Christian Michael Cooper – When Calls The Heart

By: Ruth Hill

In this third season of “When Calls the Heart,” fans are pleased to see Miss Thatcher (Erin Krakow) back in her classroom and most of the action occurring in Hope Valley rather than the big city of Hamilton. While we always cherish our beloved characters in the series, it is a joy for the show to feature new talent as well. And that is exactly who Christian Michael Cooper is – a new face in Hope Valley. His sister, Ava, also joins the cast this season. Recently, I got the opportunity to find out more about this 9-year-old actor who plays Timmy on the show.

What inspired you at your young age to become an actor?

I was interested in acting from the time I was a toddler. My first job was a commercial for a Hasbro Walk n’ Ride with Ryan Styles.  When I was five years old, I was in eight episodes of a CW TV series called “Cult.”  I played the nephew of one of the main detectives. Then, I got to be on a sitcom called “Some Assembly Required” and it was my favorite show until “When Calls the Heart” came along.  For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be on TV and my sister Ava and I are always putting on little scenes at home for my parents.

How did you get the job with WCTH?

I originally auditioned for the part of Cody. But when I didn’t get that, they called me back to audition for Timmy. My character is in two episodes this season.

What is it like joining a series that has already been going for two seasons and you’re the “new guy?”

The first day or two, it was kind of hard because I didn’t know anyone. But after a couple of days I got to know Cody (Carter Ryan Evancic) and Robert (Jaiven Natt) and it got a lot easier.

Tell us about how schooling works for you.

I have a tutor and we do a lot more Math work on the set than when I’m at my regular school. My teacher at school thinks it’s great I have a tutor and I think it’s kind of fun to go to school on the set.

How do you learn your lines?

My mom is a big help. She plays the other part if there are two people in the scene and we go over and over the lines, even in the car ride on the way to the set.

What is your favorite part about being on the show?

I love horses and I got to be around them the most I ever have on the show. I also loved being around the dog. Daniel [Lissing] and Erin were always lots of fun to be around. It was really neat to have seen them on a TV show and now see their personalities in real life. Daniel likes to joke around on the set, but he also really loves music.

Do you have any other upcoming works you can tell us about?

My sister, Ava, and I just finished a feature film together called Besties with Kyra Sedgwick and Woody Harrelson.  And I will be in another film I can’t tell you about yet. I also just finished a film called Life on the Line with John Travolta and Kate Bosworth and there’s a funny story that goes with that film. I was in my trailer waiting to get called for a scene and I heard a knock and someone saying they were ready. I opened the door and all I saw was this umbrella. When the umbrella moved, I was amazed to see that John Travolta was holding the umbrella, but he looked so different in person because I had only seen him in Grease.  In that film, I play the son of Julie Benz.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I’m not acting, I like to be outdoors. I’ve been on a soccer team since I was five years old and I like ice-skating and skiing in the winter and boating in the summer. Recently, I have taken an interest in the piano, too. I like playing video games when I can, but during the school week, my parents don’t let me play many video games.

For me, it was so much fun to discover more about this boy who is another natural when it comes to acting and his enthusiasm and love for the industry just radiates from his entire existence. It is a veritable treat to see a brother and a sister who share a common interest and their parents support them completely. After talking with Christian, I somehow feel that this world is in good hands as he is a talented, grounded individual who will grow up to be a person who will change the world for the better. Be sure to tune in every Sunday to see Christian in “When Calls the Heart” on the Hallmark Channel and be sure to follow him on twitter (https://twitter.com/christian_coop1 ) for all of his news and updates.