Interviews
Madison Smith – When Calls The Heart
By: Ruth Hill
Some time ago, when I was watching one of my favorite mystery series, Garage Sale Mystery, I noticed a young actor who seemed to truly shine in his role as the love interest of lead’s daughter. At that moment, I was convinced that we hadn’t seen the last of the actor Madison Smith and seeing him in the role of the despised, but misunderstood Roy in Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart” was an unexpected treat. Recently, I had the privilege to chat with this accomplished actor and our delightful discussion entailed all things Hallmark and beyond.
What inspired you to become an actor?
I grew up playing sports – hockey and baseball. When I was about 20 years old I was playing baseball in college, but I kept wondering if there was something else I wanted to pursue. It just so happened that an opportunity arose in acting and I sensed this “pitter-patter” in my heart that I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I applied to the acting program of Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts and that is where I received my training.
I like to think of myself as Peter Pan. When I was growing up, I played sports and now I get to play characters on TV. So, I’ve never had to grow up and I couldn’t be happier.
What drew you to audition for “When Calls The Heart?”
I knew Lori Loughlin and director Peter DeLuise from my work on Garage Sale Mystery and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to work with them again. I can’t say enough about Peter. He has a certain rapport with actors–he’s kind of what I like to call an “actor’s director.” He just knows how to get the right stuff from each of the actors. During the audition, he had me run each scene two or three times and I left feeling very confident of my abilities and what we could do with the character of Roy. When I got the role, I was over the moon that I got to work with this same team. He is such a cool guy and his wife (Anne Marie DeLuise) is one of the nicest people in the industry. She, along with Lori, are probably my favorite people in the industry.
Actually, I auditioned first for the role of Jesse. When I got that chance, I messaged Lori and told her about it. I made sure I understood everything that was required for the role – a standard American accent, etc. And Lori said she would put in a good word for me. I told her then that if I ended up getting the role of Jesse, I would owe her not only the already promised bottle of wine from before, but also a case of wine. Now, as much as I would have loved to have landed the role of Jesse, my pocketbook is very happy that I didn’t get that role. [laughs] Instead, I got the role of Roy and the wonderful thing is that the writers let me collaborate a bit with them on my role. Roy is in all the remaining episodes of the season.
As far as Ali [Milner], who plays Edith, she is one of my favorite people in the world and I think she is just lovely. I had a new phone and she sent me a message that just said, “Roy, I’m Edith.” And that’s how I found out we were working together on “When Calls The Heart.” I loved working with her on “Supernatural” and what could be better than to be on this show and have a good friend like her playing my wife?
What do you like about Roy’s character? What do you not like?
Well, first of all, let me say the entire story of Roy’s life and his reason for leaving has not yet been revealed. I understand that Hearties are very upset with him, but I think once they see this next episode they will understand Roy a little bit better.
What I like about Roy is that he really is trying to do the right thing (at least he thinks he is). Remember, he didn’t know about his son when he left. What I don’t like is that he is really being selfish in leaving Edith and Oliver. He has so much pride, but it’s not really explained why he does what he does. I am looking forward to the response of the fans after the next episode.
What do you think of the fan response to the show and your character?
The Hearties are amazing! The moment I tweeted about being on the set, within a couple days, I had more tweets on my Twitter page than I had ever had before. The Hearties are loyal and excited. At least ten to twenty fans have actually put me in a group of “new people” on the show and told everyone to follow me. I know right now that some people absolutely hate Roy, but they are still supportive of me. I’m kind of like one of those characters you love to hate. A good example of that is Bradley Cooper in “Wedding Crashers.” He is so good in his role, but everyone hates his character. That’s kind of how I feel. If people hate Roy, I’m doing my job well.
Do you have any other upcoming works you can tell us about?
There is a new pilot coming in early June called “Miranda’s Rights” and I am really excited to be a part of it. The writer is Katie Lovejoy and the story is about a young law firm in LA. The show stars Rebecca Breeds and it’s going to be so much fun.
Do you eventually see yourself as writing or directing in this industry?
I actually do write even now because it keeps my imagination going. I’m currently trying to develop a show, but even if nothing comes of it, I feel it is important to do it. I love acting on television and being a piece of clay for directors to mold. Right now, I don’t really have any aspirations to become a director, but who can say? I love every aspect of the industry and I wouldn’t ever say no to directing if the opportunity arises.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have a softball team that plays every Sunday in the summer and Marcus Rosner has been on my team the past few years. I also still have a server job. I don’t work this job because I need the money, but it is that it is a fantastic place to work. I meet lots of wonderful people and it is so much fun to be out there interacting with the all sorts of different people.
Is there anything you’d like to specifically say to the Hearties?
I would like to say in closing that I am so happy to be a part of this great show “When Calls the Heart.” I hope and pray that Roy will return for Season 4. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the wonderful Hearties!
And I cannot tell you how impressed I am with Madison. While I knew he was unpretentious and down to earth, he is also extremely charming, quite articulate and genuinely personable. He took an active interest in me almost as much as I did with him. In the end, it wasn’t like talking with an actor, but it was like chatting with a new friend. Madison has the kind of attitude and work ethic that is going to ensure that he goes far. Don’t forget to tune in on Sunday, March 27, to see him in “When Calls the Heart” on the Hallmark Channel and be sure to follow his pilgrimage at the following links:
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