Probably just about everyone is well aware of my passion and affinity for Hallmark’s original show When Calls the Heart. Back during season three, a young actress emerged and portrayed the part of Wilma Lawson, and I never forgot her. I figured we wouldn’t see her again, but her character came back more significantly in season five and even season six. In fact, I noticed she was even a part of the Christmas movie for season four. Finally, I was able to schedule an interview with Eliza Norbury, this sweet and talented actress who has breathed life into the character of Wilma, and it is my supreme honor to share her with my readers today!
Photo by Jason Benson Photography
RH: How/Why did you decide to become an actress? What kind of training have you had to help you prepare for this career?
Photo by Anna Williams – © Atlee Photography
EN: I decided I wanted to be an actress around the age of fourteen. This is the age when I joined a youth community theatre group and experienced the joy and challenge of acting. I had always loved make-believe; I grew up in a family of avid book readers, theatregoers, muicians and visual artists. I moved to the big city of Vancouver at eighteen and threw myself into private scene study classes immediately, I studied with Kirsten Clarksen, Alex Bruhanski and Michele Lonsdale Smith, to name a few.
What was your first professional job in the industry? What are your memories of working on that job?
Hit the Road
You’ve guest-starred on many well-known Vancouver shows. Any ones stand out to you specifically? Why do those stand out?
I loved working on Hit The Road with Jason Alexander and Amy Pietz. It was a very fun character to play and because comedy is my first love, I picked up so much from the great ensemble cast I got to work with.
You’ve also had small roles on a few big films. Which ones stand out to you the most and why?
Photo by Jason Benson Photography
Agent Cody Banks, where I play a frantic mother whose toddler is stuck in a runaway car, is a hilarious memory now because I actually don’t drive. That was a time in my life where I had my learner’s license, but actually zero practise or skill. One of the teamsters gave me driving lessons all morning before the shoot ON A STANDARD! Hahaha! On the day, they had me driving an automatic with sandbags protecting the camera in case I forgot to use the brakes and a stunt “blind driver” in the trunk! It is an amazing scene for me to watch now, I look so calm, I WAS SWEATING BRICKS!!! Anyway, a great memory and I still don’t drive!
When Calls the Heart season 3
As far as I know, your first Hallmark role was on When Calls the Heart. What did you know about the network before booking this show? Any special story about how you got the role of Wilma?
I actually didn’t know much about Hallmark before booking WCTH, but I love period shows and remember my audition for Wilma. I played her as a very serious, hard-working farm woman. I remember I wore old-fashioned men’s wool pants!
With Natasha Quirke
For those who may not remember, please refresh our memories as to how your character showed up. What did you enjoy about working on that season? How did the cast and crew treat you?
Wilma was introduced in season three as a mother from the settler community living in tents on the outskirts of Hope Valley. Everyone–cast and crew alike–were so welcoming to me, and it was a joy to work with such a well-established ensemble. I was also lucky enough to meet and work with the magnificent and iconic Brooke Shields (she played Jack’s mother), who is a gracious and lovely person.
When Calls the Heart “band”
I have to admit, I feared you might be permanently gone when we didn’t see you for a while, but last season, you popped up again! What was it like coming back for season five and six?Every season that I’ve been invited back has been a surprising treat! I never assume Wilma will keep recurring as there are so many wonderful characters and stories to explore in Hope Valley. But, of course, I always hope for a chance to come play again as it is one of the funnest and sweetest sets to work on.
Why do you believe that When Calls the Heart continues to grow in popularity?
When Calls the Heart “band”
I think WCTH continues to grow in popularity because it is a balm for much of the usual negative and pessimistic storylines of TV shows these days. People are weary of seeing shows where women are being hunted and murdered, with so much over-sexualization. WCTH (and all the Hallmark movies and shows) is something that the entire family can watch together and enjoy without mum or dad having to watch first and censor.
If Wilma does happen to come back for season seven, what are your hopes for your character?
Goodness, I am so happy that WCTH is coming back for a season seven, and I would love the opportunity to work with all my favourite pals again. Hmmmm…what would I love for Wilma…I think another crack at the Hope Valley band would be fun, perhaps a whole storyline with Rosemary and the band, that would be fun!
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
I just worked on a wonderful web series called Human People. It is a hilarious, sweet and moving snapshot into three odd characters ❤
I know the Hearties would love to see you featured in a Hallmark movie. If you could pick any season to be a part of one of their movies (though I know you’d be fine with any), what would be your choice? Why?
I have heard there is going to be a record number of Hallmark Christmas movies shot and produced in Vancouver this year. I would love to be featured in one of them! I absolutely love Christmas and my dear friend Lesley Mirza…her favourite shows are the Hallmark Christmas movies and she would be tickled if I was in one. Her excitement about my career is contagious. It is so important to have friends who support and are happy for your success. The Hallmark brand really fosters female friendship and in turn, hires so many wonderful Vancouver actresses. I am overjoyed to even be a small part of that.
Eliza Norbury Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
I think it is a credit to Eliza that Hallmark continues to bring her back to When Calls the Heart. Even though her part is comparatively small when juxtaposed with the rest of the Hope Valley residents, she consistently makes an impression, and fans regularly connect with her character’s stories. Throughout the ups and downs of this show, Eliza has been a consistent factor, and it excites me to consider the possibilities for her as the show continues.
However, Eliza is more than a “one-trick pony.” She has demonstrated impeccable skill and grace throughout her career, and it would give me nothing but pleasure to see her featured in a Hallmark movie in the near future. I know there are many determinants that go into the selection of the cast for these fan-favorite flicks, but imagine if she and Lesley (I have interviewed her as well, and she is one of the devoted Hallmarkies who has been privileged to appear in Chesapeake Shores) were to be cast in a Hallmark movie together! That would be a crowning achievement for both lovely artists, but only time will tell if this momentous occasion should ever occur.
No matter what the future holds for Eliza, I hope that everyone reading will visit all of her links below and even consider following her via social media. While we don’t know at this point if Wilma will be back for When Calls the Heart season seven, we can luxuriate in her tales throughout the past seasons and hope nothing but the best for her in the future. Eliza is a fresh, young face who definitely has what it takes to succeed as a working actor in the film and television world. And I can only wish her all the best for future achievement as we–the devoted Hearties–faithfully support her no matter what her future holds!
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