The true story of Grandpa Jack from "Heartland" revealed!

Shaun Johnston plays Grandpa Jack, one of CBC's most iconic characters on Heartland, now in its 10th season. His gruff exterior, dry wit, and warm heart make him a definite fan favorite. In this in-depth interview, Shaun shares his thoughts on some of the most memorable moments from the show, his hobbies, and what lies ahead.

Filming Emotional Episodes:

Season nine saw Grandpa Jack say goodbye to Paint, a beloved character on the show. This emotional episode was particularly challenging for Shaun to film. "It was a very difficult episode to film," Shaun recalls. "When I read that episode on paper, I knew it was going to be a real emotional journey for sure." Typically, Shaun prepares meticulously for each episode, making detailed notes. However, for this particular episode, he chose not to take any notes, knowing he would be deeply connected to the story. "It was hard on everyone," he adds, highlighting the impact this scene had on the entire cast and crew.

Favorite Episode:

When asked about his favorite episode to film in the past few seasons, Shaun's answer is straightforward: that emotional episode. The raw emotion and the way it brought the character of Grandpa Jack to life made it a standout for him.

Advice to Himself 10 Years Ago:

Looking back, Shaun would advise his past self not to worry about the show's renewal each season. "Don't worry about the seasons, because it will be renewed!" he says with a smile. His love for the show has always driven him to hope for its continuation, but now he knows it's best not to stress over it.

Hobbies:

In his spare time, Shaun enjoys playing hockey and guitar. He plays hockey regularly and spends as much time as he can with his guitar, even if he doesn't consider himself a professional player. "I play well enough to be happy," he says.

Lessons from Grandpa Jack:

Over the past 10 years, Shaun has learned valuable lessons from playing Grandpa Jack. "I have learned that I will grow old gracefully," he shares, reflecting on the character's wisdom and resilience.

Future Plans:

When asked about his plans after Heartland ends, Shaun expresses a desire to watch more TV and play even more hockey. It seems he's looking forward to enjoying some well-deserved leisure time.

Upcoming Projects:

Shaun has some exciting projects on the horizon. He recently appeared in a sci-fi series called Wynonna Earp, playing a character named Juan Carlos. Additionally, he will be performing in a play at the Shadow Theatre in Edmonton in January 2017.

Appearance and Dye:

Regarding his appearance on the show, Shaun explains that the grey dye in his moustache washes out every day, and he wears a wig for the role. This behind-the-scenes detail gives fans a glimpse into the character's look.

Modeling and Banking Background:

Interestingly, Shaun has a diverse background. He once worked as a runway model and even spent time as a banker. He shares a humorous anecdote about moving to Toronto with big dreams, only to find that his business education led him to work as an Assistant Accountant at the Alberta Treasury Branches while pursuing modeling.

Theatre vs. TV:

Shaun reflects on the differences between performing in theatre and television. Contrary to popular belief, he finds that theatre offers a safer environment in terms of making mistakes, as the audience's support can carry the performance. He appreciates the immediate feedback from a live audience and the energy it brings.

Performing for a Live Audience:

Recently, Shaun performed a concert at Symon's Valley Ranch, where he shared stories and played about 10 songs. He found the experience incredibly supportive and enjoyable, despite initial nerves. The audience's enthusiasm made the evening a success.

Conclusion:

Shaun Johnston's journey from a banker and model to a beloved television actor is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences make Grandpa Jack an enduring character in Canadian television. As Heartland continues to captivate viewers in its 10th season, fans can't help but look forward to more memorable moments with Grandpa Jack and the rest of the Cartwright family.