A couple of years ago, I happened upon a stunning, talented Vancouver actress whom I had the privilege of seeing in a couple of Hallmark films, a Lifetime movie or two, and even an episode of Van Helsing. Right after my discovery of Rukiya Bernard, I sought her out and requested an interview, to which she happily agreed. Now that she has appeared in two acclaimed Hallmark movie series while maintaining her strong recurring role in the still popular Van Helsing (amongst other fantastic works), she has become somewhat of a household name amongst certain Hallmark and sci-fi fan groups, and I could not be more thrilled for her. In anticipation of her new Winterfest movie premiering this Saturday (January 12th) on the Hallmark Channel (One Winter Proposal), I am honored to share my recently updated interview with this phenomenal woman!
Photo by Kristine Cofsky
RH: Since our last interview, you have continued with your recurring role in Van Helsing. What do you enjoy most about being on this show and creating your role? Why do you believe the fans continue to come back to this show and support it so whole-heartedly?
Van Helsing
RB: Van Helsing is still trucking -I call it the little engine that could. We just got renewed for a fourth season, and one of my favourite parts in this whole process has been opening up the new season’s scripts and seeing what’s next in the show. And all of that wouldn’t be possible without the fan support. The “Helsingers” are a huge reason why we got a fourth season, and we’re grateful to them to be able to see what happens in this next chapter.
Rukiya Bernard, Ashley Williams, Holly Robinson Peete Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer
You have also appeared in a couple of beloved Hallmark Christmas movies: Christmas In Evergreen and Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa. What do you enjoy about being a part of this Christmas movie series? Why do you believe these films resonate with the fans so much?
Christmas in Evergreen was a special movie, and while we were filming it, you could tell. The whole cast got along like old friends immediately, and that’s pretty special when you get that kind of chemistry.
Colin Lawrence, Marlon Kazadi, Rukiya Bernard, Holly Robinson Peete Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Owen Strongman
Doing the second Evergreen: Letters To Santa, the same magic occurred, and it was a blast to make. I think this is why the audience really took to it; they could feel this magic, and that translates on screen and in the hearts.
Rukiya Bernard, Taylor Cole, Dewshane Williams, Jack Turner Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steven Ackerman
Last year, you were a part of one of the best (in my opinion) Winterfest films on Hallmark, One Winter Weekend. I was so excited to see a sequel for this year on Winterfest. First of all, why do you believe this particular film was so successful last year? Secondly, what can we expect from your character this year in One Winter Proposal?
I was surprised to see a sequel too!!! It’s been crazy – two sequels for Hallmark Channel in one year – I feel so fortunate. I’m not a network exec, but I think OWW was a success for two reasons: First, it was a movie about friendship as much as it was about finding love. And second, it showcased a diverse cast in prominent roles with a strong storyline also finding love. This is something Hallmark has made massive efforts recently to showcase, and I’m glad to be a part of that movement. The fan response I’ve received has been so moving and heartwarming.
Rukiya Bernard, Taylor Cole Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steven Ackerman
And as for the sequel – One Winter Proposal – well Meg and Cara have gone after their goals and are succeeding – maybe too much. Not that there is a cap on success, but for Meg, it’s interfering with her life and staying connected to her loved ones, including her bestie Cara. Meg is on a journey to learn balance in her life – in her case, it’s work/love balance and it takes going back to the mountain to realize that.
You and Taylor Cole also got to do the first ever Winterfest Preview show this year on the Hallmark Channel. What was that experience like? What have you enjoyed about working with Taylor Cole on these three projects now for Hallmark?
What can I say? Taylor makes my job easy! I consider her such a dear friend now. And working with her is so comfortable. We have a blast every time we’re on set together – literally laughing all day long and then often going for an after work drink to laugh some more. I’ve learned a lot from her too – she’s really sharp and her work ethic is crazy – not to mention, she’s talented. So shooting the preview special was easy and fun. I could have shot it all day.
Although your part was small, you were a part of the fantastic film Wonder last year. What did you enjoy most about being a part of that project? Why do you believe this story was so timely and so well-received by viewers?
Being a part of Wonder was an honour. I mean first of all – on a personal level I got to work with Julia Roberts. She’s an idol of mine, and the one day we worked together was great as she has so much grace and talent. I tried my best not to fan girl out. On a larger scale and more importantly, movies like Wonder are stories that need to be told. It was timely as bullying has become a hot topic and one I know a lot of schools are working on curbing. Movies like these are important to help further the cause on learning empathy and acceptance of all. So being a part of that in any way was an honour.
Any other upcoming roles you can mention?
Behind-the-scenes with David Winning, Van Helsing
I shot a pilot recently which I’m not sure I can mention- so I won’t. But do look out for Doc in season four of VAN HELSING.
Diversity and female empowerment are two issues that continue to face us as a society and in the film/TV community. How have you seen things changing over the past few years? How do you believe Hallmark is contributing positively to these issues?
I think the biggest change has been the amount of visibility the issue of diversity and female equality has gotten recently. I mean the issues aren’t new – as long as I’ve been alive issues of reflecting society honestly on screen has been a problem. As a black actress – I’ve experienced it. The good news now is you can’t hide from it because it’s on every media outlet with years of stats and facts being made public. There is still a ways to go as hiring diversely often is credited to hiring actors in supporting roles (which has been done for years), but the term “hiring diversely” needs to now be applied to hiring your number one and twos on the call sheet diversely, i.e., they’re carrying the main story. And also in a multi-cultural way. Not just black shows or Latino shows or Asian shows – I’m part of a generation who’s friends growing up came from all walks of life. I want to see more of that on my small screen and movies. Now the biggest change we’ve seen is more LGBTQ representation in TV/film. That is something I didn’t grow up with and I’m glad we’re seeing a lot more stories from the gay/queer and transgendered community. As mentioned earlier, Hallmark is making a major push to showcase more diverse cast recently which I think is great. I’m a part of that movement. I hope they will showcase a gay love story soon too!
Do you have aspirations to write/produce/direct eventually? Please elaborate if you would like.
Rukiya Bernard Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Brown
Oh yes! I’d love to direct and I’ve always written. I’d love to learn more about the art of filmmaking. TV is great and I get that – but film – you can take your time a little more and I’d love to learn more about that. I’m a big fan of movies of the seventies – they’d take their time and do all kinds of interesting non-conventional things. That’s what I want to learn. Currently, some TV directors/producers are combining the two and doing it well. I’m a huge Sam Esmail fan. I think he’s doing it so right!
What are a few of your goals/hopes for the year 2019?
I’m not much for resolutions, but I do hope to continue to read more books. Last year that was a goal and I read so many great books. I also want to continue to work and find projects that speak to my soul.
You always appear to project a positive, upbeat attitude in a world that is often rather dark and sometimes hopeless. How do you maintain your positive attitude?
Well, thank you – I’m not always positive, but I do see that I’m doing OK in life so I try not to sweat the small stuff. Keeping a solid group of friends has helped me with that. I have THE BEST group of friends a person can imagine – like THE BEST. Keeping that in mind, I try to share my joy with others hoping it can make someone feel better and inspire them to do good and share good in their lives too. Love begets love begets love begets…
Rukiya Bernard Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Brown
One of the things I have always appreciated about Rukiya is a quality that extends far beyond her film/TV career. It is unquestionable that Rukiya is endowed with such unmitigated talent, and I can never get enough of this beauty on my screen. However, Rukiya continues to demonstrate that she is an influential woman who is well-spoken and unafraid to speak her mind with conviction, heart, and soul. While she never shares her opinions in an abrasive fashion, there is never any ambivalence about her willingness to be an activist for the causes about which she feels so strongly. She is a rare breed in a society where hatred and calumny are often spewed forth immoderately in an attempt to establish credence and validity to one’s views. She remains true to her beliefs and persuasions while maintaining a positive spin and a heartfelt presence. I am consistently prepared to listen to someone like Rukiya who is not intimidated when taking on potentially controversial topics and speaking forth her truth and conviction, even if not everyone agrees. Diversity is something that resonates with me on a particularly deep level, and I am inclined to listen if someone approaches a topic in the right way whether I agree with him/her or not. I am an odd breed who is amenable to hearing and considering the other side of an issue as long as it is a judgment-free zone where all have a voice and feel validated. And in the case of Rukiya, that is exactly what she does. I only wish more people in the world could take the high road, so to speak, that Rukiya has chosen, because while we may not all agree, it doesn’t harm anyone to listen with compassion and understanding, even if it means that the parties involved walk away “agreeing to disagree,” but ultimately remaining peaceable, civil, and friendly. Indeed, Rukiya is a beacon of light and hope who continues to remind us that everyone in this world deserves to have a voice, and true change can only happen when we agree to work together in spite of and because of our differences. As I often say, “This world would be pretty boring if everyone thought and acted exactly like me!” And thankfully, Rukiya is a beautiful, refreshing voice who remains true to herself while promoting an awareness of pressing concerns which face everyone in this day and age.
I hope that everyone in the U.S. tunes to the Hallmark Channel for the premiere of One Winter Proposal this Saturday, January 12th. (Canadian viewers will be able to see the premiere later this month on the W Network on January 26th!) Additionally, I urge everyone to make an effort to visit all of Rukiya’s links below and follow her where applicable. I mean, how often do we witness a woman like Rukiya who possesses such giftedness, eloquence, intelligence, integrity, and zeal all wrapped up in an artist who can easily take on any role given her in any genre and STILL find time to be an activist, a friend, a colleague, and so much more? As far as I’m concerned, Rukiya has earned her spot to become a genuine Hallmark favorite (not to mention many more networks to boot!), and I greatly anticipate the day Rukiya Bernard makes her Hallmark lead début!
FOLLOW RUKIYA
Rukiya Bernard, Taylor Cole Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steven Ackerman
Rukiya Bernard, Dewshane Williams Credit: ©2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steven Ackerman
