when I was twelve, so I grew up in that area. I also lived in Deep Cove for five years. Spent most of my summers on the water there. Deep Cove will always hold a special place in my heart, and to be going back while doing a job you dreamed of is quite awesome.
Stumptown
I even caught a glimpse of you on Stumptown. Though your role was small, what was it like working on a network show like that?
Stumptown was fun. Although the role was small, they had asked me to be a part of the show without auditioning. That’s always a compliment to an actor. We got to pull out some guns and see a great stunt woman pull off a crazy move in a sweet old muscle car. I also thought it was cool to work with Ms. Smoulders, who is from Vancouver. I loved How I Met Your Mother, and it is always an honour to work with someone whose career you admire.
I see you also were on Legends of Tomorrow this year. What was that experience like?
behind-the-scenes
Christmas On My Mind
I was pretty excited to play a period piece cop opposite Brandon {Routh}. I have seen a few episodes of the show and quite enjoyed the storyline. But going back in time with the classic cars wardrobe and dialect, that is a part I always gravitate toward.
I think you’ve recently done some Lifetime movie(s). What can you tell us about those?
I believe there is one that just aired called Revenge For Daddy. It was originally called Finding Mr. Wonderful. I played Mr. Wonderful. It was a murder plot where a young woman (Sarah Butler) goes online to find a man she nicknamed Mr. Wonderful. We meet and share experiences all while a killer is on the loose. Initially, I was supposed to be the killer….then it changed and changed again. It was a fun movie to film nonetheless.
Blueprint To the Heart
Also, there is one called Blueprint To the Heart. I’m not sure when it’s supposed to air or which network it’s going to. But it will be a really fun movie to watch!
I see you are in the cast of the upcoming film Ruby Herring Mysteries: Prediction Murder. What can you tell us about your character in this film? Any special memories of working with your co-stars in this film?
I can’t say too much about who I am playing in the Ruby movie, but the Ruby fans will be able to see on April 5th.
behind-the-scenes
When Calls the Heart
While I know these are uncertain times, are there any other upcoming works you can mention?
I’m really hoping to be apart of When Calls The Heart Season eight…as well as another project, but again, I’ll have to wait to say anything about that!
I believe you got engaged a few months back (congratulations!). Anything you want to share about the proposal and/or upcoming nuptials?
Clayton and his fiancee
It was quite a fun experience. I am a bit of a hopeless romantic, but it takes a special woman to see that. I created a scavenger hunt for her on Christmas Eve with the help of my mom! She was overwhelmed and excited about it all–my fiancé not my mom, lol–but it was pretty cool to see her smile and face when it all happened. Although she had to walk me through it because I was crying too.
We were supposed to elope in Santa Barbara on March 16th…two days before my birthday. But unfortunately, we had to make the call to drive back to Canada from LA as the fears of Coronavirus started to worry everyone. So we drove back with little sleep and a fully packed car. It was quite an eerie time as the prime minister of Canada was making his speech. It felt like the audio clips of Churchill during WWII. My sympathy and prayers go out to all affected by the virus.
Finally, what are you doing to occupy yourself during this pandemic?
Oh man…… luckily, we are staying at my grandfather’s house, quarantined and taking care of him. It’s an old house with lots to clean sort and organize, so lots of spring cleaning. Making dinners, lunch, breakfasts. My fiancee and I have been able to work out and run and do yoga in the backyard. I have built a makeshift gym to keep us moving and healthy. I also have created a silly bunch of videos with my grandpa about “Shitty’s Gym” which is a play on Chitty…. Yes, lots of people pronounce it as Shitty…. Which goes back to your first question……. another reason to change it HA!
Clayton and his fiance
Once in a while, I am entrusted with an extraordinary interview that completely astounds me (in the best way possible, of course), and in truth, Clayton’s interview is within this coveted category. As many of my loyal readers know, I rarely inquire about an industry professional’s personal life unless that person has readily shared such details online. While Clayton had mentioned his engagement on social media, I nearly eradicated that question from our interview in the event that he might be reluctant to share. Nevertheless, I chose to send it his way, assuming that if he felt uncomfortable about sharing, I would remove it. Imagine my surprise and emotional response upon reading the circumstances of his engagement, postponed elopement and more! Suddenly, Clayton became one of the most relatable people on earth, and I applaud his willingness to share so much of himself with my readers. His concern and well wishes regarding all who are suffering at this time is a refreshing and timely tale that I am profoundly honored to share with each of you.
Please reciprocate this weekend and not only visit his links below, but also consider following him and tuning into the Hallmark Channel (or Super Channel Heart & Home) for the next few Sundays until the culmination of season seven of When Calls the Heart. This show is indeed a soothing balm and welcome respite at a time when the world is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty. I am eternally grateful to Clayton and his nearest and dearest who chose to share authentically and humanely, and I can hardly wait to see more from this pragmatic, heartening, admirable young man!
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