Meet Michelle Morgan, CBC Heartland’s Lou Fleming

Heartland fans know Michelle Morgan as Lou Fleming, Amy’s older sister. Lou has strong opinions but always means well. Watching Michelle play Lou over the years has been interesting, seeing the character grow and change.

What Has Playing Lou Taught You?

Being on Heartland has definitely taught me a lot about horses. I hadn’t ridden much before the show, but I’ve learned so much from the wranglers and trainers we work with. Horses are fascinating and, like people, each one is unique.

Tell us about the horse you usually ride on Heartland. Is it always the same one?

I wish it was! They often change the horses I ride. This season, Lou will be on a beautiful bay with a white mark on her forehead – her name on the show is Venus. They have to pick horses that are calm and used to being on set because the lights, cameras, and flags can be distracting. I used to want a horse with more “get up and go,” but I realized calmer horses are safer for actors.

What’s your favorite thing about working on Heartland?

The cast and crew! After 10 years together, they’ve become like family. I’ve known many of them since day one.

Do you have any funny behind-the-scenes stories?

Too many to count. The dinner scenes are the funniest – we get bored and start laughing at inside jokes. Gabe Hogan (Peter) and I also love doing silly accents. Sometimes we’ll rehearse our scenes in cockney accents just to make the crew laugh. It helps the day fly by.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about Lou?

Well, as an actor I like to give Lou an inner world and secrets – but if I shared them, they wouldn’t be secrets anymore!

How are you similar to Lou, and how are you different?

We’re similar in that we’re both mothers and sisters who care deeply about family. We both struggle to balance work and home life. But we’re different in many ways: I love surfing, yoga, hiking, and music, while Lou is so focused on business she doesn’t make time for those things.

What’s been your favorite scene or episode so far?

Episode 409, “Local Hero,” where we herd cattle into Hudson town square. It was so much fun. I love any scene that involves herding cows.

Which scenes have been the most difficult?

The episodes in season nine when Lou and Peter were splitting up were the hardest. They were emotionally challenging.

If you could go back and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

Ha! I’d tell her to buy a house in downtown Vancouver.

Seriously though, I’d remind myself to enjoy the ride more and not stress so much about the next move.

Any New Projects?

I always have projects on the go, but I have to keep them hush-hush for now. As soon as I’m ready to share, Horse Canada will be the first to know!