Erin Karpluk – Holly Hobbie

By: Paige Zinaman

Q) You’re in the very popular series “Holly Hobbie.” What can you tell us is new this season and with your character Katherine?

A) The next season of “Holly Hobbie” is really special as there is an unexpected twist! I can’t spoil it, but it definitely shakes up the family dynamic and presents lots of drama and excitement.

Q) What about the character drew you to this show? What made you be like ‘Wow. I need to be this character’?

A) I had been looking to do a children’s show for a while when “Holly Hobbie” was presented to me. I remember having Holly Hobbie sheets as a little girl and my neighbor had the doll and wallpaper. I wanted to be part of something that had strong messages for young kids and really empowered young girls in particular. I love the way Sarah Glinski (our creator/writer/EP) writes her characters, each family member is really complex and fits imperfectly perfect into the Hobby household as families tend to do. This season we delve into important issues like racism, mental illness, the influence of social media and the effects of concussions to name a few. I’m so proud to be part of this show and now finally have a program I can share with my friend’s kids and my niece.

Q) Going into this new season, were you hoping to share more scenes with someone(s) in particular?

A) That’s a great question. Sarah has always balanced the family dynamic so each of the three kids has a relationship with each parent, which each other, and of course, the Hobby parents have their own relationship. I love working with each of the actors so much that I’m just delighted when I get scenes with any of them! Evan, who plays my husband and I have lots of fun off-camera. We often have to do our scenes after the kids wrap so it’s a bit less of a PG environment on set for cast and crew. I’m not constantly reminding him of “earmuffs.” [laughs]

Q) As a series grows the characters tend to grow as well, how do you think Katherine has grown and what do you think could be an area she could still grow in?

A) As the breadwinner in the family, Katherine holds a lot of responsibility and makes a lot of decisions for the family. It’s fun to play that, but I like it when the roles are reversed, and Katherine learns from the kids. It’s never too late, and you’re never too old to learn. In the episode on racism, I like that the kids bring to light that the Hobby parents might be blind to social injustice happening in their small town. I love the scene where Holly (Ruby Jay) calls them out on this. I think parents can learn so much from their kids, and it’s important to be open to learning.

Q) The series has been running for five seasons, what is it you think makes it such a fan favorite?

A) I think the show is very relatable to youth from all different kinds of backgrounds. It’s current but classic, has strong messages, it’s visually so colorful and bright and the music is fantastic! I love listening to Ruby sing. I do not sing for a good reason. [laughs] The Hobby kids are all so different I think the viewers can relate to each at different times in their lives. It’s been so fun watching Ruby, Kate [Moyer] and Charles [Vandervaart] grow for five seasons as actors and people. I’m so proud of them all!

Q) You’ve also starred in ABC’s “A Million Little Things” as Anna. What was the process like going from a role like Katherine to playing the role of Anna? 

A) It was interesting playing these characters simultaneously. “Holly Hobbie” was my first children’s show, so the dynamic is obviously much different, with shorter hours and a more playful vibe. I adore the “AMLT” cast and crew – I started with them in Season 3, was back for all of Season 4 and am coming back for Season 5! It feels like a family on both shows. The characters are so different I’m not sure where to begin, but somehow both are also very relatable to me personally.

Q) As a part of social media, what kind of fan feedback did you receive to being a part of this special series?

A) The fans of “A Million Little Things” and “Holly Hobbie” are incredible. On “AMLT” they somehow stood by Anna as she was married to a sex offender, then became an alcoholic and then went to jail! My goodness, the journey she has taken. This show is really special because it does not shy away from big issues. The characters fall into pretty big holes and watching them struggle to climb out is fascinating to both play and watch. I get so excited the day they release the scripts; I can’t turn the pages quick enough.

Q) You have such an impressive career in film as well as television. Looking back, was there a time where you found one being more of a challenge over the other?

A) They are equally challenging and rewarding. In movies, you know in advance the beginning, middle and end of the story and also when the job will finish and end. In TV series there is usually no crystal ball that tells you where your character will go or how long the series will run. The overall job as an actor continues to stay the same though. I enjoy both mediums providing I can tick off at least three of these five boxes: I like the role, the story, where it shoots, who is involved and what it pays. I also jump at the chance to play oddball characters – it’s so fun to play imperfect and unpolished.

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been busy working on?

A) I just wrapped a show for CBS Paramount called “Rabbit Hole” starring Kiefer Sutherland in Toronto. I love shooting in Toronto! I am currently working on Season 3 of “Upload” for Amazon and am excited to start back shooting Season 5 of “A Million Little Things” in early Fall.

Q) Your fans are a very passionate group. What would you like to say to them and supporters of your work?

A) Thanks so much for all the support and feedback over the years! I am currently in Jasper National Park and was walking in the middle of the woods and ran into one woman who stopped me to say she loved “Being Erica.” It means a lot to know shows we do inspire, motivate or even just entertain you for a moment. I really believe in the power and importance of storytelling and love that I’ve been able to make a career out of it, so thank you for watching!