For 8 seasons, Loretta Walsh has portrayed the strong minded and sometimes judgmental, Florence, on Hallmark’s ‘When Calls The Heart.’ Through the years, the show’s fans (also known as The Hearties) have watched as “Flo” has molded into one of the Hope Valley’s most beloved characters, due in large part to the humanity that Loretta brings to her.
In addition to a number of television and film credits, Walsh also spends her time teaching at Haven Studio in Vancouver and as the Artistic Producer for Kindred Entertainment, an ensemble theatre company whose mission is to “engage with our audiences, keeping them on the edge of their seats – to make them think, laugh and feel. Sometimes all at once”.
Nerd Alert News was pleased to be able to talk with Loretta Walsh about the current season and what plans are in play for her in 2021.
Nerd Alert News: What can you tell us about the changes your character is going to be facing in this season?
Loretta Walsh: We get to see deeper sides of Florence this season-more sides of her vulnerability, her journey of healing and her joy.
NAN: How has it been being able to explore those changes in her story-line?
LW: It’s been such a pleasure to share sides of her that have been unchartered territory!
NAN: What do you feel are the most rewarding aspects of working on a series that has run for 8 seasons?
LW: The relationships developed with the group both behind and in front of the camera who make this show and the challenges (and joy) of finding new parts of Florence after so many seasons, which the writers have graciously given this character this season.
NAN: I know you have extensive history in both screen acting and theater. Do you prefer one more than the other and do you find any challenges going between the two?
LW: I love both mediums equally, but there is an extra level of excitement in live performance. No second takes are allowed which can be both terrifying and exhilarating!
NAN: Speaking of theatre, you have your own theatre company, Kindred Entertainment. Are there any exciting plans for the company coming up? Have there been many adjustments made in the theatre with regards to Covid restrictions like we have seen in TV and movie film sets?
LW: No theatre right now due to Covid, but yes, I will produce again when we are safe to re-enter theatres. I think audiences are going to be hungry for live performance again! I know I am!
NAN: You do have a new movie releasing this year, ‘A Picture Perfect Wedding.’ Can you tell us a little about what fans can expect to see?
LW: Photographer, Lindsey, gets asked by a New York mogul’s son, Josh, to shoot his sister’s wedding. Sparks fly as Josh and Lindsey prepare for the ceremony, but as the big day arrives, what will their hearts decide? I play the villain in the movie “Maxine Bower-Smythe” who starts the movie trying to teach some lessons, but it turns out needs to learn some herself!
NAN: Just for fun, is there anyone you would like to work with that you have not had the opportunity to yet?
LW: There are so many wonderful people I’m yet to work with! My latest career crushes are Amy Poehler, Emma Thompson, and Jameela Jamil.
NAN: Thank you again for talking with me today. We are really excited about the newest season of ‘When Calls the Heart’ and we wish you all the best.
Be sure and check out ‘When Calls The Heart’ on Hallmark, Sundays at 9/8c, and follow along with Nerd Alert News for all the latest on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Written By: Melissa Fudge
Hi, I’m Lynn, and I Make.
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Imagine Peace: A Year of Gifting author, Aleta Antoinette, will host a Pre-Release reading March 31st from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom
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