Interview: Amelia Rose Blaire on the "Epic" Final Season of True Blood

Amelia Rose Blaire, photo by Bobby Quillard

From Beverly Hills to Bon Temps, actress Amelia Rose Blaire has worked with some of the hottest young stars in Hollywood today. Her first recurring role, which was on “90210,” helped prepare her for her current contract role, that of new vampire Willa Burrell on HBO’s “True Blood,” which returns for its seventh (and final) season June 22 at 9 p.m. I spoke with Amelia about this last season of the hit supernatural drama, and she gave me an inside peek as to what we can expect this summer from our favorite vampires, werewolves, witches and fairies.

Celebrity Extra: First off, can you give me a little background on yourself? How did you get your start in acting?

Amelia Rose Blaire: My younger sister was a huge catalyst in that. She started taking acting classes, and she was always much more outgoing, more social and braver than I was. I was a very shy kid. One day I decided to tag along with her and got bit by the bug. I knew that if I was going to be an actor, I wanted to be the best possible actor I could be. So I started studying at The Sanford Meisner Center in North Hollywood and did their two-year program. It was immersive and intensive, and I learned a lot about myself. Then I started studying with the actress Lindsay Crouse, who is a wonderful teacher of mine to this day. She directed me toward the Atlantic Theatre Company Conservatory in New York City, where I went after I graduated high school.

CE: Your first big part was on “90210”; tell me about that experience.

ARB: That was the first time I’ve ever had a recurring role on any show. That was very exciting. It was one of my earlier roles, so I just felt like I had my jaw open the entire time because I was experiencing something so different. But it was a lot of fun. It was kind of like being in high school, because I was playing a high-school character, and she was a little weird. She was very strangely possessive and kind of quirky and entitled. It was fun to bring out those different characteristics, because that’s not something I usually play with. Getting to play such a strange character who was really different from me was very special.

CE: Your next big role is your current role, as Willa Burrell in the phenomenally popular “True Blood.” Tell me about your audition and how you got the part.

ARB: I had been in that casting office many times before, but that was the first time I had auditioned for “True Blood.” But I have been a fan of the show since season one, so when I got the audition, I knew where I would be and how to fit into the show. The day I got the audition, my sister was in town, and her cat got hit by a car. I went over to my mom’s house, which is where the cat was, and I went in the backyard, and my sister was holding him. We didn’t know if he was alive or dead. He wasn’t moving. And she was wailing at the top of her lungs, just crying: “Is he gone? Is he dead? Is he dead?” And I had never seen my sister like that. It was a very grounding and sobering and sad moment. There was nothing I could do for her. And the next day, I had to go in to audition for “True Blood.” In the audition, the character was begging not to die, not to be turned into a vampire, which she kind of thought was the same thing as dying. In any other circumstance, I would have made it about not wanting to die, but because of witnessing the whole experience with my sister the day before, I made it about wanting to live. And at the time, it was this gift of getting to see a different perspective. Instead of making it about dying, it was about living. So, for me that was a huge shift.

After I left the audition, I felt out of my body, which is something that is really special when you are able to do that, especially in an audition room, which can be very difficult to let go. But because of that situation, I was able to do it. I got a call later that day that they wanted to see me again. And I went in one more time and kind of kissed it goodbye, assumed it was gone. And then a couple of days later I found out I had booked it, which was unreal.

CE: Is it as much fun to work on “True Blood” as I would imagine it to be?

ARB: It’s a total blast! I mean, where else in life do you get to play with fangs and special effects and blood? You get to live in this whole other world, where the realities of this world don’t exist or can be pushed. It’s so much fun. And everybody is so sweet and so welcoming and warm, and they’re down to play and down to get dirty. It’s really a special set.



CE: This is your second year on the show, but I know most of the cast have been there since day one. That set must be like a well-oiled machine, where everyone really knows his stuff — actors, writers, directors and crew.

ARB: They really do. They know their characters very well, and it’s really cool to see where they take everybody, because a lot of the time, you don’t even see it coming, and then all of a sudden you’re like: “Oh my gosh, yes! That makes total sense! I love it.”

Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) and Willa

CE: I have to ask, and I’ve heard only good things about him, but is Alexander Skarsgard (who plays Eric Northman, the vampire who turned Willa) fun to work with?

ARB: Oh, yes. He’s very funny. He’s very sweet and very goofy. He and Kristin (Bauer van Straten, who plays Pam) are such a team; they’re so much fun to work with. He’s very tall and very nice.

CE: One of my favorite scenes of yours was after Willa was turned, and she came home to confront her father, Gov. Burrell (played by Arliss Howard). Tell me about filming that.

ARB: When I first went into that scene, I was expecting that he would be completely appalled by me and would be terrified. But when we started filming, all he wanted to do was hug me. It was such an incredible learning experience as an actor, because you go in with all of the expectations of how you think the scene is going play out, and then your partner brings something completely different, and you just have to drop everything and just be there with them. He gave me something completely different from what I was expecting, and I think also different from what Willa was expecting. It was a wonderful moment.

CE: What can you tell me about this final season of “True Blood”?

ARB: I think the fans are going to be really happy. The writers and everyone are doing a wonderful job. Everyone wants to make this the best ending that they can possibly make. Everyone is putting in 110 percent — it is going to be epic.

CE: Are you and the rest of the cast starting to feel the end approaching? What is the mood like on the set?

ARB: As the end gets closer, it’s going to affect everyone, because most of the cast and crew have been here since season one. They’ve been working together for seven years, which is an incredible amount of time in this industry. Sadness hasn’t quite taken over the set just yet, but ask me again on my final day of filming!

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Interview — Tiffani Thiessen: "It's Easy Being Green"

We all know her as everyone’s sweetheart, Kelly, on “Saved by the Bell,” every girl’s scheming enemy, Valerie, on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” and more recently as event planner Elizabeth on USA’s “White Collar.” Ironically, event planning is in Tiffani Thiessen’s blood, as she loves to throw a good party and entertain friends. And, as she demonstrated last month, which just so happened to be Earth Month, you can entertain without harming the Earth. Partnered with Glad and its One Bag campaign, Tiffani is on a mission to teach others how to make less waste, use fewer energy sources and still have a kick-ass party.

Recently, Tiffani — along with longtime friend and party planner Heidi Mayne — threw a One Bag party, dazzling her friends and family with gorgeous decorations, wonderful food, fun party favors, etc., all the while recycling, composting and sending only one bag of trash to the landfill. I spoke with Tiffani right before the party, and she gave me the scoop on her One Bag affair.

Celebrity Extra: Tell me about the party planning. You did this by committee, correct? Getting people’s votes via Glad’s Facebook page?

Tiffani Thiessen: Exactly. It’s been really fun to have an audience following along and helping us pick the menu, pick the decor, pick the place and choose the parting gifts. Usually I’m like, “Well, I want to pick out those things.” But it’s also been really fun to see what people want to see as well. It all came together beautifully. It’s breathtaking.

CE: I know that you are very green in your own right, so how did you hook up with Glad for this event?

TT: I was approached by them — I think that maybe they heard that I try to be as green as I can be. I grew up in a household that was very much about that, and I continue to be that way. I also strive to be a good role model for my daughter, Harper. We recycle, and we try to conserve water. We have huge water tanks in our backyard, where we use all the rainwater to water our garden. We grow our own vegetables — we try to be those responsible, good, green people. Nowadays what’s nice about it is that it’s not hard to do. It’s almost like it’s become normal for everybody to be doing that, which is nice to know.

CE: It’s definitely become commonplace to recycle at home, and at work, and when you go out.

TT: Oh, absolutely. And it’s just the simplest thing — if you throw a party, put three different huge trash bins out there, and label them “plastics”, “cans” and “glass.” It’s as simple as that, and you make a big difference.

CE: So, with the One Bag party and campaign, you’re trying to show others how easy it can be to create less waste and help save the planet, yes?

TT: With the party, we’re showing people really fun details on how to throw a beautiful, wonderful, luxurious party, while still being very green in the process. We are throwing away only one bag of trash for the whole party, which is amazing to think that I can throw a party for 50 of my friends and throw away only one bag of trash. We are using glassware instead of paper — there are a lot of wonderful companies out there that have the compost-type plates and forks that break down so much better than regular paper and plasticware. But we’re using actual china and real glassware and servingware that needs to be washed, and you can reuse it. The only things being thrown away are soiled items or half-eaten food, that kind of thing. But the menu’s to die for, so I cannot imagine there’s going to be a lot left of any food whatsoever.

CE: Besides being good friends, you and Heidi must work well together since you’ve planned so many parties together.

TT: Heidi is a dear friend of mine; we’ve known each other for a very long time. I love doing this kind of stuff, especially with her. She’s always bringing new ideas to me that I haven’t heard of, and there’s one idea that she loved that I brought to the table, and she’s been using it quite often. I showed her the idea of using chalkboards as menus instead of actually getting menus printed on paper. We used that idea at my wedding years ago, and it’s a favorite of mine that I incorporate into all of my parties now.

CE: While some places do rent dishes and silverware, I was reading how you always have your own sets on hand to match the party occasion.

TT: I do. I have a stockpile of dishes. I have a stockpile of cake plates and pedestal plates and other stuff I use. Now having a little girl, I’m going to be throwing a lot of birthday parties. Why constantly buy things that are going to be thrown away? Why not have beautiful things that you can use over and over and over again? Plus, it’ll save you money in the long run.

What’s nice about it too is if you get colors that work with a lot of different holidays and things like that, get more of a neutral pallet, then you can spruce it up for the occasion you are celebrating. I have a couple of different varieties of linens that will work for Christmas and Thanksgiving, and something that will work for spring and Easter. And then my daughter, Harper, is a summer baby, so her stuff is usually very bright and colorful.

CE: Why do you think a lot of people are still hooked on these disposable things?

TT: Honestly, it’s because we’ve become such a very busy society that we’re all about being quick. And people think going to a store and picking up paper plates and napkins and cups and all that kind of stuff is easy. But we need to be smarter. We need to be better role models for our children. The more we throw away, the more we’re wasting, and the more it’s actually just going back into our Earth, and it’s not helping us in the long run. I think it’s more fun and creative to come up with these green alternatives. And how wonderful would it be to start a legacy of beautiful china and silver that you can pass down through the generations? Wouldn’t you rather be served with beautiful silver than plastic forks and spoons?

CE: How green is the cast and crew at your day job on “White Collar”?

TT: They’re all very good. We don’t have any plastic water bottles around anywhere. Our very first season, we got metal water bottles with “White Collar” on them. It’s just simple things like that. On the sets of TV shows and movies, a crazy amount of stuff gets wasted, so little things like that go a long way.

CE: So, no dirt on your fellow cast mates then, huh?

TT: (Laughs) I can say we’re all pretty good. And it’s also definitely one of the nicest groups of people I’ve worked with in a really, really long time. It’s great to know that the show’s been doing well, and now we’re going into our fifth season. I’m very excited.

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INTERVIEW — Michael Steger: "Navid Explores His Dark Side"

Michael Steger, photo by Benny Haddad

The fifth season of “90210” has started with a bang, and going by the first few episodes, I think I can safely say we are in for a treat this year. Naomi and Max are married(!); Teddy and Silver are trying for a baby; Adrianna is in a love triangle; Liam is in Crazytown because of Vanessa; sparks are flying between Annie and a guy she met through Dixon’s rehab; and Navid, tired of being second choice and everyone’s punching bag, is showing his darker side. I spoke with Michael Steger — who’s played the once-nerdy, now-hunky Navid Shirazi since the show’s inception — and he gave me the scoop on the upcoming season. He also told me about the other projects he’s been working on.

Celebrity Extra: First off, how was your summer vacation?

Michael Steger: Really good. At the beginning, I did a few small vacations. I went to Rosarito, Mexico, and Ensenada and then Chicago. And then I worked on two films in May and June, which was nice. It went by pretty quickly. And then I started back up on “90210” in July. So most of my summer I’ve been working.

CE: For those who might be living under a rock, I also want to point out that “90210” has switched to Monday nights at 8/7c on the CW. I know you are active on Twitter, so how has the fan reaction been for the new season?

MS: Very excited. I’ve been contacted by fans on Twitter: “When is the show starting? When is the show starting?” The energy is very contagious, and the fans have been really great about passing that info along.

CE: Looking back on the previous season, what have been some of your favorite moments?

MS: My favorite moments from season four is getting the chance to work with really cool character actors. I got to work with Anthony Azizi, who played my uncle Amal. And Shaun Duke, who plays my dad, and then of course all the cool recurring cast we have on the show, like Josh Zuckerman. There are so many really good actors coming on board the show. They represent the fresh energy that is so much a part of the show and is always my favorite part.

CE: How’s Navid doing this season?

MS: He starts the season in a bidding war with Liam for Silver, and now Silver has picked Teddy to have a baby with. It’s thrown Navid off-kilter a bit to where his character is tested, and he goes the route of a stranger, in a sense — he does something that’s really out of character.


He has an almost one-night stand, and he’s really not thinking. He’s trying to get back to Silver, so he’s doing as much as he can in that area. It’s completely out of character for him, but he is trying to get the attention with Silver at the end of the day.

CE: I saw some pictures of you and the rest of the guys online dressed as cheerleaders for a powder-puff football game. Was that fun to film?

MS: It’s funny, when you get a group of guys and you dress them up as cheerleaders, you have this feeling of, “OK, we’ve got to represent.” It ended up being a hilarious situation because we were all just making fun of ourselves the entire day. It was really funny. And of course, at the end of the day, we’re all like, “Oh did you guys see the paparazzi over yonder?” We were caught off-guard, but we still had a really good time.

CE: Tell me about Dixon’s recovery from the car accident.

MS: It’s going to take a while. His recovery process is a long one. The execs handled it in a very organic way and very believable. I thought they handled it very nicely.

CE: Can you give me any spoilers for down the road?

MS: I’m really not sure what will happen. Everything’s a surprise. I don’t like to know too much, you know? I just wait until I get the script to be surprised. We’ll find out!

CE: Tell me about the films you’ve been working on.

MS: They’re both in post-production. “Farah Goes Bang” is about three women who are coming into their own. They’re on a road trip to work on the John Kerry campaign during the 2004 Bush/Kerry election. It’s a very great story about these women coming into their womanhood. One is trying to lose her virginity, and they have all of the obstacles along the way. It’s a touching story of that time. I think people are going to enjoy it.


And the other one is “Blowing Vegas Off the Map,” which is a movie for the Syfy network. It has to do with an Egyptian curse, and Las Vegas is being decimated by a horrible storm. I think if you’re into sci-fi, you might enjoy it, but I haven’t seen any cuts, so I have no idea. But I’m sure it’ll be good, explosive fun.

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Interview: 90210's Michael Steger Is Excited About the Future

(photo credit Geno Nicholas)

The kids of West Beverly High School have finally graduated. Some will go to college; some will go right to work. But you can bet on one thing staying the same: They all will have their fair share of drama when the fourth season of “90210” premieres on the CW Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 8/7c. Recently I spoke with series star Michael Steger, who plays Navid Shirazi, and he gave me the scoop on what viewers can expect from my favorite guilty-pleasure television show.

Celebrity Extra: When you first auditioned for the “90210” reboot, did you have any apprehensions or doubts that the show even needed a remake?

Michael Steger: I didn’t think any of the remakes were going to make it. I was very skeptical at first. I started going to more and more auditions for the show, and what got me really interested is when I found out Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah from “Freaks and Geeks” were on board.

CE: While I enjoyed the throwback of having some of the original “90210” cast on the show, I was happy when the show began to focus on the new characters and phase out the previous ones — that’s when it really hit its stride and found its focus.

MS: Yeah, the first season it seemed like we had like 50 cast members, which was really ridiculous. Whenever the vets were in the episode, Navid was out. I was like, “Aw, man! What’s going on?” We had to share a lot of screen time with everyone, so it got tricky. But now, the writers are in a place where we are all really enjoying where the stories are going, and they keep on surprising us with both funny and dramatic stuff. It’s good.

CE: What are some story lines you have enjoyed playing?

MS: The whole thing with Navid putting Adrianna through rehab and dealing with that situation. I thought it was a very difficult story line. It was so hard to pull off, and I felt like we told a great story. That was one of my favorites. And his relationship with Silver starting up has been amazing.

CE: It’s been great to be able to see Navid really grow up and mature through the years.

MS: Yes, especially when he finally put his foot down and ended things with Adrianna. He found some backbone and he was like, “You know what, I can’t take any more.” He made a huge change in his life, and I think that change came with a lot of fear. It was the best thing Navid could have ever done. That was the best part about playing the character — the idea of him maturing from a boy to a man.

CE: What can we expect for season four?

MS: We’ve all graduated. Navid is not going to college. In fact, he’s at the helm of the production company. His entire family went to Switzerland because of his father being charged with child pornography. So, Navid ends up moving in with Silver, selling his car and just putting all of his money into his business. Silver becomes his assistant. But he’s still being haunted by his dad’s past. Ex-business partners who happen to be pretty upset start showing up.

CE: What about the rest of the West Bev gang? What are they up to?

MS: Navid is going to be working with Dixon, but he’s no longer working FOR me. Also, my sister ends up not getting on the plane and stays in town, wanting to move in with me and Silver. With Max and Naomi and the whole pregnancy bombshell at last year’s finale, they address that in the first episode. Navid does see Ade again, and it’s a very awkward situation, but they do talk in the first two episodes.

CE: Much like your characters, you must be excited to graduate into the real world of adulthood and the story lines that will bring.

MS: Oh yeah, definitely. I feel like there is so much more you can do outside the high school. There are so many more mature story lines. We’re not confined to the walls of West Beverly, and it feels good. We’re doing a lot more location stuff. The sets look amazing, and we’re at the beach more than usual. I’m excited, because there’s going to be a lot more action going on.

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Q and A: Week of Sept. 5

Q: I saw Nancy McKeon a while back on Disney Channel’s “Sonny With a Chance” playing Demi Lovato’s mom, and I wondered what else she has been doing lately. — Sally T., via e-mail

A: Nancy currently co-stars in the Hallmark Channel original movie “Love Begins,” which airs Saturday, Sept. 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Nancy plays Millie, a local restaurant owner and the heart and soul of the town of Anderson’s Corner. Nancy told me a main reason she took the role: her daughters.


“There are projects I’ve done that are just too grown-up for them to see. This was a chance for them to make fun of me in funny costumes and funny shoes and funny hair. They had a great time. Plus, I love the stories Hallmark tells, and this group of people were pretty terrific to work with.”

Q: I love classic Westerns, especially “The Rifleman.” Can you tell me if series stars Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford are still living, and if so, what they are doing? — Rhonda H., Bountiful, Utah

A: Chuck Connors passed away in 1992 at the age of 71 of pneumonia stemming from lung cancer. His 40-year career spanned sports (basketball and baseball), film and TV; however, he was best known as Lucas McCain of “The Rifleman.” Johnny Crawford, 65, slowly stepped away from acting and headed toward music. He leads the Johnny Crawford Orchestra. See what he’s been up to, and if he’s coming to your area, at crawfordmusic.com.

(photo credit Geno Nicholas)

Q: I’m excited that my favorite show, “90210,” is coming back to the CW soon. Can you give me any teasers for this season? — Heidi R., Washington, D.C.

A: “90210″ returns for its fourth season on Tuesday, Sept. 13. I spoke with Michael Steger, who plays Navid Shirazi, and he gave me the scoop (but not enough to get him in trouble).


“Navid’s going to be working with Dixon, but Dixon’s no longer working FOR Navid. Max and Naomi and the whole pregnancy bomb at the finale, they address that in the first episode. Also, Navid’s family flies to Switzerland to be with his father, but his sister doesn’t get on the plane. Navid does see Adrianna again, and it’s a very awkward situation, but they do talk in the first two episodes. Also, we’re doing a lot more location stuff. I’m excited because there’s a lot more action going on.”

Q: As a history buff, I was excited to read in your column that the History Channel is making a miniseries about the Hatfields and McCoys, starring Kevin Costner as Anse Hatfield. Who will play Randall McCoy? — Darnell R., via e-mail

A: I, too, am eager for this miniseries, which is slated to air next year. I’m happy to report that Bill Paxton — of “Big Love,” “Apollo 13″ and “Twister” fame — is set to play Randall McCoy, the famed arch nemesis of “Devil” Anse Hatfield.

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Interview: Jennie Garth 'Accidentally' Finds Love

Jennie Garth will probably forever be known as Kelly Taylor from both incarnations of “90210,” as well as for her comedic turn on the sitcom “What I Like About You.” But she is also the mother of three adorable daughters and the wife of actor/writer Peter Facinelli, who is best known for his role of the compassionate vampire “dad” Carlisle Cullen in “The Twilight Saga” phenomenon.

Years ago, Peter got an idea for a screenplay, with the thought that it could be a project for himself and his wife. But “Twilight” and other responsibilities made it impossible for Peter to act in his movie, “Accidentally in Love,” but the project went full speed ahead with Jennie in the starring role of single mom Annie, who finds herself falling in love with an actor who’s hiding a secret identity. “Accidentally in Love” premieres Saturday, Feb. 12 at 9/8c, on Hallmark Channel and runs throughout the weekend (check your local listings).

Celebrity Extra: When your husband wrote this movie, he wrote it with both of you in mind, but it turned out he couldn’t be in it. Were you sad because you’d like to act with him, or were you a little relieved because you don’t want to mix business with pleasure?

Jennie Garth: No, I’d love to work with him, but it would have been a different movie if he’d have done it. It was funny because, like you said, he wanted to play the role of Eddie, and I told him, “You know, I don’t really think you’re right for it.” He said: “What? I’m not right for my own movie?”



CE: What are some aspects of Annie’s personality that you can relate to and empathize with?

JG: Of course, the mother aspect — the love for your child and protecting your child. I like that she’s a hard worker, and she works as a waitress and has a real life. I gravitate toward real people in general, real American working people. I really have a fondness for that life, and so I loved playing someone like that. My life, as real as it is for me, is probably not what some people would consider to be normal. So I loved that sort of “Everywoman” aspect to her.

CE: Of course you are a professional, but was it weird for you to be kissing another man, ironically because of something your husband wrote?

JG: It’s always weird. There is never a time when it’s not weird doing love scenes or being romantic with a stranger, especially when you are married and your kids are going to be seeing it. Peter wasn’t on set during that scene. I was on the phone with him going: “Oh, I don’t want to do it. It’s weird.” It is NOT my favorite thing to do.

CE: At least your co-star, Ethan Erickson, ain’t too bad-looking, and is quite the charmer, so that must have made it easier.

JG: He’s a doll, and just so respectful of me and my husband and our family. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-star.

CE: Speaking of co-stars, your other co-stars were wonderful — Marilu Henner, Fred Willard and Dannika Northcott.

JG: Weren’t they great? I was shocked that Marilu was going to be my mom, because she’s so young and foxy. But we have so much in common. I had an instant fondness for her and just wanted to hear all of her stories — and she has a lot of stories. And also having Fred Willard there, I was like: “Are you kidding me? Fred Willard’s going to come in and play this?” That was so exciting for me working with him. Dannika, who played my daughter, is a sweet friend of my family now. She is such a gifted, very natural actress.

CE: What do you hope the audience takes away from this movie?

JG: The message from Eddie’s character is pretty profound: You can have money and all the accolades and success, but until you have someone to share it with, you’re really nothing. And for Annie to let her guard down and be lovable, to try to move forward and find love again was a challenge for her.

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Interview: Luke Perry Lays Down the Law

For 10 years, Luke Perry was best known for his portrayal of troubled rich kid Dylan McKay on the seminal nighttime drama “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Since the show ended in 2000, Luke has steadily been shedding any layers of Dylan that might still be associated with him, taking on roles in the gritty prison drama “Oz,” the family-oriented sitcom “What I Like About You” and even making fun of an exaggerated version of himself in “Family Guy” and “FCU: Fact Checkers Unit.”

In 2008, he starred in “A Gunfighter’s Pledge,” an original movie for the Hallmark Channel, which just so happened to be his favorite genre of film: a Western. Luke is back in the saddle in another Western for Hallmark; this time playing circuit judge John Goodnight in “Goodnight for Justice,” which premieres Saturday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. and re-airs all throughout the weekend (check local listings for times). I caught up with Luke recently, and he told me all about his latest endeavor with the Hallmark Channel.

Celebrity Extra: Judge John Goodnight is a character that you created, although you didn’t write the movie. What was the process of Judge Goodnight becoming the central character in the movie?

Luke Perry: I was reading a lot about Andrew Jackson. Before he was the president of our country, he was a circuit judge. I found the time that he was a circuit judge in the Carolina hill country in Tennessee to be really interesting, and this whole idea of traveling from place to place as judge, jury and sometimes executioner. I thought, “That’s an interesting character.” I developed the story. I wrote three or four pages of what I thought the story would be. Then I met Neal and Tippi Dobrofsky, who are a husband-and-wife writing team that Ira (Pincus), the other producer, put me in touch with. And they fashioned a screenplay out of the story.

CE: Was it Hallmark’s idea to get Jason Priestley involved, or had you been wanting to work with him again?

LP: I like working with Jason a lot. There is a company involved in making this movie called Entertainment One. They work here in the United States, but they are based in Canada. So, if you are in business with them, you have to do your stuff in Canada, which means you have to have a Canadian director. And when they said Canadian, I thought, “I’ve got one of those.” That was easy enough, and it was the right way to go because he’s a smart director. It was great working with him on this. We got to prep the picture together and do the casting and all that stuff. We’ve had years and years of practice together, and it was just easy.



CE: Speaking of casting ... I felt the casting was superb. Everyone did a great job, whether they had a minor role or a major role.

LP: That’s nice of you to say, because we read with every single actor. I was told that most producers and directors don’t do that. We read with every single person that came into the room — every boy, girl, man, woman, child. It was fun for me. I mean, it was hard and made for long days, but it was so nice to hear you say that. It really is, because a lot of times those actors think, “Oh, Luke’s in the movie and it’s directed by Jason, and that is all anybody is going to notice or hear or talk about.” And to hear you make an observation like that, that makes me feel good.

CE: In this movie you get to work with horses, which you have told me you love to do.

LP: Yes, I prefer them over people.

CE: And you didn’t have to shave, so that was a bonus.

LP: Yeah, you just comb your face and get out there.

CE: How long did it take you to shoot the film?

LP: Fifteen days. We had exactly 15 days to do it, and that’s a crazy-fast schedule. That’s very much tribute to Jason and the crew, and how hard everybody was working.

CE: What are some things that you hope that the audience takes away from this movie?

LP: You hope that everybody has a sense of right and wrong. Sometimes I look at the stupid stuff that goes on in the world and I’m not so sure that everybody has a sense of right and wrong. You sort of want to give everybody the hope that if something bad happens to them, somebody somewhere is going to try to make it right in the right way. The law should not be about finding loopholes for guys like Bernie Madoff to steal billions of dollars, the guys at Enron, stuff like that. It’s the lawyers who allow a lot of that to take place. When you strip away all of that and you get down to the basics, it’s always about somebody trying to do the right thing. That’s always a great place to tell a story from.

CE: I love in the very beginning when your character, John Goodnight, says, “Every man is ordinary until he does an extraordinary thing.” It’s simple, but it’s profound.

LP: The best things in life are simple. I’ve always been a fan of the simple things. It doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be that simple, right there, just a thought that sticks in your mind. You’ve got to do something extraordinary at some point in your life.

CE: With you and your career, I like that you pick roles that are right for you. You seem to be a bit choosier than other actors. That way we get to see you in these good roles that are sometimes a bit obscure.

LP: The trick is you really have to keep trying different things and taking chances. When you get so precious about your work, or the perceptions of your work, you die creatively. As an actor you’d be dead in the water.

CE: What’s next for you?

LP: Well, what to do … I don’t know. I’ve got two more of these circuit-judge stories I’d really like to tell that I hope Hallmark will be willing to do. We are talking about that again next week, actually. But I’m definitely going to be getting back to work, I know that. I haven’t been doing much the past two or three years, and I feel good and rested and ready to go.

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