If you have been watching and enjoying the Hallmark Movies Now/Super Channel Heart & Home show When Hope Calls, you will more than likely recognize Tess’ former foreman, Daniel Olsen. While Daniel, unfortunately, was imprisoned back in episode three of the season due to nefarious shenanigans, we can only hope that we haven’t seen the last of his character nor the man who plays him, Drew Nelson. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview this rising star, and I am happy to share it with my readers today!
Drew Nelson Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
RH: How/Why did you decide to become an actor? What kind of training have you had?
DN: For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved watching movies and impersonating people, but it wasn’t until I saw Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot that everything changed. The entire time I was convinced I was watching a documentary and not a performance by an actor. It was a really pivotal moment for me. In terms of training, I spent a couple years in theatre school and then took a bunch of on-going classes after that, but you just can’t beat the practical experience from doing a play or working on a set. And I’ve been lucky enough to have plenty of that over the years.
What was your first on-screen professional role and what are your memories of that job?
My first on-camera role was for a Disney show about young paramedics called In A Heartbeat. I played a BMX’er who ends up getting into a bad accident.
What do you see as your most significant/memorable roles at this point in your career? Why do those roles stand out to you?
My most significant role would have to be a play I did in 2012 called Danny and the Deep Blue Sea. I played the title role, Danny, and it was by far the most challenging part I’ve played to date. I grew the most as an actor working on that play.
The Strain Premiere
For the most memorable role, it’s a toss-up. One would have to be sharing the screen with Patricia Arquette, who was very generous to work with in a controversial episode of CSI:Cyber (CBS), and the other would be working with Guillermo del Toro on the first season of The Strain (FX), which turned out being the first big break of my career so far.
I believe my introduction to you was last year’s Hallmark movie Entertaining Christmas. What did you know about Hallmark before making this first movie with them? Any special memories from filming that movie?
Aside from the popular retail chain (ha!), I knew that Hallmark made family-friendly entertainment and was well-known for their Christmas movies. Our director, Robin Dunne, was fun to work with and just an all around great guy. Jodie Sweetin was also a real treat to work with. She was really outgoing and enthusiastic the entire time and put in a great performance. Nothing but fond memories from the whole experience.
Hallmark fans are now able to see you in When Hope Calls, the spinoff of When Calls the Heart. How familiar were you with WCTH before getting cast in this new series?
With Greg Hovanessian
I knew about WCTH and how popular it was, but I had never watched it. However, I had a few Vancouver actor friends that had been cast in it and I would see their social media posts from set, so I had an idea of what I was getting myself into with WHC.
What do you enjoy about playing Daniel on WHC? Any special memories from filming? Any redemption hope for Daniel?
I certainly hope he gets released at some point. C’mon Brookfield, give the guy a break! – #freedaniel . I think Daniel’s an honest guy who made an honest mistake and deserves a second chance. But you can’t knock him for his ambition. I loved working with Wendy {Crewson}, in particular, the jail scene from episode three. Aside from her just being a wonderful person, I felt like we had a great connection during filming and I think the final product shows.
What have your interactions with the Hearties been like?
Drew Nelson, Greg Hovanessian Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Shane Mahood
Nothing but amazing! They are such a loyal and generous crowd and I’m grateful they’ve welcomed me into the WHC family. Like yourself 🙂 {What a charmer! All I can say is that they BETTER bring Daniel back for season two…assuming there IS a season two!}
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
I had a busy 2019 with quite a few things in the can that should be coming out in 2020. I’m also writing a couple projects that I’m very passionate about making.
When not working, what do you like to do for fun?
A whole lotta stuff – I like to go boxing, golfing, writing in coffee shops, hanging with close friends, spending time with my family…but most of all just simple, chill nights in with my girlfriend is what I look forward to the most.
With Morgan Kohan
Hallmark TCA’s
I am grateful to the show When Hope Calls for introducing me to the work of so many upstanding, gifted industry professionals, and it thrills me to witness the dynamic advancement of someone with Drew’s tenacity and kindness. He appears to be an exemplary fit with the network’s ideals and values, and I expect we haven’t seen the last of his dashing prowess on our screens. As Hallmark continues to expand beyond Vancouver and LA in the filming of their productions, I tend to think we are going to discover even more amazing actors who will ultimately find their niche within the world of quality, wholesome entertainment. Regardless, I greatly anticipate Drew’s upcoming projects, and I hope that everyone reading this will make a point to watch When Hope Calls (if they haven’t), rewatch Entertaining Christmas (Countdown To Christmas is practically upon us), and check out all of Drew’s links below (maybe you could even follow him??). I am glad to have become acquainted with this delightful soul thanks to my number one place for family-friendly entertainment–the Hallmark Network–and I greatly anticipate witnessing Drew in a variety of works in the near and distant future!
FOLLOW DREW
