Hallmark’s “When Calls The Heart” director Neill just passed away sadly.
A few of the cast members took to Instagram to share their condolences.
Erin shared:
Neill loved directing. He loved being on set. And he loved @wcth_tv. He cared so deeply for all of us. He was always so protective of Elizabeth – and of the girl playing her. In fact his very first text message to me encouraged me not to wear a corset for a stunt scene. There he was, quietly looking out for me.
Neill helped mold WCTH from the beginning. I’m so thankful for the 11 beautiful seasons we had together. And I’m grateful to be back in Hope Valley where we’ll all continue to feel his presence – in the characters he helped us create, the sets he brought to life, and the crew who carry his memory through their artistry.
I wish we’d had more time together. It doesn’t feel real that he’s gone. But Neill’s memory will remain in my heart. And I’ll care twice as big in his honor.
Pascale shared:
Neill was the second director to ever hire me when I was fresh out of theatre school and that was the beginning of a long line of projects we worked on together over the years.
He loved directing and being on set, he loved diving into the weeds on meaty two-hander scenes, he was sharp and witty, had a keen ear for grammatical errors, wild eyebrows (recently groomed), and an openness to listening to other interpretations (I remember him saying to me multiple times “of course you did that intentionally- After all these years, I don’t know why I even question you!”
Neill,
When Calls The Heart will miss you.
I will miss you.
❤️
Rest well.
Inspired by Janette Oke’s bestselling book series about the Canadian West, “When Calls the Heart” follows the story of a young schoolteacher and single mother, Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow), in the quaint town of Hope Valley. When her husband is suddenly killed on duty, she must find the courage and strength to move forward. With the help and guidance of the townspeople and her friends, she adjusts to the ever-changing times and the people that enter her life.
Other central characters include Rosemary Coulter (Pascale Hutton), Elizabeth’s best friend, the town’s loveable busybody once described as “part Broadway showgirl, part Frontier woman,” and her patient husband, the upstanding businessman Leland Coulter (Kavan Smith). Judge Bill Avery (Jack Wagner) works hard to protect the town and to cement his position as Hope Valley’s ultimate authority. Fairly new to the community are Mountie Nathan Grant (Kevin McGarry) and saloon owner Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally), who both vie for the attention of Elizabeth. With the added pressure on deciding between her suitors, writing a novel and taking care of her son, Elizabeth continues to teach the children of Hope Valley all while trying to navigate the challenges in her life.
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