Cindy Busby has joined Series 2 of period drama When Hope Calls as Nora Anderson, which premieres on PureFlix today and Great American Family on Sunday 6th April. Throughout Series 1 to 4 of Heartland, Cindy took on the regular role of Ashley Stanton, and reprised her role for later episodes, and she appears in Christmas movies with yearly releases. In 2016, Cindy was seen in her first lead role in a movie playing Elizabeth Scott in Unleashing Mr. Darcy for Hallmark, followed by Marrying Mr. Darcy in 2018, and amongst her further screen roles, she played Stephanie in comedy drama series Date My Dad. Answering our questions, Cindy talks about filming as Nora Anderson in When Hope Calls, her time as Ashley Stanton in Heartland and working on Hallmark films Unleashing Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy.
What can you tell us about your character Nora Anderson in When Hope Calls and what is she like to play?
I’d been looking forward to being a part of a series again for a long time, so when the role of Nora came around, I knew it was the perfect fit. Nora is a lawyer from San Francisco in 1920, so needless to say, she’s smart, strong, and paving her own way in the world. I love her capacity to be witty, kind and selfless. She can hold her own in any discussion, while also being a gentle caregiver. Nora arrives in the town of Brookfield looking for two long lost family members she didn’t know she had, and through it all, she finds connection, community and a new Mountie, who just might steal her heart.
How has it been joining the cast of When Hope Calls for Series 2 and was there anything that drew you to the character?
Joining the cast of When Hope Calls Season 2 felt amazing from the beginning. There’s a lot of returning cast, and new cast members, such as myself. It felt like a very supportive, enjoyable, and collaborative effort from everyone working on camera and behind the scenes. Getting to play in a period piece was one of the main reasons I felt drawn to the character of Nora and getting to explore the trials and tribulations of that time frame.
Had you watched the first season of the show before booking the role and how was it reading the scripts for the first time?
Years ago when they were initially casting for Season 1 of When Hope Calls, I actually auditioned to play a character, which didn’t go my way, so I was well aware of the show and its premise. I watched some of the first season to have an understanding of the world I was about to embark on. Reading the scripts for the first time is always so exciting to me because that’s when I find out what will happen to my character next. I love this season’s arc and can’t wait to share it with the audience.
How did you find the experience on set of When Hope Calls and did you have a favourite aspect of taking on the role of Nora?
My experience while shooting was amazing. The production is a free standing set, so it was like going to a studio every day in a controlled environment. It was really nice going to the same location and I would also bring my dog Suzie too. She would hang out in my trailer while I was working. My favourite aspect about getting to play Nora was getting to work with my co-star and friend Christopher Russell. We’ve worked on four movies together prior to this show, so I know the fans are thrilled to have us back in action.
Why would you recommend watching When Hope Calls and what can fans expect from the new episodes?
When Hope Calls is a period piece set in 1920 and a feel-good family-friendly show that everyone can enjoy together. It’s got everything we love most about television, drama, comedy and romance. Fans can expect to see some of their favourite beloved characters return and be introduced to new ones too. It’s a show about community and connection, which I think is safe to say, we can all use a little bit more of these days.
In Seasons 1 to 4 of Heartland, you played the regular role of Ashley Stanton and have since returned to the show to reprise your role in later episodes, what are some of your favourite highlights from working on Heartland?
Being a part of Heartland and getting to play Ashley was a highlight in my career. It’s a show that has been around for almost two decades and its audience continuously grows and gains momentum all over the world. I love the loyal fan base and they’ve followed me throughout my career. The cast and crew have a very special bond and many of them I still call dear friends to this day.
Every year, you appear in Christmas films, what do you enjoy most about working on these type of projects?
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and I love everything about it, from snow to lights and the celebratory gatherings, so it seems fitting that I would get to bring stories like that to life and spread some festive cheer. No matter how many times I’ve been on a Christmas set, I can’t help but be excited and inspired by the creation of it all.
What was it like playing Elizabeth Scott in the Hallmark films Unleashing Mr. Darcy (2016) and Marrying Mr. Darcy (2018)?
Unleashing Mr. Darcy was a life-changing role that came into my life at the perfect time. Elizabeth was my first lead in a movie, so it was important for me to set a positive tone every day, while I poured my heart into my performance. During the shoot, there was a special synergy between the cast and crew and we had an absolute blast. I think the fans felt the magic when they watched the movie, so much so that after years of asking for a sequel, we finally answered their prayers and went to camera for Marrying Mr. Darcy. Had it not been for the fan’s persistence it wouldn’t have been made.
How different did you find playing Stephanie in the comedy-drama series Date My Dad opposed to your other roles?
Date My Dad was my first time playing a series regular in a comedy series, so that was very exciting for me because I’ve always really loved making people laugh. Keeping a straight face with my co-stars Matty Finocchio, Lochlyn Monro, and Barry Watson was quite challenging and we had as much fun behind the scenes as we did on screen. Getting to play Stephanie was different because I got to be funny and charming while being the unsuspecting romantic love interest. She was a well-rounded character. I was pretty disappointed when I found out we didn’t get picked up for another season, but to this day, being on that show is one of my favourite on set experiences.
Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get started in the industry?
I feel like I always knew I was going to be a storyteller and performer. Growing up, my dad had a love for TV and a massive VHS movie collection, so I would watch movies on repeat and actively memorise the actors’ lines. It was my way of being an “actor” before I actually was. I guess you could say, it’s always been a part of me. In 5th grade, I auditioned for the school play and booked a lead role and from that moment on, I was hooked on theatre. It’s where I cultivated my passion for performing, until I was accepted into the three-year Professional Theatre Program at Dawson College in Montreal. During my second year of college, I booked my first television guest star, and I never looked back.
What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your free time?
A lot of my favourite movies are from the 80s and 90s, like Back to the Future, Groundhog Day, and Wayne’s World. My all-time favourite TV shows are The Golden Girls, Friends, and Dawson’s Creek. In my free time, however, I don’t spend a lot of time watching television, and instead I love to cook, do pilates, walk my dog, read, go to live events and mostly spend quality moments with friends and family.
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