I honestly don’t know when I first discovered the astounding work of Jesse Moss, but no doubt it was the Hallmark Network that introduced me to him and his dynamic talent. Until I interviewed his sister, Tegan Moss, I didn’t even make the connection between the two and their familial relationship. Jesse is typically an extremely busy young man, but thankfully he found some time recently to do a quick interview with me (I have been trying to interview him for years…literally!). Because we Hallmarkies have been honored to view his talents on-screen so much in the past couple of months, it is my honor to share our conversation with my readers today!
Photo Credit: Kristine Cofsky
JM: Well, I started acting professionally when I was ten years old, so at the time I didn’t even consider it a career. It was just something fun I got to do. I was always making little movies or putting on plays for my family, and so when the Mickey Mouse Club came to town to look for their new troupe, I jumped at the opportunity. I didn’t get hired on the show, but the casting director suggested I talk to an agent and I’ve never looked back.
Whistler
What was your first professional job in the business and what are your memories of it?
I started out doing toy commercials which were any kids dream job. Not only did I get to play with toys, but I got to do it on these amazing sets that they had built. I remember on a Nerf commercial I even got blown through a wall, leaving a kid shaped hole. For a ten-year-old, that was pretty cool. To top it all off, I usually got to take a toy home at the end of the day. I felt pretty lucky.
You’ve done lots of voiceover work. What are the benefits and challenges of this kind of work?
Photo Credit: Kristine Cofsky
The benefit of doing voiceover work is that the show is usually in some fantastical world where you’re fighting dragons or you’re an elf or a fire engine. Anything you can think of, you can do, so it’s really fun to immerse yourself in whatever world you’re in. Plus you can show up to work in sweatpants.
The challenge is that it’s all in your imagination. You’re just in a room with a bunch of microphones, so you’re not actually playing to anything; you just have to see it in your mind. Sometimes there aren’t even other actors in the room, so you just go through the script line by line without the benefit of reacting to another person.
I think Whistler was one of your most well-known series you were a part of. What can you tell us about your role and experience with that series?
Ring By Spring
Yeah, Whistler was a great show to be on. It was the first time I’d ever been a lead on a series. It was amazing to go into work every day with the same people for six months. You really become like a family. Plus we got to go up to Whistler every few weeks and shoot on the mountain. We would take the cat tracks and use snowmobiles to get to places where there weren’t other people. I got to see parts of Whistler I’d never seen before. It was beautiful.
I think Duke was one of your first Hallmark movies. What did you know about Hallmark before making that first film?
I didn’t know much about it to be honest. I knew they made cards and were starting to shoot a lot of movies in Vancouver. Now after having done a few and having talked to the fans, I know how lucky I am to be involved. These shows really make a difference in some peoples lives and I’m grateful to be a part of that.
The Gift of Miracles
I believe your first lead role with Hallmark was in A Gift of Miracles. What was special about that movie for you?
Well, first of all, working with Rachel Boston was great. She cares so much about the project and really gives you a lot to work with. Also, when you’re one of the leads your character has more of an arc than the supporting roles, so as an actor you get to play with the character a bit more.
Hailey Dean: Murder With Love
In recent years, you have been involved with many Hallmark movies, everything from romances to mysteries. Any special roles/films stand out that you would like to mention?
All of my experiences have been great on Hallmark, whether it’s a romance or a mystery. I guess what makes some of them stand out is when I get to work with the same person a second, third, or fourth time. There have been a few directors that I’ve been lucky enough to repeat shows with like Kevin Fair, Terry Ingram, Neill Fearnley and Kristoffer Tobori. You really start to get to know the people you’re working with and form some tight bonds. I’ve also been in a few with Ali Sweeney, which has been amazing. You couldn’t ask for a kinder or a more generous star to work with.
The Good Doctor
In addition to these, you have gotten to be in some big-screen movies. What do you see as your favorites or most significant?
It’s funny because my film roles compared to my television roles couldn’t be more different. I tend to do a lot of horror films. The ones that stand out to me are Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, Dear Mr. Gacy, and Extraterrestrials. Again, it’s because of the people I was working with, combined with the fact that I’m really proud of the final product of these films.
Tucker And Dale vs. Evil
You are a recurring character on Morning Show Mysteries. What do you appreciate about being a part of this mystery series? What do you hope will happen with your character in upcoming movies in this series?
Morning Show Mysteries
I feel a bit like a broken record, but again it’s the people. I love all the cast on this show, we all get along so well. With Holly {Robinson Peete} as our fearless leader, she’s just so cool and always has a big smile on her face; she really sets the tone for the show. I love playing Phil; he’s always there to help out and to tell a joke or two. My hope would be that he gets even more hands-on with the investigations. I think he has a unique perspective that could really help crack the case.
We also saw you in Chronicle Mysteries. What was it like being a part of that series?
Jesse Moss Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer
I really enjoyed working on Chronicle Mysteries. My character was a bit dark and brooding, which is always fun to play. I got to work with friends as well like the director Terry Ingram and Toby Levins. Plus, working with Ali Sweeney again is always a treat.
Any other upcoming works that you would like to mention?
Jesse Moss; Tegan Moss; Kurt Teixeira Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer
I have a couple of different projects I’ve been working on both in front and behind the camera. I can’t talk about them quite yet. I’m pretty excited about them though, so stay tuned.
You also have a sister in the business–Tegan Moss. I know you both have worked together. Ideally, what kind of film/show would you like to make with her (if at all) in the future?
Yeah, we’ve worked together six different times actually. On Garage Sale Mysteries, Vikingdom, Wild Cherry, Free Style, Alice I Think, and Are You Afraid of the Dark. We’ve pretty much done it all at this point. However, a brother/sister action comedy would be pretty fun.
Do you have aspirations to be involved in writing/directing/producing? Elaborate if you would like.
I’ve been involved in writing and producing and definitely have my sights set on directing. Without giving away any spoilers on these upcoming projects, you may see me sitting in that director’s chair sooner rather than later.
Photo Credit: Kristine Cofsky
I tend to think it is an indisputable conclusion to purport that in the realm of the Hallmark community, Jesse is a delightful “fixture” who has labored tirelessly to provide diverse, intriguing characters for our entertainment. Furthermore, Jesse is one who consistently injects each role, regardless of perceived size or significance, with his singular expertise, his signature charm, and his charismatic persona. I had no idea that his tenure within the world of entertainment had spanned so many decades, but I couldn’t be more thrilled for all of his current and future success. He has never taken any of his opportunities for granted, and because he has consistently risen to the occasion with every role that has been sent his way, he is now beginning to reap the benefits of a solid working relationship with some of the most remarkable talents and influential studios in the business.
It is my sincere desire that everyone takes a moment to visit his links below while awaiting the next step in his journey (ecstatic to see that “director’s hat” crowning his head very soon). In the meantime, Jesse’s exemplary works are readily available for us to enjoy on Hallmark and elsewhere, and that should definitely keep us abundantly satisfied until one of his new projects is released for our viewing pleasure. I am grateful to know both of the Moss siblings, and it is my most profound desire to witness a collaborative series featuring them in stellar roles that can exemplify the very essence of the gifts with which these two have been endowed. While we can continue to enjoy both Jesse and Tegan separately, because of Hallmark’s earnest devotion to family, wouldn’t it be a marvelous idea to pair these two up for some kind of new mystery/comedy series? Regardless, I am fully convinced that the fans will revel in the roles Jesse has already brought to the screen, and maybe one of these days we might even witness his prowess in yet another debonair leading role!
FOLLOW JESSE
