Heart-to-Heart with Heartland's Stars: Amber Marshall & Graham Wardle Get Real About the Show

You know that feeling when you meet someone you feel like you already know, just from welcoming them into your living room week after week? Getting the chance to chat with Amber Marshall and Graham Wardle, the familiar faces of CBC's Heartland, felt a bit like that – only better. We'd been hoping for this conversation for ages, especially after a wonderful talk with their co-star Michelle Morgan. Sitting down with Amy Fleming and Ty Borden themselves at the CBC Winter Media Day wasn't just ticking a box; it genuinely felt like catching up with old friends who happen to star in Canada's longest-running one-hour drama.

And maybe that's the ultimate secret to Heartland's enduring appeal. It’s the authenticity, the breathtaking scenery, the relatable stories, and woven through it all, a palpable sense of connection – both on the screen and behind it. It’s a show with a whole lot of heart, and it was a true pleasure to spend a little time with the people who help bring it to life.

For the legions of dedicated Heartland fans out there (and maybe for those yet to discover its charm), we wanted to capture not just what they said, but the feeling behind it – the warmth, the authenticity, the real connection that seems to pour through the screen. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's explore what makes this show so special, straight from the heart.

The Unpredictable Magic of the Moment

When you think Heartland, you often think horses, family, and those wide-open Alberta skies. But what really keeps the show feeling fresh, even after all these years? According to Graham Wardle, it’s the delightful unpredictability that comes with some very special co-stars.

"Amber was mentioning this earlier about animals," Graham shared, a thoughtful look in his eyes, "and now we have a little baby on the show, and they are present and don’t know they’re acting."

It turns out, working with animals and children isn't just cute – it's a masterclass in staying present. "It brings a freshness where you have to remain in the moment," he explained. "If a shot with a horse isn’t working, you have to make it work. You can’t force things with animals and babies."

Amber Marshall, who lives and breathes the equestrian life off-screen on her Alberta ranch, couldn't agree more. "There’s a real passion," she added.

"We have to be present and we have to be in the moment, and I think that’s what makes every actor great... When you’re working with kids and animals, it’s fresh every time. You don’t know what they’re going to do." - Amber Marshall

It's this genuine, unscripted energy that seems to be a core part of Heartland's secret sauce.

Alberta's Starring Role: More Than Just a Backdrop

Anyone who watches Heartland knows the landscape isn't just in the show; it is the show. That breathtaking mountain vista isn't merely scenery; it's practically a character in its own right.

"I do believe that the mountain vista plays a central role in the show and it captivates a lot of people," Amber reflected. She even admitted to stopping everything to watch Travel Alberta commercials, struck by the beauty of her adopted home province. "I think that a lot of people do that when they watch Heartland–it transports them to a place where they can just take a breath of fresh air."

Graham highlighted the contrast with much of television. "So much of television is in closed spaces–offices, etc.–where it’s focused inward and is very tight," he noted.

"Whereas our show is very open. That allows people to open up, even subconsciously, and then take in that scenery and that beauty." - Graham Wardle

It's a visual deep breath, a sense of space that resonates deeply, offering viewers an escape into something vast and beautiful. And it’s not just Canadians noticing.

A Global Family Drawn to Canadian Beauty

The love for Heartland stretches far beyond Canada's borders. It’s become a global ambassador, showcasing a side of Canada many haven't seen. "People are tuning in to CBC shows from around the world," Amber said proudly. "People say 'wow, is Alberta really that beautiful?'... they get to see parts of Canada through the CBC shows that are produced."

Graham echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the network's role. "Thank you to CBC for really bringing together Canada... and showing it all on one network. What other network does that?! It’s really a beautiful blessing to be a part of that."

It's incredible to think how many international fans, as Amber shared, have been inspired to visit Canada specifically because of the world they fell in love with on Heartland. "We’re bringing people to Canada through the world of Heartland," she smiled.

Patience, Play, and Four-Legged Professionals

Of course, capturing those magical moments with animals requires immense skill and patience, not just from the actors, but from the entire crew. Amber spoke with deep respect for the animal handlers and wranglers.

"We are so lucky to have such incredible animal handlers... these animals are just incredible creatures. They know exactly what they need to do when they arrive on set," she explained, marveling at their professionalism.

But it also takes a certain kind of human touch, especially when juggling animals and young children, like the twins who play Lyndy. "You have to be patient," Amber emphasized. "We have two twins that play Lyndy and a lot of the times, in between set ups, Graham or I will take them and go off and play because we want to keep the atmosphere fun." It’s about creating an environment where everyone – two-legged or four – feels comfortable and happy to be there.

Growing Up On Screen, Staying Grounded Off Screen

Heartland hasn't just lasted; it's evolved. From the early days focusing on Amy and Ty's individual traumas and their healing journey together, the show now embraces the next generation, exploring universal themes that resonate across age groups.

"The Heartland writers do an excellent job of keeping things current," Amber noted, "focusing on situations that a lot of people may be dealing with in their lives–whether they’re young parents, whether they’re a teen struggling with bullying... these are things that every generation experiences."

So, how do the actors stay grounded amidst the demands of filming and the show's success? For both Amber and Graham, the answer lies close to the earth.

"Animals," Amber said simply. "Animals have always kept me grounded... Whether it’s sitting in a field with horses and cows or sitting in my chicken coop, either one is right for me at the end of the day."

Graham finds his perspective in nature too. "When you sit out in nature and get outside, it really gives you perspective... Staying in gratitude and staying connected to what really matters gives me a healthy mindset."

From Strangers to Screen Family: A Bond Forged on Set

It's hard to imagine now, but when the series started, Amber and Graham were "relative strangers," as Graham put it with a chuckle. Their journey mirrors their characters in some ways.

"My character knew horses, whereas the character of Ty was brand new even to the world of living in a rural environment," Amber recalled. "So I think that our own personalities really matched well with those characters."

Over the years, that initial dynamic has blossomed into deep mutual respect. "I’ve developed a huge respect for Amber," Graham shared warmly. "She’s very supportive of me. We have a working relationship that I’m really grateful for. There is a respect and a trust where we know that we have each other’s backs."

Amber returned the sentiment, acknowledging how much Graham has embraced the world Heartland portrays. That genuine care extends throughout the cast and crew. "We’re such a family and we all genuinely care about one another," Amber said, "and I think you can feel that on screen... A lot of people that watch the show say that – 'we really believe that you’re all a family.'"