Anyone who is aware of my affinity for all things Hallmark is cognizant of my adoration for the All Of My Heart series (starring both Brennan Elliott and Lacey Chabert). I readily admit I was beyond elated to discover that the third installment would soon be available to us devoted fans of this heartfelt series. Moreover, while much of the talent was able to return for this illustrious sequel, there are a few new cast members, and one of them happens to be the charming and gifted Pauline Egan. In truth, her face is not new to the Hallmark network, and as a result of our recent interview, I discovered even more connections to our beloved channel. In anticipation of the premiere of All Of My Heart: The Wedding this weekend (September 29th) on the Hallmark Channel, I am exultant to share this dynamic actress who is an absolutely perfect fit with the network in every aspect of her life.

Photo by Justin Rain

RH: Pauline, it is so good to speak with you today. And welcome to the cast of the beloved All Of My Heart series.

PE: Ruth, thank you for reaching out. It is an honor to be a part of this Hallmark series.

It is such a special series to me. I’ve been a part of that group who has been pushing for a regular series from the beginning. We were so happy when we got part two last year, and now part three is almost upon us!

Well, then I want to pass along to the entire group of fans who have been supporting this series my sincerest gratitude. Thank you for making this a reality for all of us. We wouldn’t be here without you.

That’s so sweet of you, Pauline. We’re very honored to have helped bring the series about. 

It’s been great to see the passion of the fans online about this series. I know I haven’t seen everything that has been posted, but what I have seen is amazing.

Since you are from Australia originally, is that where you received your earliest acting training and experience?

Yes, I grew up in a small town in Southeast Queensland. In fact, I actually grew up on a dairy farm, so it’s funny that the character I’m playing in this upcoming film is scared of goats! I mean, I grew up around animals. As I was growing up, my mom started her own amateur musical society. I was around three or four years old at the time. I started out doing plays with her. She was directing plays, and she was also an opera singer and was in some of these musicals as well. That’s how I was exposed to that creative world of the stage and musical theater from such a young age.

But I didn’t get exposed to film and TV at all during that time because where I was, there were no film or TV acting classes. When I left high school, I was really intrigued by the world and the phenomenon of filmmaking and the way all these little pieces come together to make these beautiful stories. And these stories are moments that are captured in time forever that people can look back on, and that always fascinated me. So when I was about eighteen years old, I did my first short film. I was also in a dance troupe, so we danced in music video clips. That’s how I was exposed to this art form in a few different ways. Then I started taking acting classes as I started to discover my love for that medium. I took acting classes in Australia, and then I moved to Canada when I was twenty-three. Since then, I’ve been in Vancouver and LA and I have played all kinds of characters–British, Australian, American, Canadian, German…I’ve been really fortunate.

What was the reason you came to Canada from Australia?

Well, I was exposed to the magic of American and Canadian TV as I was growing up…especially Christmas movies, like the white Christmas and the snow and all that. After all,  that concept is foreign to me in Australia, where it is swelteringly hot at Christmastime. So I felt quite magical about the North American Christmas movies, and I wanted to explore the industry over here. In Australia, the industry’s a bit smaller if you don’t grow up in the big city or the hub of Australian film and television scene and it’s quite hard to make your way into it. Whereas I felt like comparatively over here in Canada and Los Angeles, there’s so much content being made, and it’s pretty welcoming of people from all over the world as long as you can do an accent. They’re willing to hire you if you can do an American accent. So I felt like there might be a greater chance for me to live my dream quicker and get my career going more easily over here given the plethora of avenues and the amount of work that is available. I also felt like I had a look that suited the British and American screens rather than the Australian screen. While it has been a dream of mine to make it in Australia, I guess I’ve gone the other way around.

I’ve talked to many people who have come to Canada and LA from Australia and have made it here rather than there, and it always fascinates me. I mean, Australia is clear over on the other side of the world, but those I’ve spoken with have said pretty much the same thing you have. It seems to be harder to make it in Australia.

Yeah, I think it has changed in recent years, but when I was in my twenties, things were different. There is the chance that if I was growing up there now, I might have stayed and tried to make it in Australia since the content is much more diverse now than when I left. When I was there, the content was much more gritty and in the horror genre and very much the Aussie, dark drama. Which is wonderful and incredible. But I was always wanting to see more colors, like comedy and romance and sci-fi. But when I was there, those genres were not available, but I’m so glad to see my home country putting out more diverse content now. I’m excited to see where it continues to go in that regard, and hopefully, I can make a film back in Australia sometime. That would be a dream of mine.

Well, you never know. Hallmark has done a lot of location filming recently, such as in Fiji and South Africa, so I don’t think Australia is out of the question. Now, I noticed that you had some early success in Vancouver in the genre of sci-fi.

Sanctuary

Yes, that was my first-ever professionally-paid TV role. It was on the show Sanctuary back when I first arrived in North America. I played a British doctor/werewolf, and she was a recurring character. That was really fun, and that was my first exposure to working on a sci-fi project.

I was very impressed by the fans. The fans of sci-fi in general are just phenomenal people, and I feel like I’m getting that same sense from the Hallmark family as well. They’re both real communities of diverse people from all over the world. Both fandoms are very loving and supportive and very positive. It’s one of those things where you realize that our work is nothing without you, the fans. I think it’s so important for actors and filmmakers to remember the audience that supports and encourages your work. Those fans are your family. But what makes it so rewarding and fulfilling is to see the impact and the inspiration that you might be able to bring to other people because of these devoted fans.

I couldn’t agree with you more, Pauline. I have gotten to know the sci-fi community as well as the Hallmark community, and I couldn’t ask for better fandoms. Both of them are simply incredible. I am a latecomer to the sci-fi genre, but now, some of my favorite shows are in that genre. In fact, one of those shows is Siren.

Oh, yes, I have a good friend on that show. Hannah Levien, who is also from Australia.

Yes, I’ve gotten to interview her as well as Rena Owen, who is actually from New Zealand, as well. So I see you have also appeared on Supernatural. 

Oh yes, that was fun. I actually watched that show all the time while I was in Australia. That was the second show I ever worked on here in North America. It was really exciting to get to be on that show because it was a show I really loved back home. I think it was cool to be able to watch it back home, jump on a plane, and then a few months later to be on set shooting it.

Supernatural

One of the things that fascinates me is this unusual crossover I’ve noticed with Hallmark and Supernatural fans. The shows are rather dissimilar, and yet many are huge fans of both genres. I know many of the actors work on both since both are shot in Vancouver. 

It’s interesting you bring that up. I know that even though both shows are visually completely different and the genres are so diverse, I feel like the underlying themes and messages that you get from both contain beautiful messages at the end of both. And I feel like while a lot of the sci-fi fans are looking for ways to enter new exciting mystical worlds that can act like an escapism, I think they’re also looking for stories that resonate with them and that actually do tell their own stories but maybe in a different way. They are looking for that story that resonates with them on a personal level. I can understand how there would be some kind of crossover between the two. I would say there is a lightness and a depth to both sci-fi and Hallmark. You have that happy-go-lucky quality, but there’s always a really deep, meaningful message in it and the characters are always trying to find their way over adversity in a world that’s been upset either in this world or one beyond.

I have definitely become a sci-fi fan in recent years, and one thing I can always see is that the main characters are constantly trying to do the right thing. They come in contact with evil in both genres. Of course, sci-fi is darker and often more disturbing. But regardless, you always see that doing the right thing is emphasized in both genres, and at the end, good triumphs over evil. I really like that. 

Yes, it’s all about keeping the moral compass intact even through adversity and whatever unfortunate things life might throw at you. The characters have to try to keep their core values and stay true to themselves and what’s right. And our hope is always that these characters will get through those difficult times and inspire us to do the same thing.

Your first Hallmark movie was actually the first of the Murder, She Baked films–A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery. 

With Ali Sweeney

Yes, that’s right. What a great way to enter the Hallmark family. And it was nice because I was able to participate as one of those characters who isn’t the real crux of the story, but I got to come in and kind of get a feel for the whole Hallmark world and the people involved and that family on set. It was great to get to experience all that, and it was a nice introduction to the way things go and how quickly things move on a Hallmark project. And getting to work with Ali Sweeney was really cool because I grew up watching her. So when I told one of my sisters that I was working with “Sami” from Days of Our Lives, she was so excited. When I was in my teens, I used to watch her, and now I was working with her! So it was nice to share a scene or two with her. She was just lovely.

And your second Hallmark movie was also a huge fan favorite.  A December Bride. 

A December Bride
Behind-the-scenes

Oh yes, I loved being a part of that film. It was so fun. And I got to get married in it too, which made it even more fun. It’s funny. In these last two movies I’ve made for Hallmark, as I look back, in that one, I was the cousin, that was essentially the villain. And then more recently, with this upcoming All Of My Heart: The Wedding, again, I’m the cousin who causes some trouble. {laughs} Something seems to be unfolding with my casting in Hallmark movies.

Well, that does happen sometimes. But with A December Bride, that is a popular film with the Hearties community since Daniel Lissing is in it. 

I am very familiar with the Hearties community. And I’m connected. Loretta Walsh is my sister-in-law.

Oh my goodness, really? We love Loretta! 

When Calls the Heart is a wonderful show. It is such a sweet and visually stunning series. That is one Hallmark series that I have not had the opportunity to work on as of yet, but I would absolutely love to work on the series. I love period pieces. And another cool thing is that Peter DeLuise directed me in Sanctuary and so did Martin Wood. And both are directors on When Calls the Heart.

The cast of A December Bride

Well, since you’re that connected to the cast and crew, I agree. The Hearties would love you! And of course, in A December Bride, even though Daniel is no longer a part of the When Calls the Heart series, he is still well-loved, and the Hearties love this movie. 

I am definitely aware of the Hearties, and they are a fantastic fan base. I think part of the issue has been that I haven’t had the opportunity to be in When Calls the Heart because I have been out of the country during the past couple years with my organization.

Oh, really? I wasn’t aware of that! Would you like to elaborate?

Well, I went down to Africa before I filmed A December Bride. That was back in 2015. It was my first trip, and I went down there for four months. We worked with five communities and got clean water and sanitation in five schools in rural Mozambique. Then I flew back to Canada. I got the role on A December Bride. Then a few months later, I went to Africa for the second trip. I stayed there for three months. Then I did it one more time the following year which was last year, and that was for five months. So this is my first full year back at acting. I’ve been missing the acting, but I’ve been trying to find a balance between my two loves, the creative love and my love of humanitarian work. But I really needed this time to get back to the creative realm because I’ve been missing out a lot. And thankfully God gifted me this wonderful role on All Of My Heart. As soon as I asked for it, I received that wonderful gift. So here I am!

A December Bride

That’s amazing! So what can you tell us about this organization? 

This an organization that I run along with an American gentleman who founded it. It’s called Water Underground.

I love the fact that you are doing this and involved with a nonprofit organization like this. And it’s so great that All Of My Heart: The Wedding is your return to acting. 

Having this role was honestly a beautiful, wonderful gift. I had a few mornings driving to set where I had a little cry to myself just out of gratitude.

I understand that kind of feeling. When you just feel so blessed that the emotions are overwhelming. I’ve been there myself. Now back to the movie, we recently got to see some previews of the movie. If people saw those previews, they probably know a little bit about your character. And it seems like you might be the “bad guy” in this movie.

Yes, my character does stir up some trouble for the Brian and Jenny. Everything is just so perfect between these two until I come along. {laughs}

Well, we understand there has to be some conflict, even in these sweet Hallmark movies. Otherwise, it can become so unrealistic that you might lose interest.

Photo: Lacey Chabert, Pauline Egan Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

You know, there is a book called The Prophet, and in that book, it talks about how you can’t truly know joy without truly knowing sorrow or pain. And that is true in life. How can you really feel the truest sense of joy or happiness if you’ve never felt the opposite? It is the only way you can really appreciate it or put it into perspective. I feel like when these movies have a good story… and every Hallmark movie has a wonderful message, but it’s always about having to go through a hard time in order to come out the other side feeling more grateful and getting some unexpected gift out of the difficulties. In the case of All Of My Heart, maybe it’s getting a family member you never knew about. I think maybe some people might be able to relate to that.

This was also your first time to work with Brennan Elliott and Lacey Chabert.

That’s right, and it was my first time to get to play a supporting lead. And getting to work with Lacey…again, I grew up watching Lacey in Party of Five in Australia, and to work with her was such a joy. To me, she is the sweetest person in real life. Exactly what you see on screen is what you get. And the same goes for Brennan. He is just a remarkable human being. And working with them both every day…I mean, if you can call it work. They made going to work every day just so wonderful. Every day on set was amazing. There was laughter, joy and love. It was just all things that a whole movie-in-the-making should be.

Well, now Brennan and Lacey are like the “power couple” of Hallmark since they are making these All Of My Heart films as well as The Crossword Mystery films. Hallmark knows they have a good thing going with this couple. And then we have other actors who have been there from the beginning of the series such as Heather Doerksen.

Ambrosia
With Heather Doerksen

Yes, Heather is one of my best friends! That was a gift when I got the surprise news that she was doing the same movie. That was another blessing. I met her on the first movie I ever did in Canada, which was back in 2010 or 2011. It was an indie film, and her and I were cast in the film together. We’ve been friends since then, and we’ve never worked together again until this movie. It was just wonderful getting to work with her on set again after all this time.

That’s just so sweet. I know that the executive producer, Beth Grossbard, says this movie is something really special. 

Yes, we all could tell that this movie really means something to her. When you watch her watch the clips back and she gets teary-eyed, it’s really special to see that. It’s not just another movie to her.

It will be interesting to see what happens to your character because, of course, we know that in Hallmark, everything typically works out. And we know we get a wedding in this film based on the title alone. But with Hallmark, it’s always about the journey to the ending. 

And let me say that I feel like with this storyline and the dynamic of my character, it makes me feel like my character is going to be very relatable for a lot of families. Family is complex, and no matter what, we love our families. The family we’ve known our whole lives and maybe the family we’ve never known. There’s always going to be a connection there, and it’s never easy especially for the partner. For instance, Brennan’s character Brian, as we watch his journey and he tries to navigate Jenny’s new family member, it’s a bit rough for him. After all, he’s protective of his wife-to-be.

It’s a really difficult position for all three of them because in the end, I don’t believe my character, Meg, is a bad person. And I hope when everyone watches that they don’t see her like that. I think she hasn’t had a real easy life. She’s become very lonely and she’s heartbroken. She kind of learned to shut down emotionally to protect herself. But I think she’s gonna get a little more than she’s bargained for with this pair,  who are the sweetest, most loving people, and I hope the fans are able to empathize with Meg. She’s not a bad person; she’s maybe just misunderstood. She needs a little guidance perhaps and a little help to sort of find her way. I tend to think she has more redeeming qualities than my character in A December Bride did.

I’m with you, Pauline, and I think people will get there at the end. There are lots of characters like this in Hallmark movies who start out as not so nice, but by the end, they’re reformed. And even if the fans don’t like your character, hopefully, they’ll like you. 

I know that my character, Jessica Evans, in A December Bride was not well-liked by the fans. There was a bit of an uprising amongst the fans and some asked me why I stole Jessica Lowndes’ fiance. But I have a sense that this character, Meg, the fans will give her more of a chance and get to know her. Maybe they won’t like her at first, but by the end, I am hoping they will. Or at least they’ll understand her.

And for the record, your character in A December Bride, I don’t see her as a bad person. After all, had she not stolen the fiance, then the two main characters wouldn’t have gotten together. And those two were supposed to get together. 

Exactly! Sometimes we don’t understand why things happen the way they do until later.

Right! I don’t feel like your character intended to steal her cousin’s fiance. But once she met him, they fell in love. 

That’s right! Layla and Seth were always meant to be together. My character, Jessica, just had to bring them together, even if it was in a roundabout way that was a bit unpleasant at first.

So is there anything else upcoming that you can mention?

Nothing I can talk about. But keep watching out for any announcements from me because once I can share my next work, I will. But in addition to my organization, Water Underground, I am also doing the Climb For Alzheimer’s. The event happens on September 30th, and I am raising money for the event until then. You can check out my link below along with the link to my organization.

That’s awesome, Pauline! We are so excited to All Of My Heart: The Wedding this weekend, and I thank you for taking the time to chat with me today.

Truly a pleasure, Ruth. You and the fans are so incredibly supportive and welcoming. I can hardly wait to see what everyone thinks of our movie!

Photo by Claire Garner

I honestly don’t know where to begin when extolling the manifold virtues of this inspirational woman, for to say that she and I connected during our chat is the understatement of the year. Pauline is one of those exceptional people who is not only insanely talented in an extensive variety of fields, but she is intelligent, charming, engaging, and genuinely kind-hearted. In conversing with her, I found myself pondering many points she had raised, even long after our chat ended, and her charity work is a tangible demonstration of her compassionate nature. Not only is she immensely grateful for all the gifts that God has bequeathed to her over the course of her life and career, but she is committed to giving back whenever and as often as she can. And that in of itself is a motivating attribute of hers that prompts me to remember to keep my eyes open to potential needs which I may be ideally suited to meet, even if it means going out of my way to do so.

I sincerely hope that as many people as possible have made plans to tune in on Saturday night (September 29th) to the Hallmark Channel for the highly-anticipated All Of My Heart: The Wedding premiere. Additionally, please check out all of Pauline’s links below and consider not only following her, but supporting her work in any way you are able. I was honored to already donate to the Climb For Alzheimer’s since so many of my Vancouver friends are a part of this event, and I am definitely going to investigate her Water Underground charity as well. As one who has been influencing and affecting others all over the world through her various talents, gifts, abilities, and opportunities, Pauline stands as a paragon of generosity and goodwill, and I greatly anticipate the day when we will see her face on even more Hallmark programs, including When Calls the Heart. (I mean, come on, it’s a no-brainer! She would be the ideal fit!) But regardless, no matter what God has in store for this astounding young lady, I do believe she is becoming a genuine favorite amongst the fans across the genres, and I can hardly wait to support every one of her future works on Hallmark and elsewhere!

FOLLOW PAULINE

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SUPPORT PAULINE

Website

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Her upcoming Climb for Alzheimer’s (in honor of her mum)

If anyone wants, they can also add Water Underground to Amazon Smile so that they get donations whenever you shop at smile.amazon.com.

They also have a partnership with Ralphs! If people link their Ralph’s grocery store card to Water Underground as their chosen community contribution they donate a percentage to charity.

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