In case you’re a fan of Hallmark and its Countdown to Christmas celebration, you already know Andrew Walker. He’s a mainstay who at all times brings heat and authenticity to each position he performs.
However what chances are you’ll not notice is how deeply he values the folks he works with and the followers who embrace his work.
Chatting with Andrew is sort of a window right into a world the place kindness, humility, and gratitude aren’t simply phrases; they’re his lifestyle.
“The silent disco and all this stuff we wouldn’t usually get to do with followers — it’s going to be fairly the expertise.”
With a whopping 70,000 folks on the waitlist, the cruise is proof of simply how a lot followers love Hallmark. However for Andrew, that adoration nonetheless feels surreal.
“I’m at all times stunned. I at all times really feel like I’m going to point out up at considered one of this stuff, after which that’s going to be the telltale.
“I’m like, okay, all proper, lastly folks have figured me out. They’re not enthusiastic about me anymore. And there’s no line. No one needs to see me,” he admitted with amusing, sharing a glimpse of his humility.
Andrew’s gratitude for his profession is evident. “There are such a lot of actors which are out of labor,” he mentioned, reflecting on the challenges within the trade.
“Simply to be a working actor and have folks need to see my work and be round and say hello and thank me for it, it’s actually a particular scenario.”
Being a part of a close-knit group of actors who’re additionally real pals should make it all of the extra fulfilling. They’re not simply actors working collectively; they’re real pals — and a few household.
“And that’s why doesn’t go unnoticed each day,” he mentioned. “I’ll say it to my spouse. I’m like, I simply can’t imagine it.”
He laughed as he recounted a current household second. “I’d simply ordered my sweet cane costume for fan occasions, and I walked out with it on…my boys had been like, ‘Daddy, what’s that?’”
Andrew laughed, “That is what your daddy does for a residing.”
Hallmark occasions just like the Christmas Con and the upcoming cruise have turn out to be particular to Andrew, who values assembly followers in particular person and listening to their tales.
After the Hallmark Cruise’s inaugural sail, one fan shared how Andrew’s Jingle Bell Run costar, Ashley Williams, made her really feel seen and supported throughout a troublesome time. Andrew wasn’t stunned by this story.
“Ashley is an empath,” he mentioned, clearly moved by her compassion.
He described how their households have grown shut, even joking about how close to they dwell to one another. “The place the crow flies, it will be like a five-minute stroll, however we now have to go down one canyon to come back up one other.”
The friendship he’s constructed with Ashley through the years added electrical energy and depth to their chemistry in Jingle Bell Run. Within the film, Andrew performs Wes, a former skilled hockey participant hoping for his subsequent huge break.
Whereas he’s aching to search out the limelight once more by collaborating within the actuality competitors present, Ashley’s character, Avery, is an elementary faculty instructor who prefers to maintain her head down and act on behalf of others.
Collectively, they each uncover new issues about themselves, pulling out the easiest in one another. That’s a narrative that resonates deeply with Andrew.
“If you’re round people who find themselves of service continuously, you begin pondering…am I main a lifetime of compassion?” Andrew defined.
“That’s what it was like in Jingle Bell Run. Wes simply stored being reminded of his previous, and spending time with Ashley’s character introduced out the very best in him.”
One factor that retains Andrew humble is the normalcy of his household life. He’s a dad who modifications diapers, mows the garden, and treasures moments along with his spouse and youngsters.
Reflecting on his Hallmark journey, he laughed about his first fan occasion. “You may have imposter syndrome, proper? I’m like, why are folks right here? Why are folks ready to see me?”
It wasn’t till he heard the non-public tales of followers — folks searching for consolation or pleasure in Hallmark’s films throughout robust instances — that he understood the impression of his work.
“It’s not about me. It’s in regards to the model…the magic…all of the issues this community has achieved,” he mentioned, emphasizing that he’s merely a part of a a lot larger image.
In our dialog, we joked about the opportunity of a Hallmark-themed competitors present much like The Nice Vacation Sprint, which is featured within the film. Andrew beloved the concept.
“It might be actually nice for folks to see Andrew Walker making an attempt to run a half marathon or making an attempt to get someplace, and I’m breaking down. I’m struggling, and I’m making an attempt to get myself by it.,” he chuckled, imagining followers seeing a extra susceptible aspect of him.
He went on to think about his pal and fellow Hallmark star Tyler Hynes, as properly. “Tyler’s like Mr. Cool Man continuously, however I’d like to see Tyler with a little bit tear streaming down his face as a result of he doesn’t need to eat the bowl of cockroaches!”
His humor, grounded in actuality, embodies Andrew’s playful, down-to-earth aspect, which makes him a fan favourite.
Once I requested how he’d be spending the vacations, his reply was removed from atypical. This yr, Andrew and his household are off to Southeast Asia. “We’re going to have a seashore Christmas after which Singapore for New Yr’s,” he shared with pleasure.
Much more particular, he’s set to officiate the vow renewal of his two finest pals. “I’m the officiant,” he mentioned proudly, including that it will make this journey much more unforgettable.
Andrew provides of himself freely, which makes conversations like these and his work on display screen one thing to really respect.
Once I thanked Andrew for his time, kindness, and dedication to followers, he shared how a lot he seems to be ahead to spending time with everybody on the cruise. “I’m there for the followers,” he assured me.
“I need to get round to all people and get a little bit second or two with folks.” And sure, his spouse will probably be there, too. “She’s nearly an even bigger celeb than I’m,” he joked, giving followers another reason to stay up for assembly him in particular person.
For Andrew Walker, being part of the Hallmark household is a privilege he cherishes.
He loves his work, treasures his friendships, and values the connection he shares along with his followers. And that’s the true magic that retains us all watching.
Jingle Bell Run premieres on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, November 16 at 8/7c.
