Once in a while, when watching a television show or a film, there is an actor or actress that just tends to emanate effortlessly from the screen. And when I was watching Hallmark’s Appetite For Love earlier this year, that is precisely what happened with the actress Fiona Vroom. Not only did she have a name that was fascinating (I am always drawn to names that are unusual), but her portrayal in this film was so engaging that whenever she was on screen, I found myself observing her and scrutinizing her character’s interactions with the other characters in the film. As I began to do my research, I discovered that this actress has been involved with so many prodigious projects that I yearned to know more about her as an actress and a person. And because of her gracious and humble nature, she recently agreed to answer some questions about her diverse works as well as a little about her approach to acting in general.

What inspired you to become an actress?

When I was young, I loved playing dress up. My grandma had a chest full of gowns and gloves and hats. Playing in the “Tacky Trunk” – that’s what my sisters and I called it – was a big inspiration. Becoming different characters and making up stories was my favourite thing to do. Actually, it is STILL my favourite thing to do. Nothing has changed. Wardrobe is still one of the best parts about my job.

As you have been involved  with several Hallmark works, what has your experience been like working for this brand?

Hallmark is a really great network. The stories that I get to be a part of are always heart-warming, relatable and nice. I always come home after work feeling great. It’s so wonderful to be part of “Happy Endings.”  I usually play the best friend, or the quirky sister to the lead. So it’s often my character’s job to help someone find their way back to love, or home, or whatever it is they are struggling with. And I love being that person.

As you have now been in two of Hallmark’s mystery films, what do you like about their brand of mystery films? What was it like working with Candace Cameron Bure and Lori Loughlin?

It’s totally fun being part of a murder mystery. Playing someone who has a secret? Are you kidding? It’s a dream come true! And I can say the same for both actresses Candace and Lori. They were both calm and graceful throughout the whole ride. Dream team.  Lori was cracking jokes the whole time. It was great.

What was it like working on Appetite for Love?

I’ve known Marcus Rosner – he played Reed – for years. We studied with Andrew MacIlroy together in Vancouver. This was our first time on set together, and it was great watching him work. He’s really such a sweet guy. And easy on the eyes !!! But I was totally star-struck when I was on set with Alley Mills. I love her. She actually was kind enough to run lines with me while we were on set, and help me out with a coaching for an audition I had the next day. What a generous and magical woman she is.

I understand you have a Hallmark film coming up this month. Please tell us what you can about that.

I just finished shooting one called A Time to Dance, starring Jennie Garth and Vancouver’s one and only Dan Payne. It’s a bittersweet story of high school sweethearts, who postpone their separation when they find out their daughter is  getting married. I play Jennie’s sister, Beth. She has given up on love herself, and about to enter the world of spinsterhood, but in all the wedding planning and being by her sister’s side, she meets the man of her dreams–her sister’s, husband’s best friend. It was really fun to shoot. I would be Jennie’s sister again in a heart beat. She was a dream to work with. And has a really goofy sense of humour. We hit it off right away.

As you have played a wide variety of roles in your career so far, how do you go about preparing for each of these roles? Is there a certain thought process or way of preparing because it always seems you make your character memorable. 

Thank you ! That’s so nice. I definitely always bring as much of myself, my own characteristics, to all my roles. And that is a constant learning process. The better I know myself, the more discoveries I make, the better actor I become. The more I live my life, the better actor I become. And like I mentioned before, wardrobe.

For example, my character Vicky Monroe, in A&E’s Bates Motel, is a Channel suit. As soon as I put on that suit, I became Vicky. It really changes your posture. I started out as a dancer. I did ballet for fifteen years. So to find some sort of physicality to play with really helps me. Even if it’s just a posture. That is very important. It’s the backbone of who you are. So in other words, my main ingredients for working are:

1- Know who you are.
2- Wardrobe
3-Physicality

Any plans or thoughts to write, direct, or produce now or eventually?

I love that you asked that. I have actually co-produced my own web series before–The True Heroines. It’s about 1950’s housewives with superhero powers. It was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award and a Leo Award in 2013. It won the Leo. And I was also nominated for my acting in the series. I learned a lot in the process. Will I produce again? Absolutely. It’s a great feeling having more creative control over your work. But it’s a lot of work. I recommend that every actor do it at least once, so they know how the whole production comes together. I think that is really important.

Any other upcoming works you can mention?

YES, Hallmark’s Runaway Princess will be coming out around Christmastime. I will be appearing this summer in Paramount’s Star Trek Beyond, which comes out in theatres July 22nd. And a Nicolas Cage Film called Army of One. It’s A comedy starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, Rainn Wilson, and Russell Brand. Larry Charles directed it–he is so cool. He’s beyond cool. Universal’s Kindergarten Cop 2 is coming out May 17th in the US. And there’s a big feature film here in Vancouver in which I work with Elizabeth Banks,  but I can’t say yet what it is.

Following this delightful interview, I can say unequivocally that Fiona is someone who relishes every moment of her chosen profession, and her love of acting just flows from her innermost being into whatever role she happens to tackle. I greatly anticipate seeing her star rise higher as more audacious opportunities head her way in the years to come. Be sure to check out all of her upcoming works, but don’t forget to tune into the Hallmark Mysteries & Movies channel this Sunday, May 15th, to see her in the premiere of A Time to Dance, as it is sure to be something beyond memorable.

Also, don’t forget to follow her life and career via the links below:

https://twitter.com/fionavroom

https://www.facebook.com/fiona.vroom

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2922677/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

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