Interview With Actor Kevin McGarry, “Christmas Scavenger Hunt,” “Random Acts of Christmas,” “When Calls the Heart,” “A Very Corgi Christmas”

When Kevin McGarry first arrived on the Hallmark Network in the movie Love At First Bark, I was one of the first people who had the honor of interviewing him. Since that time, I have watched his career blossom, and he has swiftly gone from “super handsome hunky guy in that Hallmark movie I like” to one of the top favorite leading men with the network and even on to star in the network’s most successful show, When Calls the Heart. This does not even take into account the tremendous career he has outside of Hallmark. (I honestly don’t know when Kevin EVER sleeps!) This holiday season, we have the opportunity to see him in not one, two, or even three Christmas films, but FOUR! Two will air on the Hallmark Channel (Super Channel Heart & Home and W Network in Canada). Recently, Kevin was kind enough to carve out some time in his frenetic schedule to chat with me about all of his upcoming works!

Kevin McGarry Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Starbuck/Alexx Henry Studios, LLC.

RH: Kevin, how great it is to chat with you again. Thank you for making the time tonight.

KM: My pleasure, Ruth. It’s been a very busy few months here, but I am always happy to chat with you.

So I understand you have four Christmas movies coming up this year.

That is correct.

I notice two of them are Hallmark, and actually, I thought Random Acts of Christmas was Hallmark too until I looked it up.

Yeah, I thought that one was Hallmark too. But I understand it will air on Lifetime.

Well, I have no doubt that the Hearties will probably be watching all four movies, no matter what network they happen to air on. But I will admit that no matter what, Hallmark does tend to have the best Christmas movies.

I think you’re right there, Ruth.

Before we jump into talking about the Christmas movies, I want to mention last season’s When Calls the Heart. I didn’t have a chance to tell you that this past season was fantastic.

Thank you, Ruth, I appreciate that.

I actually loved the way they ended the season.

Yeah, me too. That was pitched to me when I accepted the role. They told me that this was how they wanted to end the season, and I thought that was really cool.

I think it also created quite a discussion amongst the Hearties. Everybody’s talking about whether they’re “Team Nathan” or “Team Lucas.”

I think that after having to deal with the death of Jack, they did a really good job of continuing to tell the story. I think this was a very smart way for them to go. It seems to me that they breathed some new life into the story. The season ended with the question of who Elizabeth might choose, and I think that’s going to make it exciting to watch next season and following.

I agree. But I think the consensus amongst a lot of us Hearties is that ultimately, we think Elizabeth will have to choose Nathan. But that’s because he appears stable and he’s a Mountie as opposed to a saloon owner. But then again, we’re not really sure.

Well, I don’t know. In fact, I’ll tell ya I don’t even know right now. I have a general idea of what they want, but I don’t think they even knew that the triangle would be as successful as it was. I think there’s still a lot of this fifty-fifty going on with a lot of the Hearties.

Well, I suppose that’s true. But when we were at the Hearties Family Reunion, I really liked what you had to say about Nathan needing Elizabeth. I really thought that was a strong response.

I think it’s true because most people are like, “Who does Elizabeth need?” They are quick to give their thoughts and even list the attributes of both guys. But I think you’ll see more of this in season seven. Nathan needs her so he can be a better person.

I definitely think it could be interesting to see how the season goes. I’m ready to go on this ride, how ever the writers happen to write it.

Good, I’m glad.

I also loved Jaeda {Lily Miller} playing your niece. It was great to finally meet her. I’ve known her all this time, and last month, I finally met her. I think she adds a really nice dynamic to your story and the story overall.

I think it’s pretty special too. She’s such a fantastic actor. I think she’s going to have a great career. And I will tell you it’s interesting in season seven because that’s where you really see her character, Allie, as she starts to grow into a young woman. She becomes more of a teenager, and Nathan had some struggles as a single parent trying to raise a teenager.

You know, that might be one of the reasons that many of the Hearties I’ve talked to think Nathan and Elizabeth will eventually get together because Nathan is already raising a kid. Lucas doesn’t have any kids. And those of us who are parents tend to see the benefits of having that relationship for both Nathan and Elizabeth. But of course, it’s ultimately up to the writers to decide all that. And no matter what, I don’t think Nathan or Lucas will be leaving Hope Valley.

Yeah, I don’t think they will either. We’re both on the show, and for now, I think we’re there to stay. And it’s still open, you know? Elizabeth could go either way.

That is very true. So, let’s talk about the When Calls the Heart Christmas movie that will kick off this new season. That movie will happen on December 25th, and then we have to wait till around February for the rest of the season.

Is that the way they have always done it?

Not exactly. I think the new season has sometimes aired at different times in the past, but now there are so many new series, and they saw the Christmas movie worked well, so this is the norm now.

Yes, they also have the spinoff series, When Hope Calls.

Oh yes, I love When Hope Calls. And I love that they brought you on that series a few times. You and RJ {Hatanaka} played off each other so well. I loved seeing you two together.

It was a lot of fun to do. There is more action on that show. I love that they implemented that on When Hope Calls. I’m kind of hoping they might put some more action in When Calls the Heart as well. I got blown up and shot at. It was great! It was also a bit more funny because both of the Mounties tend to poke fun at each other a bit.

In some ways, I like When Hope Calls better than When Calls the Heart. I think mainly because we don’t know the characters so it’s not as predictable as the folk in Hope Valley can be. And I like the underlying mystery element that took the whole season to unravel. And some things are still up in the air at the end of the season. I really never knew what to expect with When Hope Calls.

Yeah, they sure put in a lot of work in with When Hope Calls.

If they have a season two, I just might head up to set and visit.

Well, just know that they film in North Bay and it’s out in the middle of nowhere. It’s better if you go in summer and plan a fishing trip on the side. It is a small town.

I would definitely only plan to go in the summer. I’ve heard the stories about people filming up in North Bay during the winter.

Kevin McGarry, Kim Shaw Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Johnson Production Group

Totally. I shot a film up in Sudbury last year. And the executives asked, “How did you get it looking like real snow?” And I was like, “Oh because it was really snowing.” That is what it is out there.

Your first Hallmark Christmas movie comes up this weekend.

Yes, Christmas Scavenger Hunt Sunday, November 3rd.

Now, your costar is new to Hallmark, right?

Yes, she is. Her name is Kim Shaw. She’s a fantastic actor. Oddly enough, we met a couple of years ago on a show called Saving Hope, the Wendy Crewson was on, who played Chuck’s mom in When Hope Calls. Saving Hope is a doctor’s show. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with it.

Kim Shaw, Kevin McGarry Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Johnson Production Group

I never saw it, but I am familiar with the show.

Well, Kim and I met on that show. I did a guest spot on, and of all things, I played a stripper, {laughs} who was in need of surgery. And she was the doctor. So you can tune in to find out what happened with that storyline if you’d like. So that was three years ago. When I found out that Kim was going to play the lead in this movie, I was like, “Oh, that’s great!” She is such a fabulous actor.

When did you guys film Christmas Scavenger Hunt?

We shot that in March in Ottawa.

Kim Shaw, Kevin McGarry Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Johnson Production Group

I thought I remembered seeing a clip from the Christmas preview special that aired in July. I remember thinking at the time that movie had a pretty cool premise. It’s something very different for a Hallmark movie.

I think you’re right. In the movie, Kim plays an executive who has to come back to her home. I know that’s a classic Hallmark opening. In this small town that she left, they do a scavenger hunt each Christmas that is run by her father. And of course, we are old sweethearts. There was some kind of misunderstanding, and she moved on. When she comes back, we’re paired up, and it’s like a twelve days of Christmas kind of scavenger hunt. Her father is played by Tom Arnold. He was great too. So as we go on this scavenger hunt together, not only do we find things that may help us win the scavenger hunt, but hopefully we start to find the love we used to have for each other again. I won’t say if we win or not. You’ll have to tune in to find out.

Kevin McGarry, Kim Shaw, Tom Arnold, Kathryn, Kohut Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Johnson Production Group

Well, I am sure many of us will be tuning in. I know I will be. Now, I do want to say that recently, I mentioned you to my mom, and I said, “Kevin is one of those people who you can’t help but like no matter what part he plays. He’s got that likable quality.”

Aw, thank you.

You’re welcome. Now, I can’t remember if she agreed. It seems like she kind of agreed.

Kevin McGarry, Kim Shaw Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Johnson Production Group

{laughs} Yeah, I bet. “That guy’s a villain all the time. I know right away when I see him.”

{laughs} Oh, definitely. But at least she knows your real name. That’s saying something because she doesn’t know many of the actors by name. I usually have to list their credits before she remembers them. But I have discovered that sometimes actors are the same way.

There’s a lot of truth to that. There’s a TCA event that Hallmark does twice a year, and every year, I might know ten people out of the hundreds that are there. Hallmark has a big roster of people. It’s nice to be included in it.

You know, Kevin, I think from the moment you did your first Hallmark movie, you became a part of the family. We claimed you.

{laughs} Yes, I guess I was lucky. I am glad they asked me.

Now, even though it’s not Hallmark, we have your Lifetime Christmas movie coming up, Random Acts of Christmas. I am looking forward to seeing this one.

It is a great movie, and we shot it here in Vancouver. Erin Cahill is the lead, and she’s done a lot of Hallmark as well. She is fantastic in it. But I also got to meet Patrick Duffy, and we became friends on it. He’s an outstanding human being, a great actor of course. I really gelled with that guy. We had to work hand-in-hand together. It was almost as if we had a Bruce Wayne/Alfred thing kind of going. The premise of the movie is the idea of people doing random acts of kindness at Christmas.

I’m looking forward to this one because of that very idea. And as much as I love Hallmark, I know it’s sometimes nice to see a Lifetime Christmas movie only because they sometimes take a few risks that Hallmark can’t due to the brand. And being quite selfish, I always live tweet with Hallmark, but I don’t do that with Lifetime, so sometimes that’s a nice break for me. But here’s a tidbit too. Hallmark and Lifetime both advertise their Christmas movies on each other’s networks.

Really? I hadn’t realized that.

So much so that sometimes people think the networks are connected. Nope. Just similar demographics, especially at Christmastime. But back to this movie, I’m looking forward to seeing it, and Patrick Duffy has done Hallmark as well. In fact, he’s in one for Hallmark this year as well. And so if actors do both Hallmark and Lifetime, we’re lucky to see them more than once. Now, you’re also in A Very Corgi Christmas, which just premiered on Super Channel Heart & Home this past weekend.

Yes, I am.

And I remember when you were filming that one because of all the pictures Kelly Kruger was sharing from set. I know that many of us were going to be upset if this movie didn’t make it to the U.S., but my understanding is that it will be released on DVD on November 5th and will air on BYUtv on December 1st.

Oh, that’s very cool, Ruth. I didn’t know that.

Yes, this is one movie I really look forward to seeing. Nothing against you and Kelly, but it’s got Corgis!

I know, I know. It’s got one adorable Corgi named Sherlock. I guess he’s grown up now, but working with him was just amazing. You had to remind yourself that you were in a scene with somebody because you couldn’t take your eyes off that dog. I know I had heard at one time the movie was possibly going to go to Hallmark, but I guess if BYUtv has picked it up, at least people should be able to see it, right?

Yes, I’ll be sure to post the info below on how people can access it since it’s not as well-known of a channel. They show a lot of Christmas movies each season, and that is the only time I watch the channel. Now, I know this movie is about a bunch of corgis and you and Kelly Kruger. But is there anything else you want to tell us about the movie?

My character, Ben, meets Kelly’s character, Lauren. Ben has a daughter, and Lauren has a son. They both live in the same neighborhood, and they meet by chance. Ben’s daughter wants a dog for Christmas, so he gets her a Corgi. There’s a mistake, and the Corgi ends up coming a week before Christmas. Because he can’t keep the dog at the house, he asks Lauren if she can look after the dog. The dog, being this adorable Corgi puppy, terrorizes her house. Her son wants a dog too, but they both have to keep this dog a secret from their kids. As you can imagine, caring for the puppy kind of brings them together, and you’ll have to watch it to find out the rest of the story. Everyone’s gonna be looking at the dog. No one’s gonna be looking at us. The star is going to be the cute little Corgi.

Well, it was photos of the Corgi that I kept seeing on Instagram this summer. The Corgi is the big drawing card for me. But Hallmark fans got to see Kelly this summer as the other woman in a Ryan Paevey/Jocelyn Hudon movie. So now we get to see her as a lead.

Oh, that’s right. I remember that now.

Of course, December 25th, we get to see the When Calls the Heart Christmas movie. And last year, you and Chris weren’t in it.

No, we weren’t. Our characters didn’t come along till later in the season. So now you’ll get to see us both at Christmas. And we both have a really good story in the Christmas movie. I don’t want to give too much away. What I will say is that Nathan has a big choice to make, and he needs Elizabeth’s help.

Well, that’s good because Elizabeth always loves to help. Even if she’s got a million other things going on, she often will drop everything and help.

Even she might not know the full answer to this one. He wants to make it a very special Christmas for Allie. And there’s a reason why he wants to do that.

Well, we’ll definitely be tuning in December 25th. But really, I didn’t think you guys would still be filming after you finished the Christmas movie. Last year, it was different. The Christmas movie was the last thing they filmed.

Alfonso Moreno, our showrunner, had other responsibilities with When Hope Calls, so we got a later start on filming this year. We shot episodes one to four. Then we paused for the filming of the Christmas movie. Now we’re back to shooting the next episodes.

So is your character still in Heartland after all this time?

Yes, he is. We’re in season thirteen right now.

I’ve watched several episodes from different seasons. I’ve seen some of your episodes. But we don’t get the current season until later since it’s a Canadian show.

Oh, that makes sense. So the counterpart for my character, Mitch, is Lou. She’s the older sister. Their relationship continues to move forward. Big questions happen, and decisions have to be made. Their lives kind of go different directions, and they have to decide if they’re more important to each other and willing to make sacrifices to stay with each other or if they prefer going after these other things in their lives.

You know, when Mitch was introduced, I didn’t expect your character and Lou to become a couple. And Mitch is definitely a bit different. I might call him an enigma.

Oh really? I guess he could be called that. You know, when I first joined that show, I don’t think I was meant to stay on as long as I have. I don’t know if Mitch was meant to be such a big part of Lou’s life. But Michelle {Morgan} and I gelled together so well. And I also think the fans kind of liked where the relationship was going. So the writers just kept moving that storyline along. Mitch became a part of the Heartland ranch. To work on that show is so fantastic. The people involved with the show are so nice. It’s such a beautiful place to shoot in. Riding horses and the mountains. It’s also incredible to be part of a show because that is the longest-running Canadian show. So it’s a pleasure to be a part of it.

Of course, you’re too modest to say it, Kevin, but we know it’s because of you that they kept you on. They liked you and they liked how you did the role.

Awww, thank you.

While I can’t tell everything by talking with someone and meeting them, I have watched the way you interact with your castmates and the fans. I see how you conduct yourself at HFR. And I’ve always been impressed with how you respond to questions that are asked. You really think through everything in regards to your characters. And you’re always pleasant to the fans. There is just this quality about you that everyone likes. And I know I’m not the only person who would say that.

Aw, Ruth, thank you so much.

Tom Arnold, Kim Shaw, Kevin McGarry Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Johnson Production Group

So is there anything else upcoming besides all that we have mentioned?

I did do a guest spot in a show called Schitt’s Creek. It’s their final season. I’m not sure if Hallmark fans watch that show.

I know some do. I haven’t as of yet, but it’s on my watchlist.

Okay, great. I will be on episode seven of this upcoming last season, season six. My character’s name is Citrus. He’s a spin instructor who may be involved with underground activities. You’ll have to watch to find out. It’s pretty funny.

Good to know. So when do you wrap filming When Calls the Heart?

December 19th. That’s the plan right now. If anything goes wrong, it’s going to bleed into the new year.

Kim Shaw, Kevin McGarry Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Johnson Production Group

I know that sometimes filming has been delayed due to illness and other things.

Exactly. But as of right now, we’ll make Christmas.

Good, then hopefully that gives you enough time to get home for Christmas.

Yes, it should. I go to my parents and see them and my brother. We do a big family thing. I’ll probably show up just as they’re opening presents about the way this is going. {laughs} Yeah, as soon as I get in the door, they’ll probably give me my presents.

{laughs} If you’re not careful, they’ll open your presents too.

You’re right! I gotta get there before! I need to get away a day early.

Kim Shaw, Kevin McGarry Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Johnson Production Group

True, they might say they got tired of waiting and just hand you your presents. Or they might decide they like what you got better so they might switch.

Oh, you’re right! Now I’m worried!!

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

I just have a younger brother.

Well, that’s not too bad then. Maybe you’ll get to keep the gifts they gave you.

Maybe they’ll wait.

Kevin, I just want to thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me. I am so excited to see all of your Christmas movies and beyond.

Thank you, Ruth, for reaching out. And for your support and the support of the Hearties and the Hallmark fans. I hope everyone enjoys the movies.

So how do you summarize such an incredible person as Kevin McGarry? Well, all I can state is that he is one of the kindest, sweetest, and most responsive actors in the Hallmark universe today. While he’s not constantly active on social media, I can invariably count on him eventually getting back to me concerning just about anything (when his schedule permits). And coming from an interviewer who regularly has to chase down actors and other industry professionals (not that I’m complaining! 🙂 ), I am forever appreciative of Kevin’s eagerness to chat with me and to give me the inside scoop without me hounding him!

However, Kevin’s genteel demeanor is something I have consistently witnessed as he has interacted with other fans. Whenever I observe his exchanges with the Hearties, I am thrilled to watch the natural way in which he makes every fan feel like he/she is the most important thing on earth. He makes eye contact, and he carries on authentic conversation. In this day and age, these attributes are often in short supply, and as one who prefers the gentlemanly ways of yore, I am ecstatic to see that Kevin possesses some of that Old World charm about him. There is no doubt that he was not only raised right, but he has actually internalized the lessons he was taught as a youngster.

I hope that everyone is able to watch all of Kevin’s phenomenal–not to mention whirlwind–Christmas content. It all begins tonight (November 3rd) with Christmas Scavenger Hunt on the Hallmark Channel (shown concurrently on the W Network in Canada). As far as the rest of the schedule goes, might I suggest that you visit all of Kevin’s links below and consider following him where applicable? (He is most active on Instagram.) In spite of the fact that he doesn’t typically live-tweet or always respond to fan content, rest assured that he will announce when his works are going to premiere and possibly even replay…that is, as long as he is privy to that information. Regardless, Kevin has become a delightful fixture within the Hallmark community, and we can only hope and pray that the network proceeds to feature him in charming, engaging roles that demonstrate why he is such an ideal fit with the network while still giving him the occasional action role (as a Mountie or otherwise) to exhibit his versatility and prowess in a variety of genres. Kevin has promptly risen as one of my perennial favorites on Hallmark and across the network stratosphere, and I am immensely honored to be able to connect with him as a friend who is supportive, compassionate, and genuine. And somehow, I don’t think I’m the only one who nurtures a soft spot for the gallant Mr. McGarry!

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CHECK OUT MY OTHER INTERVIEWS WITH KEVIN

Interview With Actor Kevin McGarry, “Winter Castle,” “Winter Love Story” & “When Calls the Heart”

4 Comments

1. Great interview! So inspiring!

   Thank you for sharing!

2. What a fun interview. I love his versatility. Sadly, I missed the movie on 11/3, but I’ll catch it and some of the others–definitely WCTH on Christmas.