I do not remember when I first saw the talented and vivacious Karen Holness, but I have no doubt that Hallmark was what introduced me to this incredible beauty. I have been attempting to interview her for quite some time, and finally, my dreams came true this past week when I was able to briefly chat with her about her career and upcoming works. As expected, she was a delight, and it is my honor to share this interview with my readers today.
RH: Karen, I am so glad to finally be able to chat with you! I’ve been following your work for quite some time.
KH: Aw, that’s so sweet, thank you, Ruth. Nice to chat with you too.
I would say that Hallmark is what introduced me to your work, but I have been seeing you in lots of things and enjoying them so much. I know I’ve seen you on Lifetime, UP, and even in some of your guest star roles. But you have done a lot of Hallmark!
Yes, I sure have. We’re very lucky here in Vancouver that Hallmark loves our city and does a lot of filming here.
My mom and I both usually watch Hallmark together, and you are one actress who my mom may not know by name, but she definitely recognizes you. And I know a lot of the Hallmark fans recognize you and enjoy seeing you as well.
That is so great to hear.
How did you get started in acting?
You know what? I feel like I have been doing it all my life. I come from a family of storytellers. I come from a small town in Jamaica. My dad was quite the storyteller. He was always acting out every person and every part of the story at all times and keeping everybody entertained. He loved being the center of attention, and he loved music and dance. So that just translated to me and my sisters. We loved to tell stories through performing arts. I guess that’s where it all started.
I also started taking dance lessons from the time I was very young. I transferred to a professional dance school when I was fifteen. I had been going to high school in downtown Toronto. And then I transferred to the professional school in downtown Toronto. At the time, it was called the Ballet Jazz and then Studio Dance Theater. Now it’s now called the Randolph Dance Theater. For my final year of high school, I transferred to a performing arts high school called Watson Performing Arts High School. I was a dance and acting major with a music elective.
So you said you were born in Jamaica.
Yes, and we moved to Toronto when I was five, almost six. As an interesting side note, while I was born in Jamaica, I am of Spanish, European, and Aboriginal descent.
Wow, that’s quite an interesting background. I’ve always thought that you had a unique, beautiful look that is very distinctive. I honestly would never mistake you for anyone else, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Thank you, Ruth, that’s a sweet way of putting it.
I noticed you were a professional dancer first, isn’t that right?
Yes, I was actually in Chicago. I danced in the “Cell Block Tango.” As well as many live musical performances.
Dreamgirls
That is so cool. I was a music teacher, and I’ve taken some dance classes, but that skill didn’t come naturally to me. Growing up, dance was not a part of my culture.
Interesting. And with my culture, it would be rare that there would be a day where we didn’t dance!
So is dancing how you began in the business?
Yes, it is. And I have to say that now because I teach a scene study class from time to time, I find that when I have a student that comes in that has a dance or music background or even a sports/athletic background, I find that they are more at ease. I believe those disciplines prepare you for the realization that you’ve got to put the time in to see the results. With acting a lot of times, people sometimes just think, “Oh, I need to be pretty and say words.” That does work for some people. In fact, it may work if you are given material that resonates with you right away. But when you have to make something else come to life that you don’t know about or you have to do some research on it and dig deep and make some parallels, then it’s really up to you to get the tools and techniques so you can create that in your role.
I definitely saw that when I was teaching music. Those with a performing arts background always seemed to have an easier time when we were putting on musicals. I have also noticed that a lot of people who become actors do have a sports background, and I find that quite interesting.
I agree with you there.
What was your first professional acting credit?
I think my first credits were commercials. I remember I did a Coca Cola commercial first, I think. And then I did a Hanes commercial. But my first memorable acting role was actually the credit that got me into the union, and I was so stoked about it. It was when I was eighteen, and it was an in-house video for tourism, if I remember right. It was in the section of what not to do. {laughs} It was the section where the customer was like, “I can’t find this,” and they are very frustrated, and what my character did was, “Oh, great to see you today, sir. Let me…” In other words, I was very upbeat when someone was really frustrated, which would make them more frustrated. I showed exactly what NOT to do. Oh my gosh! I remember that day!
I’ve been trying to figure out what your first Hallmark credit was since you had two that came out the same year.
I’m not a hundred percent sure, but I think it was Wedding Planner Mystery. But I could be wrong.
Yeah, it was either that one or Recipe For Love.
Well, I know I shot Wedding Planner Mystery first.
Good, we’ll go with that one then. So were you familiar with the Hallmark network before you made your first movie with them?
Wedding Planner Mystery
Absolutely. In fact, I remember one time going to visit my sister in the U.S. because we don’t have the Hallmark Channel in Canada. But I had seen some of their movies on the Women’s Network. So I visited with my sister, and she was there with her mother-in-law. They were hustling and bustling to get everyone and the kids together, and they said, “That movie comes on at two o’clock.” And I was like, “What movie?” And they were like, “Oh, it’s on Hallmark.” And I was like, “What? Hustling for Hallmark?” I mean, we didn’t have that in Canada. But I actually sat and watched with them, and I was like, “Oh, this is fun.” I feel like that my introduction to Hallmark movies. That was super fun.
And once you made your first Hallmark movie, they kept bringing you back. I would say that you have become a regular in the supporting cast of their movies. However, I didn’t actually count how many Hallmark movies you’ve done.
I think I’ve done around twenty.
That sounds about right. You’ve done romances and mysteries with the network. Now, while this wasn’t Hallmark, I want to be sure to ask you about being in the movie Flight 93.
Flight 93
Oh, definitely. It was an amazing movie to be a part of. It’s something very close to my heart. This movie is a very meaningful story, and I have a personal connection to it. You see, I was in New York on 9/11. I was actually in Manhattan. I was at 48th and 8th, fifty blocks from Ground Zero. Even though I didn’t see the buildings come down with my own eyes, I experienced the ash that was covering Manhattan. In fact, there were only Manhattanites left in the city for three days ’cause nothing was going in or out of the Island. People had gone out to Queens or Jersey or wherever, and they were not being allowed back in. I had also gone to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan right after high school. For me, New York is the center of the universe.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Higher Ground
And then it was amazing seeing how people banded together to help the city. Two instances that stand out to me…that night, I went to several places to give blood because we were so hopeful on that first day that there would be plenty of survivors. We didn’t want to embrace the fact that there wouldn’t be a lot of survivors. So instead, we decided to do what we could to help. Every first responder, nurse, paramedic, firefighter, everyone was on duty. I went to give blood, and there were no supplies left because of how many people had showed up to give blood and were ready to do their part. Furthermore, in the next couple of days, being at a restaurant and overhearing conversations about how somebody’s cousin who’s in Chicago was going to get the first flight back in to do their part…you know, that was just incredible. It just really spoke to the heart of the city as well. I will never forget that time. So then years later to be a part of the movie Flight 93 was just spectacular.
I’m so glad I asked you about that, Karen! That’s incredible. I have seen Flight 93. and everyone I’ve ever talked to who was a part of that movie said it was such a special, amazing experience.
Yes, I agree with that in so many ways.
What other works do you have coming up that we can look forward to?
Well, it’s been a very busy beginning to this year. I was working on three episodes of The 100, and you will actually see me in six episodes in this upcoming season. Such a great show to be a part of on the CW. I am playing Blythe Ann, and my story begins on episode three of this upcoming season, which starts on April 30th and continues through mid-May. I am definitely playing one of the weirdest characters that I have ever played. I call Blythe Ann deep and delicious. And working on that show was amazing. Such a huge production and everyone is truly committed to their respective roles on set.
My Mom’s Letter From Heaven
And then today (April 20th), there is a Lifetime movie premiering called My Mom’s Letter From Heaven. It is one of these projects that is very close to my heart. I know it has the potential to reach people and touch people’s hearts. That is something that is very important to me as an actor, to know that I’m part of storytelling that’s meaningful. The story is about a single father who has a troublesome relationship with his rebellious teenage daughter. When a lost letter written to the daughter from her dying mother is miraculously found, everything starts to turn around. I love the fact that it is inspired by a true story. I get to play Maggie, and this is my first time ever to play a hero. I think you’ll see a lot of surprises from Maggie in this film.
My Mom’s Letter From Heaven
Oh, I am so excited about that movie, Karen! I saw that it stars my friend Jaime Callica and Cindy Busby, and I noticed your name listed in it too! Now, we recently saw you in two new mystery series, Ruby Herring Mysteries and Chronicle Mysteries.
Yes! I will be shooting the next Chronicle Mysteries movie next month.
Oh, I’m so happy about that, Karen!
I haven’t heard about there being any more Ruby Herring Mysteries right now.
Chronicle Mysteries
I haven’t officially, but reading between the lines, I think there will be more. I’ve heard rumblings that there might be more in the works.
I hope so!
And I just hope that we keep seeing you in more works, especially Hallmark movies.
Travelers
Me too, Ruth. But I do happen to remember that I have a couple of other things coming up that I want to be sure to mention. I am also a singer, and that is something that helped me book my role in Always Be My Maybe which will be available on Netflix in May. This movie stars Ali Wong, Keanu Reeves, Randall Park, and Daniel Dae Kim. I play Kathy, a Diana Ross Impersonator, who ends up in some interesting situations. You can also check out my work on Travelers on Netflix. I was directed by Amanda Tapping in several episodes, and she is the same person who directed me on The 100.
Always Be My Maybe
Also, there’s a feature film called The Art of Racing In the Rain. Watch out for that one. I play a veterinarian, and I got to work with Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, and Gary Cole.
And in case you haven’t, be sure to check out Benchwarmers 2. Lots of Vancouver favorites in that one. And there’s an independent film called Torn that will be on the film festival circuit this fall.
That makes me so happy, Karen! So much of your work coming up for us to enjoy! I also want to say that personally, I am so glad to see Hallmark is beginning to diversify their casts more.
I am so happy too!! Yay!!
Christmas On Holly Lane
And I don’t want to forget to tell you that seeing you in Christmas On Holly Lane was such a special treat this past Christmas too.
Aw, thank you, such a special movie. I’m grateful so many people enjoyed it. I’m very proud of that movie.
I think the Hallmark fans and I look forward to the day when we will see you in a leading role on Hallmark.
That would be fantastic.
But till then, we’ll look forward to your upcoming works!
Thank you, Ruth, for your support and the support of all the fans. I am trying to get better at social media, so I hope to see everyone on social media! And please tune in tonight for My Mom’s Letters From Heaven and let me know what you think!
Of course, I perceived that Karen would prove to be the phenomenal person and artist that she appears to be, and even though we didn’t speak long, there is no doubt that a genuine connection between us was made. The fact that she opened up and shared tidbits about her life and career for which I wasn’t even seeking made this chat of ours even richer and more impactful. She continues to be an inspiration in every aspect of her life and profession, and it thrills me to witness the current trajectory of her career. While her name may not be a “household name” amongst households nation- and worldwide, there is no doubt in my mind that she is fully capable of holding her own no matter the profusion of talent that surrounds her in any given situation. Her humility, grace, poise, and authenticity have served her well throughout the entire scope of her career, and I have no doubt that she will continue to be a force within the industry as she continues to pursue every goal and dream within her heart and mind.
If you are in the U.S., I invite you to tune into Lifetime tonight (4/20) for the premiere of My Mom’s Letter From Heaven (it repeats later tonight and tomorrow as well). I’m not certain when and where this movie will air in Canada, but I advise you to be on the lookout for it. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming season of The 100 and Karen’s enigmatic role (the series returns at the end of this month on the CW). Moreover, while you are attempting to schedule and watch everything that Karen has coming up, I invite you also to visit her links below and consider following her via social media if you are interested in keeping current with her news and shows/films. As a woman whose extensive list of credits in the business and her immense and unmitigated success continue to impress both the audiences and critics alike (not to mention her co-workers and agents), it would seem that she has become an established entity within the world of Hallmark and Lifetime with devoted fans worldwide. I can hardly wait for the day when she is the lead actress in a work built around her captivating triple-threat talent (acting, singing, and dancing), and as she inspires the upcoming generation of performers, I can hardly wait to see what is awaiting her in the near and distant future! And nothing on this earth could keep me from whole-heartedly supporting this rare and intuitive professional every step of the way!
FOLLOW KAREN
