As I reflect on season one of the popular Hallmark show When Calls the Heart, I cannot help but remember one of the prominent characters from that first season. Certainly, I loved Elizabeth and Jack and Abigail just like anyone else…but who could forget Florence Blakeley with her flamboyant hats and her intrusive ways?! The actress who has brought Flo to life for all these seasons was one of the first actresses with whom I connected on the show (this is my sixth time to interview her), and to watch how Feisty Flo has grown over the past seasons is simply stupendous. In anticipation of the season finale of season seven (airing April 26th on the Hallmark Channel and Super Channel Heart & Home), it is my distinct pleasure to present my most recent virtual chat with Loretta Walsh, the woman who continues to captivate us all in Hope Valley.
RH: As one who has been a part of When Calls the Heart since season one, you have seen a lot of changes in the cast and crew over the seasons. What do you think has been the secret to keeping things going this many seasons despite those changes?
Some of the ladies of When Calls the Heart
LW: It’s hard to say what the “secret ingredient” has been for WCTH. I think we are all thrilled it has continued for seven seasons! I do know that this show has attracted a group of people both behind and in front of the camera who care deeply about the show and all want to contribute to its success. We also really have our own “Hope Valley” style community behind-the-scenes as well as in front of the camera, and I think that closeness translates through the wonderful storylines the writers create and the cast, crew and producers execute. It takes a village to create this show, and everyone is an important part of the show–including the Hearties!
Loretta Walsh Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
Last season, we gleaned more insight into Florence’s backstory. Any chance we’ll get some more of Flo’s backstory this season?
Season seven provides Florence with more mistakes and some growth for her. She has to overcome some personal problems in her work, but in the end, she will be stronger for it. The meaning of the name Florence is “to blossom, to flourish or prosper.” We will see Florence flourish and blossom in her job this season.
with Kayla
Florence and Fiona have bonded incredibly over the telephone in Hope Valley. Did you have any idea you and Kayla Wallace would bond in this way with your characters?
I’m very grateful that the writer took Florence in this direction. It was so great to see Florence go through the journey of judging Fiona when she first came to Hope Valley, and then having to change her opinion of her and the telephone so dramatically after Fiona sees something special in Florence and helped her grow by giving her a job and guiding her through the many challenges and mistakes Flo makes.
with Kayla behind-the-scenes
What is it like working with Kayla
Kayla is a darling. One of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, and she is beautiful inside and out. I love being a part of #TeamRingyDingy with her!
As we approach the season finale, what can you tease about this season overall for Florence?
More problems for Flo to overcome. She always has a challenge heading her way!
Eva Bourne, Loretta Walsh Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
Assuming that season eight happens, what would you like to see for Flo in her continuing story?
Season seven is about Florence blossoming in her professional life. If the show were to continue (which I hope it does!), I would love to go deeper into Florence’s personal life and see her find love again.
Photo Credit: @deneandale
with Johannah Newmarch (Molly)
Any actors you would like to share a scene with that you haven’t yet?
I’m really lucky that I tend to often get to work with most of the actors on the show at some point, but perhaps Henry or Jesse or Hickam?? I love it when unlikely pairs get together to solve Hope Valley problems, so maybe there is potential with one of the guys who I don’t often share screen time with. Oh, and of course, I would LOVE more time with the Taylor Twins. Who doesn’t adore those cuties?!
Last year, we saw you in Over the Moon in Love on Hallmark. While your role was not huge, this movie featured a glittering array of Vancouver talent. What was it like to work on that set? Any special memories?
With Jessica
I know the director Christie Will quite well and have worked with her before. I loved working on this set. The lead actress, Jessica Lowndes, was also the writer and is one of the most positive people I’ve ever met. She and the whole cast and crew really set a very welcoming tone to this set.
with Nelson
Everyone was very warm and kind and happy to be there. I was also so happy to connect with Nelson Wong, who is also a teacher at the acting studio I teach at.
You also guest-starred in Batwoman. What was it like working on that set (even though I know your role was somewhat brief)?
It was very fun to see the stunt people at work and everything they go through for their jobs. I already had much respect for them, but after working on this show, even more so. They truly put themselves at risk to perform incredible stunts, and they are very tough. The director, Holly Dale, was very warm and generous and knew very specifically what she wanted. It was a real pleasure to work with her.
We were shooting overnight, so I had to learn how to pace myself energetically as it can be a tougher environment to stay focused at 3 AM.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
Gabby Duran & the Unsittables
I am currently in a film called The Color Rose that is making the rounds on the festival circuit. I’m also in an episode of Gabby Duran & the Unsittables. I was a guest star on a recent episode of that show on the Disney Channel.
I know you keep active on stage when you can as well. Why do you believe it is important for movie/TV actors to be involved in the theater?
I think it’s an individual preference on whether to do theater or not, but for me, it is my first love. I love the preparation, the community of putting a show together, and getting the chance to perform the work for more than one day to see how it changes and develops over time with an audience. I would say it has made me stronger as an actor to have to work and learn up to two hours of dialogue at one time.
Although it is a big challenge to be in the theater, it is also thrilling, and I love it.
Photo Credit: @ricardo.hubbs.photo
It has been a joy to see you at the Hearties Family Reunion. What do you enjoy about being a part of that convention?
It’s so lovely to meet or reconnect with fans of WCTH and to hear them talk about what they love about the show in person. So much positivity and heart in one room…I love it!
I know there is much talk about a musical episode of When Calls the Heart. If that did happen, how would you envision that happening?
I would love that, but I have no idea. Gotta leave it in the very capable writers’ hands.
What is your favorite season of the year and why?
Summer. I’m from Australia, and I never seem to feel warm here in Canada. The height of summer is very energizing for me. Maybe it reminds me of my childhood??
behind-the-scenes
Loretta is one of the most benevolent, talented, savvy individuals in the Vancouver film community today, and her spunky nature, her resolute work ethic, as well as her overall joie de vivre, combine to make her the kind of industry professional that any set or stage would be blessed to have work with them. While her character on When Calls the Heart has never been one of the most central characters, together with Molly (Johannah), they are one of the most foundational elements of the town’s culture and character. Loretta has taken a role that could have readily become a “Mrs. Oleson” of sorts and transformed her into an indispensable part of Hope Valley. Hearties are charmed to see that Florence, like Rosemary, tends to think with her heart and is often too immersed within the stories of her fellow Hope Valley residents. Much of her past remains an enigma, but her strength of character, as well as her ability to alter her behavior while loosening the emotional and societal shackles which have kept her from flourishing, have established her as a force with whom to be reckoned. Loretta personifies all that is good and wholesome in Hope Valley with a little bit of humor and concern along the way. I am grateful that the show has kept her around all this time, and we can only hope that should a season eight happen, it may finally be the season in which Flo is ready to move on and take a chance on love again.
Consider this your official invitation to the season seven finale of When Calls the Heart, airing Sunday, April 26th on the Hallmark Channel and Super Channel Heart & Home. It is my desire that my readers will tune in and watch what is certain to be the most gripping season finale yet while visiting Loretta’s links below and following her where applicable. I have no idea what is on the horizon for this remarkably gifted woman, but I know that Loretta is one who will proceed to share her talent on stage, TV, and film as long as she still has breath within her body. In truth, it boggles the mind to witness the increasing success she is experiencing as each year passes. Indisputably, Loretta is a testament to the fact that accomplished women can still experience the comforts and joys of married and parent life while maintaining a fruitful career in the world of film and TV, and I hope that all of us Hearties will further support her as we benefit from all the entertainment and amazing characterizations she provides for us every year, no matter the show or network!
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CHECK OUT MY PAST INTERVIEWS WITH LORETTA
Interview With Actress Loretta Walsh, “When Calls the Heart”
Interview With Actress Loretta Walsh, “When Calls the Heart”
Loretta, Johannah, Andrea Brooks
Interview With Actress Loretta Walsh, “When Calls the Heart”
Team Flo-Mo
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