As my readers know, I consistently go out of my way to recognize the supporting cast of a wide variety of productions–no matter the size of their role–and that is the initial reason I interviewed Mark Brandon last year about this time. However, as I have endeavored to understand him as a person and recognize his genuine talent and knowledge of the industry, I have discovered that he is one of the most loyal, supportive, and insightful people I know (at least, that I’ve never officially met in person). In the case of the Chessies (fans of Chesapeake Shores), we had the delightful privilege this weekend (August 19th) of finally meeting the mayor of this idyllic town as portrayed by this gifted and capable artist. Therefore, I am thrilled to share with my readers my recent and engaging chat with this veteran professional.

Portrait: Jordan Blackstone

RH: So good to be chatting with you again, Mark.

MB: Same here, Ruth, thank you for reaching out. I really appreciate it.

Well, I have Kerry McNeil to thank because she is the one who reminded me that your character was appearing soon on the show. I have been so swamped these past few weeks that I actually had forgotten about the fact that we were supposed to be setting up an interview.

Well, then I am grateful to her for reminding you.

Chesapeake Shores

Me too. I tell you, Mark, you have been busy since we last spoke. I keep seeing your name pop up here and there. And then you seem to always be reading my interviews as well, which I greatly appreciate.

Oh, and likewise to you as well. Your influence goes out all over the internet. So it works both ways.

The last time we spoke was back when you were in Falling For Vermont. And at that point, we had mentioned Chesapeake Shores and how your character didn’t quite make the cut last season.

The Mayor of Chesapeake Shores with his cardboard cutout

Yes, I remember that. The sad part about it then was that they said they really liked the work, and I had a blast working with them. When I found out my character didn’t make the cut, I wrote a really nice note to the executive producer, Michael Berns. While I told him I was disappointed, I thanked him for the opportunity. He immediately wrote back and said, “Mark, we’re sorry but it was the time restraints that caused that scene to be edged out. But if we come back next season, we’ll find something for you.” I thanked him, and you know what? He was a man of his word. I really admire him for bringing me back.

So the Chessies just got to see you in episode three on Sunday night. 

Yes, and I’m glad you’re sharing this after that episode so I don’t give away too much.  I always try to stay away from spoilers, but now that the episode has aired, we no longer have to worry.

That’s right. So I understand there’s something special about your character’s name in the show.

Two Frank Devines

Yes, my character in Chesapeake Shores was named after Digital Image Technician, Frank Devine. So I am playing Mayor Frank Devine. It’s a fun thing the writers do with new characters, naming them after actual crew members. And I have to tell you that working with that incredible team on the show is something very special. Whenever I work with the Chesapeake Shores team, it is such a cohesive bunch. In so many ways, I feel like I’m going home to work with cousins and relatives. Everyone is so supportive and friendly. It’s also a very relaxed pace over there on Vancouver Island. The last time I was there on the show, it was so funny. I showed up and I went to the hotel. It was a hot night, and a lot of the crew members were out having some cold beers on the patio. I walked out there, and they went, “Hey, well if it isn’t the mayor!” And I hadn’t even been there in a while! How nice was it that they remembered who I was?

Now, something I forgot to tell you about. The cardboard cutouts. That’s the only way my character appears in episode two. My character is the target of Nell’s ire. She’s after me. And what she does is she puts this cutout in the town square and she calls out for people to come and have their picture taken with “our beloved mayor.”

So in episode three, I finally confront Nell. She baked some muffins for me, and she offered me one. I take one and say, “Okay, you got three minutes. I suppose you want me to bury the hatchet.” So it’s a cute little scene.

With Diane Ladd

That had to have been great to do that scene with Diane Ladd. 

Yes, somebody that established, you’re in awe of for the first five or ten minutes. Then, once you get over the stardom effect and you start to work, it’s just like having any other great scene partner. We both are doing our best, and you’re having a ball just doing your craft. And that’s how I go through life working with stars. I’m starstruck for about five minutes and then I go to work.

I think something that is really great is when people like Diane Ladd and other stars live up to their reputations. I don’t think any of us want to be disappointed and find out that they’re not nice. But so often, these big stars are even more wonderful than you imagined. At least in my experience.

By in large, I find that Hallmark actors seem to have a pronounced sweetness about them. Even the executives. I feel so privileged every time I do a Hallmark project. It is a real high for me. It’s a high to be around such lovely, supportive, genuine people. It’s not just showbiz. It’s a very different feeling, and I really don’t think you get quite the same feeling anywhere else.

I want to tell you that my mom now recognizes you. She will actually point you out sometimes before I see you. I might be live tweeting or something, and she notices you the moment you appear on screen. When we were watching you in Yes I Do, where you were a news reporter, we both noticed you at about the same time.

That is just so great, Ruth! Thank you for sharing that.

Within the last year, you have been in a few Hallmark things. Last Christmas, you were briefly in The Christmas Cottage. 

Yes, in a big scene right off the top.

With Sarah Strange
Garage Sale Mystery: A Case of Murder

You were briefly in one of the Garage Sale Mystery films last August. Then we’ve also seen you in The Sweetest Heart. That was a very well-received film.

Oh, yeah! And of course, due to my age, I’m not lead material obviously. I play dads, doctors, and bosses. In fact, there’s one coming out soon where I play the head of an architect firm. It’s called Love Under the Rainbow.

Yes, I was so glad to finally see that it was coming to Hallmark! There’s actually a story here. The lead actor, David Haydn-Jones, is a friend of mine. I’ve interviewed him a couple of times. My daughter and I met him earlier this year at a Supernatural Convention. He nicknamed me “The Legend” way back when I first interviewed him.

Ruth, you are becoming a legend. I hear your name pop up here and there. You are really making a name for yourself.

Thank you, Mark, I hope so. But back to Love Under the Rainbow, I was so glad to see that this is now an official Hallmark movie because not everyone was convinced that it was going to appear on the network.

I know what you mean! I heard several people say that it wasn’t going to be on Hallmark, but that didn’t make sense. Everything seemed to point to it being Hallmark, even the dialogue. The story seemed to follow the typical formula of a Hallmark movie–not in a bad or stale way–but Hallmark movies do have a certain formula to them. And Love Under the Rainbow seemed to follow that.

I haven’t heard when the movie actually premieres, but I hope we hear soon. 

According to the writer, Kirsten Hansen, it’s supposed to be coming out soon, but I haven’t heard the official date either.

The movie has a lot of favorites in it. And I was glad to see that you were in it as well.

Yes, and your buddy, Peter Benson, is in it too. I tell you, Peter is doing really well.

Yes, he’s got that role on Aurora Teagarden amongst others. 

Now, in Love Under the Rainbow, I play David Haydn-Jones’ boss.

You’re getting to play another boss like when we saw you in A Wish For Christmas a couple years back. 

Yes, and I was also Nicollette Sheridan’s boss in All Yours. So right now I seem to be on a boss and dad wave.

I know we saw you in a couple episodes of Riverdale last season. I suppose there is the chance that we can see you in season three. My daughter and I are huge fans of the show.

Oh, yes, that show is so intense and very well-done. And for me, I feel like they sort of left my character, Xavier St. Clair, hanging just a bit. I’m really hoping the writers make a decision to bring me back to tie up some loose ends.

Simone, Nick & Xavier St. Clair
Riverdale season 2

I agree. After all, your character is not dead which means you’re eligible to come back.

True, I’ve gotten killed on a lot shows, but not Riverdale. And according to a rumor that I have heard around, there is the chance that the show might pick up a bit of Hiram Lodge’s past. He certainly seems to be quite shady. When I came on board and read the character breakdown, the implication was it said that Hiram and I had had some business dealings in the past. So I’m thinking that if they do bring up Hiram’s past, there is the chance that Xavier St. Clair could pop up yet again. So far, most of my story has been about my bad boy son, Nick, who is really a slimeball.

With Mark Consuelos & Michelle Brezenski
Riverdale

Well, fingers crossed they bring you back. After all, we all know that if the show doesn’t have conflict, it’s not gonna make it. I mean, even Hallmark recognizes that and continues to add a little bit of conflict into their shows and movies.

You are exactly right. One of the reasons Hallmark is so successful is because people wrestle with huge decisions. And that seems to be at the core of most Hallmark stories.

I have no problem with Hallmark having villainous characters and some conflicts here and there. When the fans complain about not liking so-and-so, I think that means the actors are doing their jobs. It’s not like you have to like every character that enters a show. 

I agree with you there.

So we’ve seen you on Chesapeake Shores. Now I’m wondering if they might bring you on When Calls the Heart.

I would love to make an appearance on that show. I think the concern is that I might be too old to be on the show.

I don’t think that’s necessarily the case. There are older people in some of the roles. And now there’s this new spinoff that’s gonna happen next year called When Hope Calls. 

Yes, I have heard about that! I’ve tried to find out more information about it, but no one really seems to know if the show is coming to Vancouver or what.

Well, I know they are planning to use some of the same actors, so I struggle to think they won’t film in Vancouver, but I guess time will tell. And as to age, there is at least one person in the town who would be more about your age. Mr. Yost played by Hrothgar Matthews. But maybe this new show will create the need for some more characters around your age. And now that the show itself is going a little different direction since Jack is gone, you never know what might happen. 

I know! There were a lot of vocal fans when that happened.  And speaking of fans, how well do you know Jordan Blackstone?

I know her somewhat. She is a very talented woman. I’ve interviewed her, but I have never actually met her.

Well, she did a portrait of me, and it is simply amazing! It floored me when she contacted me out of the blue to send me this portrait she had done of me. She is a masterful artist, and I am simply honored that she took the time to do this portrait of me. I have made it a point of commenting on her work, and I think this was her amazing way of saying “Thank you.”

Well, she did an incredible job for sure. Now I understand you are also in the movie Summer of 84. 

Yes, I only have a small role as the local newscaster, but I am definitely in it.

You do seem to play a lot of newscasters. In fact, you were a weatherman in A Christmas Detour. 

I do get messages now and then when someone happens to see me in a movie or show that I’ve done, even if it’s a while back. It’s always a nice surprise.

I have interviewed a number of people in Summer of 84. In fact, I noticed it because Tiera Skovbye is in it.

Yes, the one who plays Hal Cooper’s daughter on Riverdale.

Since that time, I have interviewed Cory Gruter-Andrew, Jaiven Natt from When Calls the Heart–it’s his first movie ever. And also Graham Verchere.

Graham is such a good kid. He’s just a great actor. He is one of those great minimalist actors that just knows how to command a scene. I understand the movie will be a limited release in theaters this fall, and then it will be available on all the streaming services and video/cable on demand. And that seems to be what most indie films do nowadays.

Well, we’ll keep a sharp eye out for you. 

I know my wife is very proud, and she has been so supportive of my career. It means so much to me.

I notice they are bringing you back to Man in the High Castle?

Yes, what’s nice is I can get a call any day from the shows where I have a recurring role. It can happen at any time.

Well, you’re listed as coming back in one of the episodes for season three as a newscaster.

Oh, seriously? So that’s the third season that’s coming out this fall. That’s amazing! That honestly is such an incredible show.

So, Mark, I know we’ve talked about many of the experiences you’ve had along the way in your career, but is there a story or two that you think actors today would benefit from hearing?

Yes, I have a story that I think your readers might really enjoy hearing. There is a story about me almost getting fired off of Days of Our Lives. I tell my students this story when I teach acting as a warning to never stop practicing your craft.

My very first job in LA when I started acting was in a role that is referred to as “under five.” Under the old contacts, they could pay an actor if he or she was hired to play a role that was “under five.” That simply means five lines or less. I landed an under five on Days of Our Lives. I thought, “Here I go. I’m gonna take off and my career is on its way!” It was a small reporter part, but here I was part of the gang and going in for a fitting, and I even had a dressing room assignment. I was part of the cast of Days Of Our Lives.

The day of my scene, after the taping, I left the set and was walking down the hall towards my dressing room and the executive producer, Barbara Corday, who ran the show for years, stuck her head out of her office and said, “Hey, Mark, can I have a word with you?” I said, “Thank you, Barbara, I’ll be right there.” I was so smug and self-assured that I called her Barbara without even thinking about it.

I walked into her office, and I remember how it was a big office. She was every bit the Hollywood producer you would expect. She said, “Mark, I just watched your take.” I was smiling and thought she was going to pull out a contract. Instead, she said, “If you don’t change and get some voice lessons, I’m afraid we won’t be able to use you anymore.” I’m sure Barbara watched the blood drain instantly from my face. I felt like she should have called 9-1-1! {laughs} I got up very gingerly. I had gone from hoping to get a contract to potentially being released. It was devastating. I hope I walked out regularly.

You know what that did for me? That afternoon, as soon as I got home, I called a voice teacher and booked my first lessons. And I have not stopped since that day. I keep working on my craft.

You did the smart thing and took what they said and did something about it.

And sure enough, they brought me back for a few more episodes.

You didn’t make excuses for it like some people might have in your situation. 

Ruth, I’ve been there. I’ve made excuses.

I think we all have done that at some point in our lives. But there tends to be a trend, especially amongst young people, who when they’re told they need to change something, far too many come up with excuses and don’t consider making the necessary changes. 

Well, it was one time when I didn’t make excuses, and I’m very glad I didn’t. I put in the work.

Something that does amaze me, as far as the fans are concerned, is that they tend to make a lot of assumptions when it comes to actors. I often notice how fans will get upset because the actor didn’t respond how they want or wasn’t as nice as they thought the actor should be. So with just one interaction that didn’t go how the fan wanted, they assume the person is not nice or is arrogant. And then they tell as many people as they can about the negative experience without ever trying to understand it from the actor’s perspective. Because…news flash! The actors are human too.

Exactly. And I’d like to offer this perspective too. When you are getting ready to go on in a scene, you have like six different people trying to do these last-minute things to get you ready. There’s make-up, hair, costume, what the director told you, trying to review your lines, you’ve been given your mark. It takes so much concentration, and I don’t think people always realize the amount of concentration that goes into it. It requires so much focus, and that is a very important thing. Consequently, with any of us, it’s not like we’re trying to be aloof; we’re trying to concentrate on our work.

I hear you. I do my best to try to gain perspective on every actor I interview, and the most important thing to me is to truly understand who they are and communicate that to others. I do my best not to assume things without having evidence to back it up. And even then, I try not to be judgmental. Rarely, if ever, do we know the whole story. All we know is social media and stories that might or might not be told with a particular bias. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought an actor didn’t like me because they didn’t respond the way I thought they should. And then a year later, I hear back out of the blue about how much my support meant, and I think, “You actually noticed?” 

with Lochlyn Munro

Sounds like you’ve gained a good perspective on things, Ruth. Actors are very busy individuals, and some are busier than others, of course. I was on set one day of Riverdale when Lochlyn Munro was working, and he asked me to help him get ready for an audition for a movie of the week.

I do not know how on earth Lochlyn keeps up with his schedule! 

He’s a nonstop machine! He’s an amazing, amazing guy.

And speaking of Riverdale, his character on season three…I knew it was gonna go that way, but my daughter and I didn’t want it to go that way! We got a little bit vocal and started yelling at the TV, “No, it can’t be him!” 

You know, I asked Lochlyn when we were shooting season two, “Just between you and me, are you the Black Hood.” And he said, “Mark, I don’t really know.”

It seems that actors are often kept in the dark about a lot of things until they absolutely have to know. And that’s why I’m glad we are publishing this interview following your appearance on Chesapeake Shores so that we don’t have to worry about spoilers.

Ruth, I thank you for your willingness to do that for me. And to grant me this interview. I love chatting with you, and it’s been great to get to know and support each other. I hope everyone enjoys my part on the show, and I hope the fans will keep watching. After all, if season four happens, maybe the beloved mayor will be back again.

With his wife, Joanne, attending opening night of the Barber of Seville in Spain.

Mark is one of those individuals who is perfectly satisfied in performing his roles without attempting to demand his moment in the spotlight. He understands that most of the time, he is a secondary character who is there to assist in the overall story exposition, and while people may not immediately know his name and he may not receive the recognition that the leading actors do, he is perfectly content to contribute his talents to the entire project at hand in his indomitable fashion. Furthermore, when it comes to supporting others in the business, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who is more faithful in providing encouragement and feedback. He understands the arduous work that the entire team invests in every project, and he always maintains his attention to authenticity and detail when portraying any character, no matter how seemingly insignificant the role in question may be. He is always willing to make appropriate suggestions to those who may be seeking guidance along the way, but he never seems presumptuous or insulting when offering solicited input. On the contrary, his primary focus is to not only to witness the continued thriving of his own career, but he longs for those with whom he has fostered a mutually beneficial relationship in the business to succeed as well. With his extensive industry experience, his wise counsel is invariably presented respectfully and with the person’s best interest at heart. Moreover, it is always worth considering his opinion and feedback, especially concerning those who might be seeking to find their own way within this sometimes complicated business.

If you have not had the opportunity to watch Mark as the esteemed mayor in Chesapeake Shores, I invite U.S. households to watch full episodes from the current season here as soon as possible. (For my Canadian friends, check out Super Channel Heart & Home for similar options to watch past episodes.) Additionally, if you have not had the opportunity to investigate Mark’s fabulous career, I would invite you to visit the links below. No doubt, you have probably seen Mark in a show or movie without even realizing it, and the discovery of this excellent, seasoned actor is something that may open your eyes to even more worthwhile TV viewing for you and your entire family. As Mark continues to invest himself entirely in whatever project he finds himself, I can only hope that we may have the opportunity to witness his eventual return to Riverdale on the CW in season three and/or as Mayor Frank Devine in season four of Chesapeake Shores (something I sincerely hope the Hallmark network will grant us). In the meantime, I greatly anticipate his next role on the Hallmark Channel in the soon-to-be-released film, Love Under the Rainbow.

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Michael Berns and the infamous cardboard cutout!

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