Hallmark’s Cedar Cove will always hold a distinctive place in my heart for a variety of reasons, and I will admit that Teryl Rothery is one of them. I was introduced to this exquisite actress through that show, and I can still remember sitting there in my chair watching her portrayal of Grace. I so identified with her character, and once I began to research Teryl’s other works, I was awestruck with her versatility and extensive range of her abilities that she has had the opportunity to demonstrate over the course of her impressive career. Recently, Teryl graciously agreed to answer a few questions about her chosen profession as well as her notable (and current) sci-fi and Hallmark works.
RH: What inspired you to become an actress? What kind of training have you received?
TR: There hasn’t been a time I haven’t wanted to be an actor. I remember at the age of four, I would tell my family….”I’m going to be a movie star.” Hahahaha! Anytime anyone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, that was my answer. It still is to this day!!! And as far as training goes, I had a wonderful teacher in my high school years who helped encourage me to pursue acting as a career–Mr. Mike Denos. I’ll never forget him. 
I took NUMEROUS acting workshops over the years and eventually enrolled in a two-year program with a local company called Gastown Actors’ Studio headed by Mel Tuck. I definitely attribute Mel, along with Larry Moss, for amazing instruction and for helping me achieve the career I enjoy today. I am so so grateful.
Larry Moss is one of the teachers I would fly down to Los Angeles to study with three to six months of the year. I would work, and work, and work….save my money, and then put it towards my rent and study down in LA. It was worth every penny.
It seems like sci-fi (esp. Stargate SG-1) has been a mainstay for you over the years. Why do you think this genre has been possibly the most popular genre for you?
They film a lot of sic-fi in Vancouver, B.C. I think a lot of that has to do with the sometimes gloomy weather. Lol! I’m grateful. The sic-fi genre has been VERY good to me over the years as have the fans. They have been truly loyal and supportive of me in my career. I love them!! A huge thank you to all.
In recent years, you have had a successful relationship with Hallmark. What do you like about working for Hallmark?
What do I like about working with Hallmark? You mean what do I LOVE about working with Hallmark? Everything!! Again, I have been truly blessed to have had such wonderful work come my way thanks to Hallmark. And a character that I will always love and consider to be one of my favorites. And that’s “Grace Sherman”. I miss her, I miss the cast, I miss the crew. Big time.
Teryl Rothery (Grace)
There are still Cedar Cove fans out there. If the show had been granted another season, what would you have envisioned for Grace and also for the future of Grace and Cliff as a married couple?
Hmmm, good question. I really think if Cedar Cove had gone another season, it would’ve focused on Olivia and Jack’s relationship. There’s still a lot of unanswered questions with those two, don’t you think? As for Grace and Cliff, I think I would’ve envisioned lots of funny bumps for the two of them. Grace is a handful and it would’ve been fun to watch how Cliff handled it now that they are married and under one roof. I mean, think about it. Who would win out on whether the “boots nailed to the wall” stayed?? Hahahahaha!
Willie Aames wanted me to ask you if working with him was the highlight of your career
Oh Willie, Willie, Willie….you funny man. Yes, working with you was a highlight of my career. Now my check better be in the mail for that comment. Hahahahaha!
How did you get involved with Good Witch? What can you tell us about your character? Any special moments during filming? Any chance your character will come back during season three of the show?
I had such a great time working on Good Witch. Such a great group of people, and of course getting to work with Rebecca Marshall again was a hoot. 
We laughed a lot on that set. I sure hope my character gets to come back. I always think if they don’t kill off my character there’s always a chance. Lol!
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
I’m excited about this new Netflix series in which I have a recurring role. It’s called Travelers starring Eric McCormack created by none other than Brad Wright!! “As in Stargate SG-1 Brad Wright?” you ask. YES. So, so happy to get to work with him again and producer John Lenic, and a lot of wonderful SG-1 crew and directors. It was like “old home week”!!! {Note: This series is currently airing in Canada on Showcase, but it will air on Netflix beginning December 23–at least, that’s what I have been told!} I have a few other things coming out, and I’ll be sure to keep you posted.
One fan asked about your beauty regimen. She said your skin is always so youthful and clear. What are your beauty secrets?
Someone said my skin is youthful and clear??? They are my new best friend!!! No secrets really other than MOISTURIZE. I started out as a dancer, so lots of performances and competitions. And then I moved on to live theatre, so I learned at a young age to really take care of my skin. Good cleansing habits and moisturizing was a must. I also made a habit of going for facials in my early twenties. I go every few months, but I up that to once a month when I’m working. I also hardly ever wear makeup when I’m not filming. I throw on lipstick and that’s about it. Not the most flattering look, but it gives my skin a break.
How do you manage your career and being a mother? Any chance your daughter may have leanings towards a career in entertainment?
How do I manage my career and being a mother? I ask myself that every day. Lol! So does every other mother. It’s not easy, but we all manage, right ladies?? It’s especially hard when my hours have me out the door before she gets up and home when she’s already in bed. But she also gets me days on end when I’m not working so there’s a balance. As for Londyn wanting to be an actor…..let’s just say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! Lol! It’s in her blood, but I keep telling her how WONDERFUL it would be if she became a veterinarian!!
If you could guest star on any current show on any network, which one would you choose and why?
As a CSI junkie, I would love to guest on that show. And Criminal Minds, of course. I’m also loving a new series out called This Is Us. Great acting, writing, so I’ll add that to my list as well. There’s a lot of great stuff out there. I want to do it ALL!!
In truth, Teryl’s sunny disposition, indomitable fortitude, and characteristic sense of humor are peppered throughout her responses to these simple questions, which cause this interview to be more than just an ordinary Q & A session. With every answer, I found myself captivated with Teryl even more than I had been in the past. There is a dynamic charisma that I first witnessed from the moment I saw her depiction of Grace Sherman, and I think that is a substantial reason why so many fans are drawn to her and stick with her for life. Exceptional actors come and go. Beauty queens appear and fade. Dancers, singers, and so much more grace our screens, both small and big, and the vast majority are unfortunately commonplace. But with Teryl, she could never be labeled humdrum nor ordinary . Her presence on-screen is awe-inspiring, and her fan interactions off-screen are genuine, kind, and memorable. No doubt she is proud of her accomplishments over the years, but she has never permitted success (nor even lack of) to go to her head. She is as pragmatic and humble as they come, and she never tires of the craft and challenge of bringing a character to life. Her acting prowess has been proven over the years, and thankfully, she has never lost her benevolent and caring demeanor. If you missed Good Witch: Secrets of Grey House, I hope you get a chance to see it before Hallmark retires it for the year in lieu of their Countdown to Christmas programming. I would invite you, however, to look up Travelers if you happen to be in Canada, as she is appearing on that show. If you’re in the U.S. like me, you have to wait until December to see it. In the meantime, be certain that you are following Teryl at the links below. She often posts some crackerjack pictures from nature to family to animals, and she is also adept at keeping her fans updated on her projects and more.
