Julie Gonzalo – The Sweetest Heart

By: Lisa Steinberg

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

A) The recent project that I’m working is this. [laughs] Hallmark does such a quick job in turning these films around that I feel like I just got back!  Also, I have a writing group that we’re currently working on different script ideas. I’d love to be able to produce and have my stories told on film soon. Keeping creatively active is something I need in my life.

Q) Please tell us the premise for The Sweetest Heart and about your character Maddie.

A) The Sweetest Heart is about two people that come together as young teenagers with their lives and dreams ahead of them until life has other plans. Careers and passions come in the way of these two lovebirds, forcing their paths to shift.  Until years later life had unexpected plans for them. The character I play, Maddie, is a hard-working, driven and passionate person that puts her goals and dreams ahead of everything else.  She’s determined to make her career goal come true often forgetting to take a moment to enjoy her life.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?  Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) What I liked about this script is that it was very different from others I have seen.  I love the fact that there are three love storylines and they all intertwined with each other. I think inevitably you’re bring you to any character you portray. I wanted to keep Maddie warm and fun, I’d like to think that about myself. [smiles]

Q) In order to get into character did you spend any time baking to prepare to be a cupcake shop owner?

A) [laughs]  Fortunately, I have played a baker before so I kinda knew a few things here and there about it.  I’m not much of a baker in my personal life, but I do enjoy cooking quite a bit.

Q) Did you and co-star Chris McNally get to spend much time together to develop the on-screen chemistry before filming?

A) Chris and I met a few days before the shoot started.  We didn’t have a lot of time to get to know each other as he was doing a play as well.  We did meet before the film started to go over some things and just get to know each other.  Once filming started we were able to spend time together to work on scenes and know more about each other.  Chris is a wonderful person so it wasn’t hard to get comfortable with him quickly.

Q) What advice did director Steve R. Monroe provide during filming that you took to heart for your character?

A) I had worked with Steven R. Monroe before so I knew how he worked and vice versa.  I enjoy the freedom he gives me to play her as I see her and organically grown with her.  Collaborating with him is always fun, he knows what he wants and that works with me well.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming The Sweetest Heart?

A) I really like the days the whole cast got to work together.  Everyone got along so great and we had really great chemistry togethe…some of those scenes are really fun to watch.  I really loved working with Andrea Brooks, too.  Her character, Chloe, works with Maddie and we had such a good time off and on screen.

Q) What do you think it is about the movie that will make it a fast favorite for Hallmark viewers?

A) It’s a light-hearted, romantic story about love returning to you – the whole “what’s for you won’t pass you” thing.  What’s not to quickly love about that? Also, I think the fact that there are love stories that everyone can relate to will make it a fan fave.

Q) You’ve been a part of many memorable films and series.  What have been some of your favorite projects to be a part of?

A) I have been very lucky in my career.  I have many projects that I’m proud of.  One of my favorite roles and projects is “Eli Stone.”  I had such a wonderful time working on that series that I still think of it fondly.

Q) You are a part of social media.  Do you enjoy interacting with your fans and supporters?  What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I am terrible at social media, I need to take a course!  Ha.  I need to be a bit more engaged as I love to talk to people that have supported me throughout the years.  I have some of the nicest fans out there!  Still the weirdest thing to me, even after 15 years in this business but I’m so grateful to everyone.  Truly.  I have never had a negative comment or person reach me.. So lucky!!!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one