I was an original Cedar Cove fan, and the actors from that show will forever hold a distinctive place in my heart. Some of them have become very dear friends, and when it comes to Teryl Rothery, she and I have truly had the chance to connect in a rather special way as women, moms, and creative souls. Last year, I did my first interview with her, and we finally had the opportunity this year to chat again due to her Christmas movie appearances. However, this one was infinitely wondrous to me because we actually conversed on the phone this time. Furthermore, I discovered she’s an early riser, so the best time for us to chat was seven A.M!

Teryl Rothery Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Pooya Nabei

RH: Good morning, Teryl. So nice to get to chat with you this morning.

TR: Same here, Ruth. Thanks for your patience and your consistent reaching out.

Teryl Rothery Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

Now, I know you were in A Bramble House Christmas, but you mentioned you’re in another Christmas movie?

Yes, it is called Christmas Getaway, and it is premiering on December 23rd on the Hallmark Channel. I made this one with Travis Van Winkle and Bridget Regan. They were both in a series together called The Last Ship on TNT.

It seems like Hallmark has been running things almost down to the wire this year with all these movie premieres. They’ve been so busy.

They’re amazing; I don’t know how they do it.

So what can you tell us about this particular movie Christmas Getaway?

Well, of course, there’s a happy ending. This is Hallmark after all. It’s about a single father–he’s a widower. Due to some coaxing from one of her buddies at school, his daughter decides that maybe they should do something different for Christmas this year. So they go for the first time to a cabin in the woods, and his mother comes with them. It’s just the three of them: Travis’ character, his little girl, and me. I play Travis’ mom. He says, “I’m not going without you,” and so I decide to give them this Christmas present of joining them in this beautiful cabin in the woods.

Teryl Rothery, Bridget Regan, Travis Van Winkle, Alvin Sanders Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

In the story, we’re originally from San Francisco, and there’s all this snow, and it’s just lovely. And of course, you know, another person ends up being there, and they sort of hit it off. And it just goes from there. You’ll see some ice skating, sleigh rides, singing and caroling and all sorts of fun stuff.

That sounds like a good one that should be lots of fun, especially since it’s right around Christmas. 

And oh my gosh, the set deck and what they are able to do to transform everything into this magical Christmas wonderland is amazing! I just love doing these movies.

Teryl Rothery Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

You know, it was so lovely seeing you A Bramble House Christmas. That was fantastic.

Wasn’t that a fun movie? I loved playing Mable. I love her name. I loved everything about that movie. The making of it was just amazing. And it turned out beautifully.

My mom and I noticed your character when you came on, and my mom said, “Man, they did a lot of makeup on her to make her look older.” We both agreed that you looked older than what you are. And then one of my other friends said, “Oh, Teryl didn’t look like she was doing too well.” And I said, “She was playing a role.” 

Isn’t that funny? I can imagine people thinking, “Poor Teryl. What happened to her?” {laughs} Well, that’s good. I take that as a huge compliment.

Teryl Rothery Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

Definitely. You got into the character very well. 

I really did. I had so much fun. And there were parts that were quite funny ’cause I’d find myself walking back to my trailer slowly like Mable, and I’d think, “Hey, stop it!” And I’d shake it off and go for a little run. It was like, “What the heck? I’m taking ‘Mable’ home with me!” I really embraced the character. I loved her.

Well, it was nice that she had a little bit of a love interest going on too.

I know, after all those years. So great to play opposite Andrew {Airlie}.

Andrew Airlie, Teryl Rothery Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs

It was something. Just recently, I interviewed Andrew’s son, Callum {Segram Airlie}, because he’s been doing a lot of Hallmark stuff lately too.

Oh my gosh, he’s such a lovely young actor.

In addition to these Hallmark movies, you’ve also been on The Good Doctor. 

I am so grateful for that recurring role. I play the anesthesiologist at the hospital. I love being able to go back and play with these wonderful actors. The writing on this show is just spectacular, I think. And the actor Freddie Highmore, who plays Dr. Shaun Murphy, is just brilliant. And the premise of this whole thing…this young man with autism is an amazingly gifted surgeon. So what some may consider a handicap, it is his blessing. And this actor is just absolutely brilliant. I can’t say it enough. All of the actors on that show are brilliant.

My entire family is hooked on the show. 

If you could be on set with us…what they put into those special effects…all of the prosthetics for the injured…it’s just outstanding. I remember one time when we were standing there and the camera assistant was looking down and he went, “Oough.” And he walked away, and I said, “What are you doing?” And he said, “I’m having a hard time with this.” I said, “Honey, we’re all in this business. You know it’s make-believe, right?” And he was like, “It doesn’t matter. It just looks so real.” He was feeling nauseous looking at body parts in the middle of surgery. They are so meticulous. We have people on set to make sure that it’s all done properly and everything is said properly. We have surgeons, nurses, and everything to make sure that we get things as close as humanly possible to what it would be like in a real hospital. Sometimes within the realm of television, you have to make allowances for certain camera angles and such, but I think this show does a fabulous job.

I noticed you also got to come back on Arrow?

Yes, that is correct. I was fortunate enough to have a lovely four-episode story arc a few years back, and out of the blue, they said they wanted to bring Jean Loring back. So I did an episode, and fingers crossed, they’ll bring me back again.

You’ve also been on Travelers season one. Are you in season two?

I am only in one episode of season two. It’s a shame, but I understand that the storylines are not always conducive to bringing every character back for every episode. And that show is doing really well.

Yes, season two will finally make it the US on Netflix in just a few days, but I have loved what I have seen of season one. I know season two has already been on Showcase up in Canada. {pause} When I asked for fan questions, the fans were still talking about Stargate. 

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That show is such a blessing. It is such a neat show, and the creator of Travelers, Brad {Wright}, was the writer of Stargate too. That show went for so many seasons. I was killed off in season seven. And then I came back and did an episode in season nine in an alternate universe. From what I remember, the show went ten seasons. But I call it the gift that keeps on giving. What I’m noticing is that it’s pulling in the different generations. Now the younger kids are into it. It’s like a whole new surge of fans for it.

When we first started doing conventions for the show, we were huge. We were blessed, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. And the gift that keeps on giving is that I still get asked back. And I get to take Londyn with me. Londyn’s been to Australia, Hawaii, and most recently, Prague, for a sci-fi convention. And I’m now having these young ones coming up to me and saying, “I just love your show. My dad just loves you. Can I get you to sign an autograph for my dad?” I even had a little one come in and say, “I get to watch this show with my grandparents.” And I was like, “Oh my gosh, I’m getting old, but good on those guys for watching.” I love that it gives them something to watch together. So yes, this show has been an amazing gift.

Well, you say you’re getting older…all of us are getting older. I’m getting older too.

Funny how that happens, right?

Teryl Rothery Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

But I was thinking that the last time I interviewed you, we talked about your skin and your beauty regimen. Your skin is still so good. But also physically, you keep yourself in such good shape. 

I have a nine-year-old daughter, Ruth. I have to. I have to keep up with this child. {laughs} She’s into hockey now, and I’m a single mom. But Londyn asked me, “Why can’t we get more girls on the ice, Mom?” Well, here I was getting up for six A.M. skating lessons ’cause I don’t know how to bloody skate. But I was doing this so I could go and be an on-ice helper. I did that for two seasons until they started to get so good. Then they’d send me a puck in one of their warm-up exercises and I’d miss it.  So they stopped sending me the puck because they know I take too long to try and retrieve it. So then I was like, “Okay, I guess I faked it long enough.” {laughs}

Teryl Rothery Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

So now I’m the team mom and I’ve been the manager and other roles like that. But it’s about keeping up with this amazing young lady’s energy. So yes, I do, my darling. I do try to stay in shape. I try to take good care of myself and put good nutrition in my body. Not just for me, but as I say, to keep up with my daughter.

In fact, I’ve been using a nutritional product that has really changed my life. I have more energy than ever before–no more foggy brain–AND I lost six pounds in the first ten days! I know I’ll be taking these nutritional products for the rest of my life. I feel too good not to. And if anyone is interested in finding out more about these products, feel free to contact me: Isateryl@gmail.com.

Teryl Rothery, Lyla Marlow, Liam Hughes Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss

Wow, that is amazing, Teryl, thanks for telling us all about that. I understand about how kids can help you get in and stay in shape. That’s what my daughter did for me too. But I think a lot of people would agree that you look great and you are definitely able to keep going. I am also so glad you have been offered many great roles. I know that a lot of women in this business complain about how they don’t get offered the same kinds of roles as when they were in their twenties.

That’s true, it certainly changes. And it’s a huge deal in Hollywood. We see it with the big feature actresses how things do start to change. So again, I’m very grateful for the work that I get.

And we are very grateful that we get to see it, and it’s great that you are in two Christmas movies this year. And I’d like you to know Bramble House is one of my new favorites this year.

Aw, isn’t Liam {Hughes} adorable? Every time I saw him, I was just like, “I think I need a little hug.”

Teryl Rothery, Raven Stewart, Travis Van Winkle, Alvin Sanders Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

He is a sweetheart. I’ve had the honor of interviewing him. 

Well, you’re gonna love this little girl in Christmas Getaway. She’s out of Toronto, and her name is Raven Stewart. Mark that name down. She is absolutely precious! Oh my gosh! She’s another one who is smart and just adorable. You will not be disappointed.

Now I’m really excited about Christmas Getaway.  I’m so glad we got to chat this morning, Teryl.

Thank you, Ruth, this didn’t even feel like an interview. It was more like an early morning chat.

I’m so glad. That’s the way I like to do my interviews. 

We will have to do this again.

I agree completely, Teryl, and we definitely will. 

Thank you for everything, Ruth, and thanks to all the fans for their wonderful support!

Teryl Rothery, Bridget Regan, Raven Stewart, Travis Van Winkle Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

While I knew how phenomenal Teryl was due to my numerous online interactions with her in the past few years, it was an absolutely delectable treat to actually talk with her. I was incredibly touched by her genuine and steadfast recognition of her co-stars as well as her overwhelming gratitude for each and every character she has portrayed. Teryl has a remarkable list of credits, and it would be pretty simple for her to become jaded and even take things for granted in this business. Far too many actors with her experience do head down that road, but as we know, it is a road that does not end favorably. Teryl chooses to focus on the positive things in her career and life, and she invariably rises to meet every challenge. Whether it’s taking skating lessons for her daughter or playing the elder Mable or just interacting with the cast or crew on set, Teryl always infuses her infectious optimism, her jovial sense of humor, and her notable skillset. But most significantly, she possesses that joie de vivre that some actors begin to lose over time. If you could have heard Teryl’s enthusiasm every time she spoke of all her experiences within the industry…it is something I am accustomed to hearing from the young people in the business, but after a few years, that unbridled passion is regularly forgotten. But I can assure you, Teryl HAS NOT lost her psychedelic, effervescent energy, and if I could bottle that up and sell it on eBay, I think I’d make a killing!

I would invite everyone to tune in to the Hallmark Channel for one of the last Countdown to Christmas movies of 2017, this Saturday (December 23rd) entitled Christmas Getaway. Also, if you have not had the opportunity to watch A Bramble House Christmas over on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, abandon everything you’re doing right now and watch it! You won’t be sorry!! Furthermore, if you are not following Teryl at the links below, may I inquire as to why? You can consistently count on this astounding woman for inspiration, pictures from her various works, updates about convention appearances, and even a few anecdotes about her personal life. I hope you rectify that situation and begin following her at once. I am immeasurably honored that Teryl took the time to sincerely connect with me on so many levels, and as I anticipate her future on this earth, I can hardly wait to chat with her again and maybe even meet her one day in person! A girl can hope. But until then, I will continue to be her staunch supporter, and I truly hope that all of you will join me on this adventure. For when it comes to actresses, I don’t think there’s really much better than the captivating, enchanting, and vivacious Teryl Rothery! Indeed, she is the whole package!!

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When a reservation mix-up at a mountain resort forces a newly-single travel writer to share a cabin with a handsome widower and his precocious daughter over the holidays, their lives are transformed by the magic of Christmas and the unexpected power of love.

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