Some of my readers may remember the historic interview Erin Krakow granted me at the beginning of season four of the popular Hallmark series When Calls the Heart. It was a personal moment of jubilation as I was quite honored that she took the time to recognize a freelance entertainment journalist like me. At the most recent Hearties Family Reunion, not only did I get to meet this enchanting young woman, but she recommended my talents to her friend Daniel Lissing (who agreed to an interview based on her recommendation, but as of yet, we have been unable to make that interview happen), and she, along with the rest of the cast, made that a most monumental weekend for me. In spite of her insanely busy schedule, Erin was gracious and generous enough to agree to an interview this season as well, and as we enter the final two episodes of this dynamic season, I am honored to share her charming, insightful responses.

RH: We have watched Elizabeth slowly become a frontier woman over the past five seasons. What do you think has been the most significant change for Elizabeth? What do you think she still might need to work on?

EK: Elizabeth has really learned to take care of herself. It’s been so nice to see her natural evolution into an independent woman, confident in Hope Valley. That’s a fairly broad answer, but I think that’s been the most significant change in her. She’s no longer the “princess” Florence once thought her to be. That and the fact that she went and changed her last name!! No longer a Miss and now a Mrs.

As far as future self-improvements, I’d like to see Elizabeth get even better riding a horse. But that’s just because selfishly I enjoy riding so much and I’d like the opportunity to improve.

All too often, marrying off the characters can quickly spell the end of a series. Since Elizabeth and Jack have finally married this season, how do you think the show will be able to maintain viewer interest in future episodes and seasons?

It would be a discredit to the rest of our incredible ensemble cast to suggest that Jack and Elizabeth’s marriage could spell the end for When Calls the Heart. WCTH has always been primarily told from Elizabeth’s perspective – I know many of us have enjoyed hearing her journal entries and letters over the years – but WCTH is not “The Elizabeth Show.” And while we’ve spent five years investing in the beautiful love story of our Mountie and our teacher, WCTH is also not “The Jack & Elizabeth Show.” It’s a show about so much more than one or two of its characters. WCTH is a show about community, family, friendship, and hope among many other things. And it does so by weaving together the lives and stories of ALL of the characters that make up Hope Valley. We are so lucky to have such talented actors bringing these characters to life, and I know that our viewers will continue to watch and enjoy ALL of their stories, even now, or perhaps especially now, that Jack and Elizabeth are husband and wife.

Without giving anything away, what three words would you use to describe the rest of season five?

EPIC, EPIC, EPIC.

Since WCTH has been renewed now for season six, what are your hopes for Elizabeth next season as far as the storyline goes?

I really love all of the colors that I get to play as Elizabeth. Our writers have been so generous with me over the years. I trust that they’ll continue to write compelling, tender, emotional stories for us – and for our viewers.

In addition to WCTH, you have just wrapped on the third installment of the “Father Christmas” series: Marrying Father Christmas. What can you tease about this third installment? And why do you think this series has resonated so much with the viewers?

I was so HAPPY to be back on set with the FATHER CHRISTMAS family. I think that’s part of the reason these films have resonated so much with our viewers. We formed a cast chemistry very quickly and naturally while working on these films. In my experience, that translates through to the screen. When we started FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS, Niall {Matter} and I had never worked together before, but there was a real ease to the way we approached our characters and their blossoming romance. It’s been lovely to get to build on that romance with every film. In MARRYING FATHER CHRISTMAS, we wanted to show how Ian and Miranda have become more and more comfortable and loving with each other. We’ve taken these characters on a real journey over the past three films, and it’s all led to what will be a beautiful Christmas wedding.

I also think that through the FATHER CHRISTMAS films, we’ve had the opportunity to show that the holidays can actually be quite complicated for some people. Miranda’s path to find her family (and love) has been emotional and challenging for her. I’ve heard from many viewers who really related to that. Luckily for Miranda, and for our viewers, she always finds her way to a happy ending.

Fans are always requesting more music from both you and Daniel Lissing. Any plans on the horizon for collaborations or maybe even solos?

That’s very sweet. Dan and I don’t have any musical collaborations in the works, but you never know what the future holds! However, my brother and I have been writing music together for years and I’ll be sure to let everyone know when we’re ready to share something. I should also add that it’s been truly special to hear such kind words from the Hearties in response to the few times Elizabeth has sung on WCTH. I really appreciate the support and encouragement.

As you have worked with the Hope Valley kids for five seasons (although there have been some changes), what is most rewarding to you about working with the kids?

I can go on and on praising their talent and how much they continue to grow as actors, but the element of working with the children that inspires me the most is how generous and kind they are. There’s something so pure about the way they support each other (as well as the adult cast). They’ve created such a beautiful community on set and it’s heartwarming and inspiring to see them building each other up through kindness.

Any other upcoming works you can mention?

An all-new line up of Garage Sale Mystery movies this August starring Lori Loughlin. Oh, did you mean my own? 😉

Since you are a student of the arts, what is your favorite musical/play and why? If you could play any role in a Broadway production, which would you choose and why?

My answer to this question is constantly changing. Last year I saw Dear Evan Hansen starring Ben Platt and it blew me away. A Chorus Line will always have a special place in my heart. THERE ARE TOO MANY! I think I have decision-paralysis. Is that a thing? I’m making it a thing.

Hearties would like to know how you keep so healthy and physically fit. Please tell us about your health regimen.

Ha! I wear a corset for twelve hours a day when I’m working on WCTH. I must have you all fooled! I don’t have any secrets or magic tricks for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but I do try to eat healthy (when I’m not inhaling vanilla cookies with Lori). I’d honestly much rather eat a giant bowl of watermelon than a slice of chocolate cake. And I try to stay active. Some of my favorite forms of exercise are hiking, dance aerobics, and yoga.

What has been the hardest scene (in any production) that you’ve ever had to film?

Of the work you’ve seen, it has to be a collection of scenes from Season Four’s “My Heart Will Go On.” Did I mention my struggle with decisions?

How has playing Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton for all these years affected you both personally and professionally?

Nice use of the new last name there! It’s been an absolute joy going to work with our cast and crew. I’m very grateful. It’s introduced me to some of my dearest friends. It’s also brought the Hearties into my life. Doing my part to create a show that has resonated with so many viewers has been a true labor of love.

Do you have any plans to do any writing/producing/directing in the future? Elaborate if you like.

Yes.

Where is one place in the world you would like to visit one day? Why?

ONE place? Too. Many. Places. Too. Hard. To. Answer. That said, I would really like to visit Australia sooner than later. One of my best friends lives there and recently had a baby. I’d like to meet her little one before he gets too big to hold. Greece, Italy, Iceland, the list goes on…

To describe the phenomenon that is Erin is a rather daunting task. Her talents are incalculable, and her attention to detail is absolutely extraordinary. She is constantly sharing behind-the-scenes pictures from set (most of the pictures I have used in this interview have come from her account), and she never misses a moment to recognize the others who share the set with her. Every time I ask a guest star or a regular actor on When Calls the Heart what they love about working on the show, they undeniably cite Erin as the one who welcomed them warmly to set and went out of her way to make them feel at ease. Furthermore, Erin’s interactions with the children on this series are some of my all-time favorite moments from her portrayal of Elizabeth. I believe every child in the cast mentions Erin as the adult they most adore on the show, and the fact that Erin takes the time to reach beyond herself and take on the role of “hostess” on this show is something I admire deeply in this marvelous, beautiful, endearing woman.

While I absolutely treasure all of the actors on When Calls the Heart, as anyone in the business knows, the lead actors are the ones who more often than not set the tone for the series and the time on set. While I only have ever shared a brief moment with Daniel, I can absolutely attest to the fact that Erin is the perfect symbol for what this show represents. Erin is one who thinks with her heart above all else, and no matter what happens on set, she is professional and attentive. While she is always willing to share a laugh with a fellow cast member, she is meticulous about ensuring that she is consistently at her best when the camera is rolling. And if she can be of service to anyone while on set, she is unfailingly one of the first to guarantee everything goes off without a hitch. While I have sometimes had a love-hate relationship with Elizabeth and Jack over the course of the series, it is Erin’s portrayal of this complex, irrepressible character known as Elizabeth that has endeared this character to my heart on so many occasions throughout the show’s history. I have nothing but the utmost respect for this woman who infuses her very soul into the role of Elizabeth in a way few actresses could in this day and age, and I applaud the meditative journey on which she has taken viewers for these past five years (and, of course, we’re hoping for at least five more!).

So please tune in tonight (April 15) to the Hallmark Channel in the U.S. or the Super Channel in Canada for the second-to-last episode of season five of When Calls the Heart. Next week’s season finale will come all too soon, but we can at least rest assured that season six is already guaranteed. I would also invite every one of my readers to visit all of Erin’s links below and consider following her on social media. If there is one person in the cast who derives such pleasure from posting self-deprecating, behind-the-scenes photos, it must be Erin! But don’t follow her merely for that reason. I mean, there’s her random posts, her outlandish attempts at humor (which can keep all of us in stitches, Erin herself included)… Oh, COME ON!! Who wouldn’t want to keep up with this effervescent, gifted woman? I mean, Erin Krakow is one of the most engaging Hallmark actresses out there, and we Hearties are just doggone blessed that she’s willing to put up with all of our antics and the barrage of tweets we send her on a regular basis! How that woman maintains her composure, her signature smile and her circumspect professionalism in her position is frankly beyond me! I cannot thank her enough for her dedication to this show and the network, and I know I am not alone in my estimation!

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