In the event 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 function he performs.
However what you could not notice is how deeply he values the individuals 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 these items we wouldn’t usually get to do with followers — it’s going to be fairly the expertise.”
With a whopping 70,000 individuals 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 shocked. I at all times really feel like I’m going to indicate up at one in all these items, after which that’s going to be the telltale.
“I’m like, okay, all proper, lastly individuals have figured me out. They’re not desirous about me anymore. And there’s no line. No one needs to see me,” he admitted with fun, sharing a glimpse of his humility.
Andrew’s gratitude for his profession is obvious. “There are such a lot of actors which might be out of labor,” he mentioned, reflecting on the challenges within the trade.
“Simply to be a working actor and have individuals need to see my work and be round and say hello and thank me for it, it’s actually a particular state of affairs.”
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 every 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 have 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 grow to be particular to Andrew, who values assembly followers in individual 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 tough time. Andrew wasn’t shocked 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 reside to one another. “The place the crow flies, it might be like a five-minute stroll, however we have now to go down one canyon to return up one other.”
The friendship he’s constructed with Ashley over time 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 massive 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 trainer 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.
“While you’re round people who find themselves of service continually, you begin pondering…am I main a lifetime of compassion?” Andrew defined.
“That’s what it was like in Jingle Bell Run. Wes simply saved being reminded of his previous, and spending time with Ashley’s character introduced out one of the best in him.”
One factor that retains Andrew humble is the normalcy of his household life. He’s a dad who adjustments diapers, mows the garden, and treasures moments along with his spouse and children.
Reflecting on his Hallmark journey, he laughed about his first fan occasion. “You may have imposter syndrome, proper? I’m like, why are individuals right here? Why are individuals ready to see me?”
It wasn’t till he heard the non-public tales of followers — individuals searching for consolation or pleasure in Hallmark’s films throughout powerful instances — that he understood the affect of his work.
“It’s not about me. It’s concerning the model…the magic…all of the issues this community has carried out,” he mentioned, emphasizing that he’s merely a part of a a lot greater image.
In our dialog, we joked about the potential of a Hallmark-themed competitors present much like The Nice Vacation Sprint, which is featured within the film. Andrew liked the thought.
“It could be actually nice for individuals to see Andrew Walker attempting to run a half marathon or attempting to get someplace, and I’m breaking down. I’m struggling, and I’m attempting to get myself by means of it.,” he chuckled, imagining followers seeing a extra susceptible aspect of him.
He went on to think about his good friend and fellow Hallmark star Tyler Hynes, as properly. “Tyler’s like Mr. Cool Man continually, however I’d like to see Tyler with somewhat 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 strange. This 12 months, Andrew and his household are off to Southeast Asia. “We’re going to have a seashore Christmas after which Singapore for New 12 months’s,” he shared with pleasure.
Much more particular, he’s set to officiate the vow renewal of his two greatest pals. “I’m the officiant,” he mentioned proudly, including that it might 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 actually recognize.
Once I thanked Andrew for his time, kindness, and dedication to followers, he shared how a lot he appears to be like ahead to spending time with everybody on the cruise. “I’m there for the followers,” he assured me.
“I need to get round to everyone and get somewhat second or two with individuals.” And sure, his spouse will likely be there, too. “She’s virtually a much bigger movie star than I’m,” he joked, giving followers another reason to sit up for assembly him in individual.
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.