Season six of When Calls the Heart was especially notable for an extensive variety of reasons. In addition to the expansion of the cast which saw two new potential suitors for Elizabeth–Lucas (Chris McNally) and Nathan (Kevin McGarry)–,one of the brightest young actresses in Vancouver (and really in the industry today) was attached to the cast, Jaeda Lily Miller. As the irrepressible niece of Mountie Nathan, Allie stole our Hearties’ hearts with her vivacious nature as well as her penchant for roguery. However, this emerging actress has been active in the business for most of her life, and I had the opportunity to interview her a couple of years ago back when she was featured in a popular Hallmark Christmas movie. Although I had been in contact with her and her family, it was not until season seven ended that Jaeda and I finally found the time to have a proper second interview. It is with extreme joy that I share our most recent interview with all of my readers today.
RH: Thank you so much for being willing to do this interview, Jaeda.
JLM: Thank you, Ruth, for asking me.
How are you surviving in quarantine?
I’m doing pretty good. I’m missing my friends, but I know we’ll get through this.
with the “Taylor Twins”
Exactly. I have to keep remembering how blessed I am and that there others suffering much worse than I. I really don’t like to complain.
Yeah, I’m with you there.
Well, it’s been a while since we’ve had an official interview posted. Thank you for being flexible and willing to do this. The second half of last year was unexpectedly crazy with my mom’s colon cancer and then surgery and then all my trips. And thankfully everyone is okay now, and things have settled down just a little bit.
I’m so sorry she had to go through that, but I’m glad your mom is doing okay now.
Thank you, Jaeda. And I know that even though When Calls the Heart is over for the season, we know we have a season eight, and the Hearties always love to talk about the show even when the series is not currently airing.
Yes, we are so excited that we got renewed for season eight!
As Allie
I wanted to say yet again that I am thrilled that they brought you onto the show last season. I think it was great.
Oh, thank you!
So can you tell us how you got this role of Allie on When Calls the Heart?
Well, I auditioned for the role. Then about a week or so later, I got a callback. When I went in for that, Kevin was actually there, and we did a chemistry read. We hit it off, and then later, I got the call that I had booked the role.
You didn’t know Kevin before going in for the chemistry read, right?
No, I didn’t know Kevin. But he’s super nice, and I’m so happy we met.
Yes, he is very talented, very nice, and very funny.
Yes, he is! {laughs}
behind the scenes with Kevin
{laughing} I’ve heard some stories about him. But he also sings and plays the guitar.
I haven’t heard him sing or play the guitar. Maybe I’ll ask him about that next time.
He needs to bring his guitar and sing. I don’t know if he’s written any of his own music, but the first time I met him, he was playing the guitar and singing.
I will have to ask him next time to play the guitar and sing for me.
You two should do some behind-the-scenes singing and post a video. The Hearties would love that. You two are so perfectly matched. I could not have thought of a better person to play Allie. It is the ideal uncle-niece pairing. But he’s really more of a parent to you than your uncle. And you are the angsty teenager/preteen type. Now, you actually knew a lot of the people when you got to set that first time, right?
With Gracyn
Yes, I did. I worked with Genea’s {Charpentier) sister before–Megan–on Operation Christmas. And I knew Gracyn {Shinyei} since I was three years old. And I had worked with Erin {Krakow} on A Cookie Cutter Christmas. But I had only met her once on set.
But she remembered you, didn’t she?
Oh, yes, she did.
Erin is really good about remembering people like that, and she loves the kids anyway. Well, it just made sense for them to put you on the show, and you are the perfect fit for Hope Valley. But that first season you were on the show, Allie was a bit of a handful.
{laughs} Yes, she was. All of her mischievous scenes were so fun to film! Like the card trick and skipping school.
With Erin
Yeah, I was expecting the sweet Jaeda that I’ve seen in all your other movies. You typically play the sweet girl who follows all the rules, but Allie was almost like a bully at school.
Well, I don’t consider her much of a bully. I just consider her different in a way. She doesn’t know how to react to friends and people wanting to be in her life, so she acts out like that. She’s just a different personality all around that I don’t usually get to play. She was a little bit of a challenge to play, but I got there. And I’m so happy to play her now.
Since you knew some of these kids from before, was it difficult to play this character who was sometimes mean to the other kids in school? I know that Allie has softened a bit, but I might call her a bit antagonistic. While you’re a professional and you’re acting, was it hard for you to interact with the other kids while playing that character?
with some Hope Valley kids
It wasn’t too difficult. Like you said, we’re all acting. But then afterward, I sometimes felt a little bit bad, but it wasn’t too hard. We’re all friends, and we all hang out anyway, so we understand the difference between playing a part like that and then being ourselves when not playing a role.
I know sometimes adult actors will say how it’s hard to play a character that acts mean to the other actors when those actors are really nice people.
Yeah, sometimes after we’ve filmed a scene and Allie hasn’t been the nicest, I say, “I’m sorry,” but really it so much fun to play off each other and have that friction between the characters.
One of my favorite scenes of yours is back during season six with Opal and Robert and the “haunted house.”
with “Opal”
Oh, that was really fun! Then Opal hurt her arm. It was a rollercoaster!
It was just so classic to have the kids and a haunted house. We see that so many times in TV shows and movies, and I’m glad that scene was there.
Oh, it was super fun! And I saw their faces when they screamed and ran away, and it was so funny.
I understand in talking with some of the kids that behind-the-scenes, they like to do haunted houses during lunch and breaks.
Yes, we’ve only done it a couple of times since I’ve been there. We’ll be in the trailers, and one person will go outside, and then everybody goes into the trailer and…well, mostly I was the one going outside the trailer. And they all go in and hide in cupboards. Ava {Grace Cooper} is so small that she can fit anywhere! Then they play scary music. It’s pretty fun. We have a lot of fun on and off set.
Gracyn Shinyei, Ava Cooper, Jaeda Lily Miller Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ricardo Hubbs
I remember the kids telling me all about that. And I think that’s why everything translates so well on the screen. We see you kids on screen, and you’re having so much fun, and you’re enjoying each others’ company. You know each other so well, and you’ve established that great relationship.
I’m sure glad it looks like we’re having fun because we are!
We just finished season seven of When Calls the Heart, and it seems like Allie has changed a bit for the better.
Yes, she has made a lot more friends, and I think she is letting people into her life. I think she’s becoming a little more…I wouldn’t say happy, but more open to everyone around her and what everyone is like. She is able to connect better with everyone around her.
with director Peter DeLuise
Why do you think Allie has become more comfortable in Hope Valley?
Probably because of Elizabeth. Erin is just so great to work with both on and off-screen. I think Elizabeth has made Allie better because she can really connect with her, and I feel like she understands because she’s lost people like Jack too. And also Allie’s normal friends–Opal, Anna, Robert, and Kevin–uh, Uncle Nathan–they just understand her and they’ve been able to connect better.
You have the same problem I do. I have to stop and think about the character’s name because I’m so used to calling these actors by their real names.
We have so many bloopers of Kevin calling me Jaeda and me calling him Kevin!
With Kevin
Which I have heard from other productions in the past. It just makes sense because you’re used to calling them by their real names, and now you’re acting, so you have to remember to call them by their characters’ names. Now, I would say that of any of the kids, Allie is the most perceptive when it comes to whether Elizabeth is ready to fall in love again or not. She just seems like the most switched-on of any of the kids of Hope Valley.
I think so too. I think she is aware of what’s going on, and she just wants her uncle to be happy. So she can see that giving her uncle a little nudge in the right direction is a good thing.
Michael Hogan, Kevin McGarry, Jaeda Lily Miller, Erin Krakow Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
Oh boy, well he really needs some nudging!
He does! He always gets cut off every time he’s about to ask Elizabeth something! {laughs}
I would say that he had a hard time putting into words how he feels.
Yes, he can’t seem to spit it out! Me and my mom–well, really my whole family watches– but me and my mom just scream at him, “Oh, Kevin, just spit it out!! You’ve got to get it over with, dude!” And he finally at the end asks her to go to dinner. So I’m proud of him for that.
Definitely. Well, Lucas is making all these grand romantic gestures and totally sweeping her off her feet.
as Allie
I know! He really has to step it up! It’s hard to be Team Nathan!
I’m kind of leaning towards Team Nathan because I feel that would be a better fit all around. Not that I hate Lucas or anything. I mean, I think he’s a great guy.
Definitely. I feel like I’m Team Nathan too because, well, he’s my uncle. That’s really the only reason. Chris–Lucas–is a great guy, but I’ve got to be Team Nathan.
Well, Lucas totally stepped it up this season. With the dinner and the candlelight and all that. I was sitting there watching, and I felt totally charmed and blown away by what he’s done for Elizabeth. Then you’ve got Nathan who can’t–
behind-the-scenes with Kevin
He can’t even ask her out!!
I’m like, “Get with the program!” But I was happy to see Elizabeth’s response at the end of season seven.
Yes, when she gave him a hug.
I’ll tell you, that moment when we all thought Nathan was dead, literally, I felt like my heart stopped beating for a moment. I never have that happen to me when I’m watching these shows. My first thought was, “Kevin can’t be out of the show!” I know a lot of Hearties said their hearts stopped too.
I wasn’t there filming that particular scene. I only filmed the first day of that episode because I was only in like one scene. But for the rest of the episode, I didn’t know what happened. So my heart stopped too! I was like, “Is he dead? No, he can’t be! What??!! No, he never told me this!!”
with Kevin, Erin, and the Hope Valley Kids
That was how it was for me too! I thought, “I’ve interviewed him! Why didn’t he tell me?” He could have at least told me! I wouldn’t have told anybody. I needed to be prepared!! But it was quite a way to end the season. So over this past season, did you have any favorite scenes from filming that stood out?
Probably all of the challenges that it gave. I got to do a lot of different varieties of acting during the season like when I was upset with leaving Hope Valley and then angry with not being able to see my grandpa. There were a lot of different varieties, so I think there were special moments in all of them. It’s hard to pick and choose because they’re all so special and I love them all.
Jaeda Lily Miller Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
That’s great to hear. Now, we know you love to work with Kevin and with Erin and all the kids, but is there anyone over this past season that you got to work with that you hadn’t gotten to work with that much before that was kinda fun?
Well, I had worked with all of the people on this season before already, and they’re all just so great. But someone I would like to have more scenes with in future seasons is Pascale {Hutton}. I feel like Rosemary is one person I’d like to get to know a little bit better ’cause I haven’t gotten to work with her much.
Jaeda Lily Miller, Erin Krakow Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
I would agree with you on that. That takes us right into ideas for season eight. I know we don’t know when you guys are going to be able to safely start filming season eight, but hopefully, production won’t have to be delayed too much and you can get a Christmas movie up in time for this year. I tend to think that because Hallmark chose to renew When Calls the Heart that it will be a priority for them to film. It’s also the biggest thing going for the channel in addition to their Christmas movies. But I think Allie and Rosemary together in season eight…I don’t know who would come out on top, to be honest. {laughs} I’m thinking you two would be so evenly matched. I absolutely love Pascale. I’ve gotten to know her over the past few years. I love both her and Kavan {Smith} together. So maybe the writers will throw Allie in a scene together with Rosemary and/or Lee.
I feel like me and her maybe could be the ones to get Kevin–uh, Nathan–to finally talk to Elizabeth and get them together! {laughs}
with the Hope Valley Kids& Erin
That could be fun. I could see Rosemary wanting to help, but she doesn’t want to push too hard. But I think it could be fun, so fingers crossed that it happens.
I really think Rosemary and Allie could get into a lot of mischief!
I think you’re right on that point. So is there anything else you’d like to see Allie do next season?
Probably just like this season, I’d like to see a variety of acting because those are always fun to film and they challenge me a little. I like to do different styles of acting–happy, sad, everything else. I’d also like to see more scenes with the kids.
with Ava & Jaiven Natt
Definitely. I always love to see scenes with the kids. The kids always talk about how they liked the baseball scene a few seasons back and the episode where the girls and guys went camping. This season, we had the windstorm, but that didn’t involve all the kids. The girls did have a slumber party this past season.
That was so much fun with the cupcakes. Every take, I would get icing all over my face! {laughs} I would just go for it. That’s the best way to do it.
And that’s what makes you such a good actress is you throw yourself completely into your roles. You don’t think about looking silly or feeling self-conscious. I know that would always be the hope for every actor, but sometimes it’s harder when you’re a kid. But you’re so experienced. And it’s great to see how you’re growing into an even more incredible actress as you get older. I still look for you to be the one who in ten years or so becomes the supporting lead and the lead of a movie or a series. You are definitely starting the right way.
behind-the=scenes fun
Thank you, Ruth, I really hope so.
This was also your first time to go the Hearties Family Reunion this past fall, right?
Yes, it was my first time. Let me just say I was so tired by the end of that. It was great to meet everyone who watches the show because that’s what makes it all happen.
Well, you had the benefit of seeing a much more organized convention. They have always been great, but each year they get more organized and better than the year before.
Hearties Family Reunion
Next year, I’m going to probably try to pace myself a little bit more so I don’t get so tired. But I’m happy I was tired because I was having a lot of fun!
So in addition to season eight of When Calls the Heart, do you have anything else upcoming that you can mention?
Well, I did some voice work for a show. I was a guest star in a couple of episodes. It’s called StarBeam. The first half of it is on Netflix, but I’m mainly in the second half. I think that will be coming out soon. And really, I think that’s it. I haven’t been doing much because of the quarantine.
You know what I’m hoping for? I know you were in the very first Christmas In Evergreen. They have made two more since then, and they are supposed to make a fourth one. They have been bringing back cast members from earlier ones, and I really hope they bring you back because you are one of the few who hasn’t been back.
I hope they bring me back some time. I really want to see Teddy {Sears} and Ashley {Williams} again!
I know! It would be great to see you in the series again! According to Ashley, there’s supposed to be a fourth one, but we’ll see what happens in light of the shutdown. I’m going to make the suggestion that seeing you in the series again would be so much fun. But speaking of this series StarBeam, that’s an animated series, right?
Yes, it’s an animated series, and I’m not really in the first half. I’m more in the second half.
I know you’ve done some voice work. You were a part of Ready Jet Go! for some time.
Yes, I was a part of that series until it ended. And then I went back and did a couple of video games for them.
I love giving people options of things to watch during this time. I know I’m binge-watching, and lots of families are doing the same.
Me and my family have been going back and watching Survivor together. We’ve gone back and watched some of the old seasons.
How fun! And you’re doing online school too, right?
Yes, I’m doing online school and I’m doing online drum lessons. I did drum lessons before, but now I’m continuing online.
Has online school been an adjustment for you?
Yeah, it’s been a bit of an adjustment, but I was homeschooled for two years back in elementary school, so I can get stuff done if I put my mind to it. I didn’t do as much at the beginning when it first started. It was hard to get a grasp on the idea that we had to do school online because we can’t be at school. But now I’m realizing I have these big projects, and I’ve got to get them done.
I don’t think you’re alone in that. A lot of kids are struggling all over in making this adjustment. How have your parents been dealing with this?
My dad’s been doing a lot of voiceover and continuing with his job…and my mom has been really into vacuuming. No, I’m just kidding!! {laughs} But we’ve done a lot of chores and stuff. They’re really doing good. They miss going outside too, but we’re getting through it.
Are you spending a lot of time together as a family?
Yes, we are. Every night we either play a board game or watch a movie together. We’re spending a lot of time together, which is nice.
with Lindy
I agree that it is nice. Of course, sometimes what happens–and I’m sure this NEVER happens to you–but with our family, we start getting on each other nerves a bit because we’re around each other so much. I’m sure that never happens to you, right?
WELL…I do have a sister! {laughs}
{laughing} I understand. I think it’s probably happening to all of us now and then. Our pets want the house back too, I think. We have one dog, seven cats, and two mini-goats. Our cats definitely want some peace and quiet.
Speaking of pets, my family all share a dog. She’s super cute. Her name’s Lindy, and she’s a Maltese poodle. Right now, her legs are really, really skinny, and then her body is really fluffy. We haven’t been able to go to the groomer. We had to cut the hair on her legs, but the rest of her body is like a poof ball. {laughs} She looks pretty funny.
Wow, I didn’t even know you had a pet, Jaeda. Well, I’m sure other people with pets like that can relate. Hopefully, you’ll be able to take her to the groomer soon. Thank you so much for chatting with me today, Jaeda. It’s been just lovely. And we will be looking forward to season eight and maybe a Christmas movie too from you!
Thank you, Ruth, it was so much fun to chat with you. Thanks to the Hearties for all their support too!
Jaeda Lily Miller, Erin Krakow Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen
What a difference a few years make! Chatting with Jaeda this time was like conversing with a good friend. While she still possesses that teenage spunkiness and enthusiasm, she conducted herself quite professionally and authentically interacted with every question I posed. Moreover, whenever you chat with Jaeda, you cannot help but walk away with a smile. In fact, the moment Jaeda enters a room, her entire essence illuminates the space around her, and you cannot help but be impressed by that certain “je ne sais quoi” that surges from her innermost being. If there ever was an ambassador of radiant joy and effortless charm, it’s Jaeda…indubitably.
I hope that all Hearties will make it a point to watch out for Jaeda as Allie in all past and future episodes of When Calls the Heart (while searching out the other celebrated works in her repertoire). Furthermore, while you are entertaining yourself with the antics and dramatics of Jaeda on-screen, I hope that you will visit her links below and consider following her where applicable. It is artists like Jaeda that set my spirit at peace because if she is representative of the future, then I am convinced we’re in extremely safe and capable hands. In short, I am particularly expectant of everything coming Jaeda’s way in the near and distant future, and I greatly anticipate supporting this sweet and precocious starlet for many decades to come!
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