From the moment Rebecca Jennings stepped into the Cedar Cove saga in Hallmark’s first original series way back in season one, I was mesmerized by the woman who so brilliantly portrayed her, Cindy Busby. I wasn’t too certain about her character in that show, especially in the beginning, but there was a charismatic quality and essence about Cindy whenever she appeared on-screen. When I first interviewed her back before the premiere of Unleashing Mr. Darcy, I was impeccably impressed with everything about her. Not only is she a dynamically beautiful woman, but her inner serenity and effervescent spirit radiate from within, emblazoning her entire countenance. This is now my fifth interview with this phenomenal, young woman, and it is my honor to share our recent conversation with my readers today in anticipation of her newest Hallmark movie premiering today (June 8th). My Boyfriend Is Back: Wedding March 5!
RH: Cindy, it is just so great to chat with you again!
CB: Thanks, Ruth, always nice to chat with you as well. Thank you for reaching out and making sure this happened.
I saw your interview on Home & Family this week. Honestly, that was such a beautiful dress you were wearing.
Home & Family
Oh, thank you so much. You know what? Chris {her boyfriend} actually picked that out. We were out shopping, and that was the first one he saw. It was the first one I tried on, and that was the one. You know what? He’s good for something, it turns out! {laughs}
{laughs} Yeah, well he’s gotta be good for something. I guess he’s worth keeping around then.
Absolutely.
You know, I was thinking today how you were one of the first people I ever interviewed. And I just got to meet you in person. And here we are, doing yet another interview.
And look at how far you’ve come since the first time we talked.
Oh, I know what you mean! And look at your career too, Cindy. I’ve only been following you since Cedar Cove, since I didn’t know about Heartland. But you have played so many great roles. And the last time we did an interview was right before Royal Hearts premiered. I mean, you’ve done so much since then.
I know, and I feel very grateful. It’s been quite the whirlwind, that’s for sure.
Cindy Busby, Tyler Hynes Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Alan Zenuk
And in this upcoming movie Wedding March 5, I know you are paired up with Tyler Hynes. I reached out to him because he’s doing these giveaways of Henleys he wore in the movie and a script, and he called you a Legend.
Oh my gosh, that’s so sweet!! {laughs}
I know I certainly wasn’t going to disagree with him on that.
He is just so sweet. He and I hit it off immediately. We have the same sense of humor and the same kind of respect for the craft of acting. We both truly want to get into the human experience and really connect emotionally to one another. Our scenes together in the movie are definitely some of my favorite scenes. Even our director commented and said, “Wow, the scenes you two have together…you’re always taking things up a notch.” I haven’t seen the full movie yet, but I’m really excited to see how it all turned out.
So I’m curious. How did you get this role in Wedding March 5?
Cindy Busby Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Alan Zenuk
Well, I didn’t have to audition. I was offered the role. Having been on When Calls the Heart with Jack Wagner before…also the producer, Brad Krevoy, is one I worked with on Royal Hearts and When Calls the Heart…you know, it’s always nice to work with people who you know and they know your work. Then the director, Mike Rohl, I had just worked with on Web Of Dreams. He said he thought of my name immediately when he read the script. So it was really all those factors coming into play. I feel beyond blessed to have people who are on my team and want to work with me. And that’s just how it happened.
Honestly, I was hoping to learn you didn’t have to audition. I’m very happy for you.
I would never be opposed to auditioning for Hallmark. But I do feel like with Hallmark that I have made a really nice place for myself there. I’m lucky enough to be among the wonderful world of that network. So it’s pretty amazing.
I talked to Lane {Edwards} a few weeks back about the movie. He said he had a great time doing this movie too. And the clip that they showed on Home & Family and also during the June Weddings Preview Show..that is such an awesome clip!
Sunita Prasad, Lane Edwards, Cindy Busby, Tyler Hynes, Jack Wagner, Josie Bissett Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Alan Zenuk
Isn’t it?! It is!! You know, when you see someone that you haven’t seen in so long and you never expect to see them again. And there are all these pent up emotions that have been unresolved, and all of a sudden they show up right in your face at the most important time of your life. And you’re like, “Oh–my–goodness!!” You gotta play it cool, but at the same time, your insides are literally melting like a volcano!
In that clip, Cindy, you both conveyed that pretty well. In fact, I was watching it again, and I saw that Tyler went up to you and gave you that “once over” like you know guys would do! Exactly what you’d expect from an old boyfriend.
Totally! It’s like that double-take moment. Like, “I’m sorry, did that just really happen?”
I think that clip is perfect and sets everything up for the story of the movie.
Yes, that is so true. It really sets the tone of what people are in for.
I know you also mentioned in your interview on Home & Family that the relationship between Jack’s and Josie’s {Bissett} character kind of mirrors the relationship between your and Tyler’s characters. Because you two lost contact with each other and then you were suddenly thrown back together after all these years. And the same kind of thing happened with Jack’s and Josie’s characters.
Cindy Busby Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Alan Zenuk
Totally! And that’s the thing. There are a lot of parallels in the story. You’ve got Mick and Olivia who hadn’t seen each other in twenty-five years, and then they got back together. It just worked out. But they are guiding Annalise and Brad. They’re like, “If you still have feelings for this person, you need to let them know because there could be a chance that you can make this work. But if you don’t try, you’ll never know.” I think that’s a very important theme of the movie. It’s never over till it’s really over. And you’ll never know if you don’t try. Then, looking back at the Jen and Lucas characters, who are played by Sunita {Prasad} and Lane, they represent what Annalise and Brad used to be, which is this loving couple who are very different people, and they’re coming together ’cause they’re just so passionate and in love with one another. And that’s how Annalise and Brad used to be. So it’s kind of like looking at the past and looking at the future and wondering where Annalise and Brad might fit in or not.
Every time I hear the title of the movie, I can’t help but burst into song.
Oh, yeah, it’s like {singing} “My boyfriend’s back and I’m gonna be in trouble…” and you’re like, “Agh!” But it is a good song. I can’t deny that. It’s been in my head for the past couple months, I think.
Oh, definitely! Well, I can say I’m very excited about this movie. Some people complain about the series because they want Jack and Josie to move quickly and get married. But hopefully, when they hear that you and Tyler are in it, they will be excited to watch this one.
Wedding March 5
Well, here’s the thing. I can guarantee that the audience will not be disappointed with the end of this movie. Obviously, I can’t give anything away. But it’s worth watching for the ending. And also there is such a great dynamic between the three couples. I can’t speak much for the other Wedding March movies, but I know for this one, the dynamic between the three couples in this movie are like nothing we’ve ever seen before. And the chemistry is palpable. It’s really intense. And I think the audience is really gonna notice a difference.
I know I’m excited for it. And for those who think Mick and Olivia should have gotten married very quickly, they might want to remember that could spell the end to the series. I always say not to rush it and remember that this is Hallmark. It’s also the formula for rom-coms like this.
Exactly. It’s kind of like the Ross and Rachel of Friends. If Ross and Rachel had gotten together after the second episode, nobody would have watched any more episodes! It’s partly the constant anticipation of “will they, won’t they?” Then it’s–how is it gonna work? How are they gonna get together? I think that’s the part that people are excited to see.
I know you knew Jack, but did you know Tyler, Sunita, or Lane going into this movie?
I knew Lane. We’d been friends for years, and we have a lot of mutual friends and we’re part of the same agency. So it was nice to walk onto set that first day and see a familiar face. Then Mike Rohl, the director, is one I’ve worked with several times before. He directed Web Of Dreams, as I mentioned. He also directed episodes of Date My Dad. So he and I go way back. I had not met Tyler or Sunita before this movie though.
I was just thinking that it seemed like you guys got along well right from the first day. It seems like there was a great dynamic between all of you from the very beginning.
Oh, yes. We were just like truly hanging out in between scenes all the time. It was really just a continuation of whatever we were doing on-screen. You know, I feel like for the most part, Hallmark does an incredible job of bringing people together in their movies. Everyone is really positive to work with and really outgoing. But the chemistry on this one was truly something special.
The Killer Downstairs
I know some fans got to see you in The Killer Downstairs on Lifetime with Marcus Rosner. I know they are still replaying that movie from time to time on Lifetime. I also know that not all Hallmark fans will want to watch it.
Of course, but that’s okay. I don’t see it as they wouldn’t like our performances. I just think for some of them, it’s not their type of story. And I totally respect and understand that. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of scary movies, but I don’t really see The Killer Downstairs as a scary movie.
However, My Mom’s Letter From Heaven…if Hallmark fans have not seen this movie on Lifetime, I think they need to look it up.
My Mom’s Letter From Heaven
I could not agree more. What a beautiful, beautiful story, and it’s based on a true story. I’m so happy I got to be a part of it. I remember one of the fans saying they didn’t think I was in the movie enough, but I think you said how my performance, my character, was so impactful. And I think it could be said that my character is the reason for the story.
I agree completely, Cindy. Your role was small but so significant. But the movie as a whole was perfectly cast, in my opinion. I was in tears at the end.
I gotta say that when I was doing the audio recording of the letter…when I read that, every time I read it, I had to really withhold myself from actually crying myself. What an emotional letter! I myself had to really compartmentalize so I wouldn’t cry every take I read that! And I think we all can relate to a version of that story ourselves.
I know what you mean. I’ve never gone through something like that, but the fact that my daughter is a teenager being raised by a single parent, I could relate to that. I found myself thinking about how things might have been if my daughter had grown up without me. Then you look at the struggles her daughter is going through, and you see and understand why she’s being rebellious. And I was very grateful sitting there knowing I had been spared having to deal with a daughter like that. I mean, Barry Watson’s character, the dad, is doing everything right. He’s doing the best he can in a very difficult situation.
Exactly. I truly don’t think that with a lot of rebellious teenagers, it doesn’t have anything to do with parents not being supportive and loving. It has to do with the fact that the kids are going through tough times. And here this girl was going through these difficulties because her mother isn’t around anymore. So it was a beautiful story. Also a beautiful story for dads. I don’t think dads get enough credit for all the incredible work they do. I mean, of course, moms are an integral part of life, but the focus on dads was wonderful. And it was cool to see Barry in another strong father role. I know he’s an incredible dad, and I think that’s an important thing to showcase.
I thought the story was an important one to tell. Again, I’m not attracted necessarily only to roles because they’re big roles. I’m attracted to roles that are challenging and beautiful and tell great stories. And that’s why, for me, the size didn’t really matter.
Cindy and Barry
I knew that was the case for you, Cindy, and I was glad to see you in this role. You know, in your position, it could be very easy to say, “Well, I’m only going to take lead roles” or “I’m only going to take this role if it’s this or that.” Now, I’m not putting down the actors who choose to do that. They have their reasons. But I thought it was great and showed a lot about you, Cindy, that you took this role that wasn’t major but was significant. And you put as much care into it as if it were the lead role.
Absolutely!! And I also got to work with Barry Watson again, which was obviously one of the biggest draws for me. He’s my friend, and honestly, it was like we picked up right where we left off after Date My Dad. And our director, Michael Scott, also directed Date My Dad. So that was amazing to work with him again. He’s such a lovely man. So it was a no-brainer for me. It just felt right.
Oh, and though you didn’t share any scenes with her, Karen Holness was also from Date My Dad.
That’s right! Even though we didn’t have any scenes together, we did run into each other on set. And that was really great.
And how nice that Lifetime ran this movie since they usually run thrillers. Very nice to see a good family movie on that network for a change. I know it still replays on Lifetime now and then, so I do recommend Hallmark fans to check it out if they haven’t. Now, I know you have some more exciting stuff coming up that’s not Hallmark. Can you tell us about it?
This summer, I’m in a lifetime movie called Web Of Dreams. It’s coming out in August.
Mandisa Photo
And do I understand this is based on a book series and there’s a series of movies this summer?
Yes, it’s based on a series of books by V.C. Andrews. She’s a pretty well-known writer, and the genre is usually centered on family dynamics and very interesting storylines. She was active around in the late ’80s/early ’90s. She’s known for writing the book Flowers In the Attic. So the books are quite popular with schools and such. There’s going to be a five-part movie series based on this particular series of books, and I’m in one of them. I don’t know how the Hallmarkies are going to feel about it. It’s not like The Killer Downstairs. Definitely some pretty intense material, but I feel super proud of this movie. Everyone is going to definitely see me in a new way. And it takes place in the 1950s, which is really cool. The costumes, the set, everything is so beautiful.
I will be watching those for sure. I will definitely let you know what I think. And of course, some of the Hallmark fans will probably want to know what I think before they watch this movie. So I’m happy to do that. Now, I also heard about another movie that’s supposed to be out this summer. While I’m not one hundred percent sure, but according to what I’ve read, it seems to be premiering on Lifetime this August as well.
Is that The Wrong Stepmother?
Yes, right now, it’s scheduled to premiere August 26th, but we’ll see if that changes.
You know, I haven’t heard that much from that movie, so right now, I won’t say I know exactly when or if it’s airing. But once I hear anything definite, I’ll be sure to let the fans know. That’s another Lifetime movie that will be a little intense, but it was a good time for sure.
I remember you also filmed a movie called Christmas Cupcakes, and according to what you told us the end of last year, it’s supposed to air this year around Christmas.
Christmas Cupcakes
That’s what I have been told. Funny enough, I was just talking to Erin Karpluk, who plays my sister in that movie. We were actually discussing about whether it’s going to air because we haven’t heard anything. I know it’s still quite early in the year. That being said, I will be looking into that shortly. I haven’t heard anything from the director or the producer yet. The film was completed late last year. It was too late for it to air last year. It’s such a cute story. Erin and I had such a blast shooting that. We have such great chemistry. We’re like the best of friends now. If nothing else, that movie brought us together, and that is the best.
Well, fingers crossed we see it this year. In fact, although I love Hallmark, I don’t really care what network picks it up. I just want to see this movie.
While we’re on the topic of Christmas movies, I want to say that I would absolutely love to do a Hallmark Christmas movie. That would be amazing. Hopefully, that can happen at some point, but so far, I feel very fulfilled with everything they’ve given me.
TCA’s 2018
That’s right! You haven’t made a Hallmark Christmas movie, have you?
No, I haven’t. I have never done a Christmas movie for Hallmark. Everyone’s always shocked about that.
I know you’ve done them for other networks, but that’s right.
Well, all I can say is, it’s not too late for me to do one for this year. I would love it. Hallmark does these movies, especially their Christmas movies, so well. To do it in such a short period of time and put out so much content is really remarkable.
Well, I hope it happens for you, Cindy. But in the meantime, we have all these great things to look forward to from you.
I am definitely feeling fulfilled. I’m super excited for everyone to see Wedding March 5. I think this is really gonna blow everybody out of the water. I’m really excited to hear everyone’s responses.
Marrying Mr. Darcy
Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask about another Mr. Darcy movie. I take it you’ve heard nothing.
No, nothing yet. I’ve definitely been asked that question several times. I truly wish I could give an answer, but I haven’t honestly heard anything. All I can say is that everyone just has to keep asking for it because Hallmark is all about pleasing their audience. After all, you know that’s what this business is all about. Making movies for the audience. If everyone just sticks to their guns and lets the network know what they want, they’ll have no choice but to do another.
Did the second one come out two years after the first one?
Yes, it was two years. And then we just celebrated our one-year anniversary of Marrying Mr. Darcy.
I think trilogies are always a good way to go with these movies. So let’s hope Hallmark grants us that wish.
A third one would be a real gift. But at the end of the day, if there were never to be another one–which I hope that’s not the case–having a second one was a gift in itself. Having a third one would be the biggest icing on the cake.
Marrying Mr. Darcy
I figure they could kill two birds with one stone. They could have a third Darcy movie and make it a Christmas movie.
I like how you think, Ruth. But speaking of the original Unleashing Mr. Darcy, that was kind of a game-changer for everybody. It really put us on the Hallmark map. We are forever grateful for that. Personally, I feel indebted to the movie, and I would never not want to do more.
Now let me ask you one more thing, Cindy. I noticed when I met you that there is this natural glow about you. I don’t know exactly what it is, but I know you’ve mentioned a few things you do differently in your life now than you used to, such as natural products, eating right, and yoga/meditation. So what are some of your beauty secrets, if you don’t mind sharing?
First of all, being honest, I think a lot of it has to do with genes. I feel very blessed in that department. But I would also say–I’m not gonna lie==I have the bad days just like the rest of us. But I would recommend just following a really good beauty routine. I recommend getting facials on a regular basis. I don’t mean every week, but any time I’m going to go shoot a movie, I try to do that before and after the movie to keep my skin activated and rejuvenated and get rid of the dead stuff. And also the accumulation of all the makeup because as an actor, there’s a lot of that. I would say whatever products you use, try to get the best products you can. I’m not saying you have to spend a lot of money on something. I just think it’s a good idea to use natural, organic, non-chemical, and even vegan products. I also do eat lots of healthy foods. I drink a lot of water, but then I also like to drink wine. I think it’s all about balance.
Now, the other thing I’d like to say is that most importantly, it is about finding an inner peace and happiness. That is something I have really worked on actively in the past couple of years, and I really think that in itself, it can make someone have a glow that you just can’t quite put your finger on. But the opposite can be true too. It’s like from afar, “Wow, that person is so beautiful.” They seem so attractive, but then you start talking to them and then you discover that this person is kind of a jerk. And they become less attractive. I think there’s something to that, but that’s just my own personal opinion.
I get what you’re saying, Cindy. We’ve done these interviews via phone, email, and even video chat. But seeing you in person, there was just this natural glow, and I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. But I think mentioning that inner peace and being comfortable with who you are is a big part of it. I think we women are often way too hard on ourselves.
Oh, absolutely!!
We try to give the absolute best versions of ourselves all the time so that no one sees our flaws. But then we hopefully get to a place where we fix what we can and just don’t worry about the other stuff. And I think people can feel that different kind of energy from us.
I think it’s an inner confidence that people are attracted to. It’s truly what I call self-love. The day that you can look in the mirror and say, “I like you.” And then make eye contact with people you don’t know when you go to the store or whatever. And then show appreciation and ask them how they’re doing. I do that all the time where I show genuine interest in people. I ask them how they’re doing, and we’ll talk and I’ll smile, and I have a good time with people. And you should see these people. They’re almost flabbergasted and almost like, “Why is this person talking to me right now? Is she or weird or something?” {laughs} One of my biggest things in life is if I see someone who looks like they’re annoyed or not in a good mood…if I can walk away and they’re smiling…to me, I’ve done my job. To me, that means everything, and I think it is so important. What is life about if it’s not to be of service to others?
Cindy, wow, I’m so glad I asked! Thank you for sharing that. Here I already thought so highly of you, and after hearing this, my opinion of you has been raised even higher. Thank you for sharing as you did, Cindy, and thank you for being you.
Ruth, it is my pleasure. And thank you for all your wonderful support over the years. It has meant so much. I hope that everyone enjoys the movie tonight, and I hope you and all the fans have a wonderful weekend!
Cindy is unquestionably a beacon of light everywhere she goes. I can certainly attest to the fact that she has a genuine interest in people. When we conversed over our recent breakfast together, I probably did most of the talking as I related tales about our wealth of animals and everything going on in my life. She is one of the most energizing, humble people I know, and no matter where she goes, she illuminates the corner where she is. Everyone else’s best interests invariably rule her thoughts and actions, and in so doing, she spreads the milk of human kindness in her unique, indomitable style. To have her as an ally and friend is something that warms my heart, and to know that she is as authentic as she appears is characteristic of hers that prompts me to never conceal my true self either.
Be sure to tune in to the Hallmark Channel this evening (June 8th) for the premiere of the movie that is going to knock everyone’s socks off–My Boyfriend’s Back: Wedding March 5. (Canadians will be able to watch the movie on Super Channel Heart & Home July 27th.) Additionally, I strongly suggest that you suspend what you’re doing right now and click on all Cindy’s links below and follow her on every social media platform you can. Cindy is an intrepid force on social media, and I regularly watch for her delightful, winsome, motivational interactions with the fans. It is one of the ways she has endeared herself to the Hallmark community. Not only is she perfectly lovely in every way, but she encourages all those in her sphere of influence to share her buoyant spirit and ecstatically pass the joy on to others. If there ever was a young woman in the world of film and television who is the “poster child” for paying it forward, it is Cindy Busby! And Hallmark is wise in continuing to foster this incredible relationship with her. Now, if we could only get a Mr. Darcy 3 and a Christmas movie…
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CHECK OUT MY OTHER INTERVIEWS WITH CINDY
Interview With Actress Cindy Busby, “A Hailey Dean Mystery: Murder With Love”
Special memory with a special person
