WHEN CALLS THE HEART, AcTING, HALLMARK
As When Calls the Heart fans prepare for the emotional ending episodes of Season 12, Natasha Burnett, who brings Minnie to life, gives us an inside look at her character’s journey. From Minnie’s faith-driven strength to her close-knit family dynamics, Natasha shares her insights into the unforgettable moments ahead and what she hopes for Minnie’s future on the show.
Q: Before we get to Season 12, I want to go back and talk about your transition from stage to screen. Some people may not be aware that you played Diana Ross early in your career in The Magic of Motown, and you’ve said that experience made you consider moving to screen. Why did that make you want to switch?
A: I had always known I wanted to try both, but stage opportunities came up first, and I really loved doing it. After playing the same character for six years, I wanted to see what else was out there. I still have a passion for and love the stage, but I was curious about screen acting and whether I could make that transition, as not all theatre actors want to or can. Over time, I learned not just performing but also behind-the-scenes aspects like sound, lighting, and set lists. I felt I had gained a solid understanding of stage work, and it was either find another show or try something new on screen—I chose the latter.
Q: Was there a role that, after making the move to screen, that made you feel like it was the right decision?
A: I think so. One of the first roles I did was for a short film while I was living in Australia for a year. I had attended the drama school NIDA, and their graduates—who were producers and directors—would audition people from the program for their short films. I remember being cast as the lead in my first short film, which was exciting. It was also the first time I learned about wide shots, medium shots, and close shots, and I picked it up on the fly in the middle of a scene. Understanding how to adjust performance based on the shot was a big moment for me. Just booking the role was significant, considering how many actors from drama school audition for these productions. That experience made me realize I could do this—that I didn’t have to just be in the background, but that I could actually audition for real roles.
Q: When you tried out for When Calls the Heart, we know you did quite a bit of research to prepare, even considering what Minnie would sound like. How did you prepare to authentically represent a woman like Minnie during the 1910s, 1915s, and 1920s?
A: Since I’m British, most of my research focused on African American history, which might not have been as necessary if I were American. I had a lot to learn about Black women in the early 1900s—what they were able to do and what their lives were like—because I wanted Minnie to feel as realistic as possible. Hope Valley exists in an alternate universe, but I still aimed to make her authentic. Since the show had established that Minnie’s family was fairly affluent, I researched what kind of work or businesses could have led to that affluence and how that would have shaped her upbringing and opportunities. That research informed a lot about her character, and honestly, it was really fun to dive into.
Q: Is Minnie from St. Louis? I know when we were debating the best BBQ, we had Joseph from Kansas City and Minnie from St. Louis—so is that her hometown?
A: Yes, we believe St. Louis is where she’s from and where her family is from. There was a lot of backstory we had to develop—who her father was, how he would have connected to Joseph, and what her life might have been like. During that time, the age at which people married was very different from today, so we had to consider what Minnie could have done before marriage. Unlike now, when people marry in their 30s or 40s, back then, she likely would have been around 18, 19, or 20. So, yes, St. Louis was her home.
Q: You get the part of Minnie Canfield, and we know you had been in Harvest Moon with Hrothgar Mathews, and you also played Cindy in Love at First Bark with Kevin McGarry. That was one of my favorite movies of Kevin’s because I loved Cindy—I feel like Owen really needed her. I mean, I distinctly remember when you came on When Calls the Heart, I was like, that’s Cindy. When you joined When Calls the Heart, was there anyone else in the cast you had worked with before?
A: Yeah, it [Love at First Bark] was a fun one. Actually, yeah. Andrea Brooks. I’ve probably worked with her the most. We were both in UnREAL in 2015, and we also have the same manager. We didn’t know each other directly through that, but when we met on UnREAL, we realized the connection. I also did The Bridge 1 and 2, and she was in those as well, so we’ve worked together a few times.
Q: When you came on set, did you spend a lot of time with Andrea, or did you feel welcomed by the entire cast right away?
A: It was really comforting, especially since the show was already eight seasons in. Everyone was on board with the storyline and welcomed us, just like the Hearties did, with open arms. They made our lives very comfortable on set, as did the crew. It’s such a well-oiled machine that even if you’ve never been there before, you don’t feel out of place. They always make you feel like this is your new home for the next hundred years.
Q: We’ve heard Viv Leacock say that you two actually didn’t know each other before When Calls the Heart, but so many people were surprised by that because of your immediate chemistry. Can you talk a little about your first experience meeting him and how your off-screen rapport has translated so well on-screen?
A: Honestly, I have no idea how our friendship blossomed so quickly—it just did. We were on the same page straight away. At the time of the audition, I was in the UK, and when I flew back, I had to quarantine for two weeks because of COVID. So, all I could do was speak to him on the phone.
Even from that first conversation, we had a great connection. We shared a similar sense of humor and a clear understanding of how we wanted to portray the Canfields. By the time we met in person, which was just the Friday before we started shooting, we already had a strong friendship forming.
On set, that trust allows us to improvise and play around with our scenes. We don’t always need to talk much beforehand—if one of us has an instinct, the other just follows. Sometimes that means taking risks, but it’s such a great way to work.
Q: What would you say is your favorite thing about Minnie?
A: I really like how level-headed she is. I try to be that way myself, but I don’t always succeed! Even though she’s my alter ego, I still haven’t quite mastered her ability to stay calm in every situation.
She just has this way of making everything make sense and knowing exactly how to diffuse tension. Five years later, I’m still working on that skill myself! She also has this knack for being in the right place at the right time, ready to offer advice exactly when it’s needed. Of course, it’s scripted—but she never seems to hesitate, and I love that about her.
Q: You talked a little bit about that Minnie comes from an affluent family. Is that the reason why Minnie has some of the best style in Hope Valley, because she’s got it going on?
A: I would say so. You know, when you’re from a certain background in a certain time, you have to be seen a certain way by the rest of your community. So your appearance is number one on the list, and how you’re perceived by the outside world matters. Barbara is the reason Minnie’s style is so great, but it makes sense that her background would influence how she presents herself. I also love the changes in her hair and style this season—she’s definitely upped her game.
Q: Do you have a favorite costume that you’re just like, every time I put this on, I’m like, this is one of my favorite Minnie outfits?
A: There are actually two! One is a combination with an orange skirt and a V-neck floral blouse with slightly puffier sleeves. I love that one—it’s really cute. But I also really liked the outfit I wore in episode 9. I’ve always loved the jacket and skirt combo, but something about it in that particular episode just clicked for me, and I thought, “Oh, I really, really like this combination.”
Q: So, Minnie has made quite an impression on Hope Valley. How would you say Hope Valley has made an impression on Minnie?
A: I think Hope Valley has completely changed her view on people and life. She was initially very guarded and protected because of what she had gone through—totally a natural reaction to her past experiences. But then, no pun intended—clearly, it is intended—she comes to a new town and finds a lot of hope. Over the years, she’s grown in that way, and it would be really nice to see more of that side of her.
Q: I’ve loved this season that there’s been this development of Angela’s storyline. And I don’t even want to necessarily call it Angela’s storyline, because we’ve seen this enormous growth in Minnie. Last season, we got a hint that Angela might be wanting to leave Hope Valley. It’s been so interesting to watch that transformation with Minnie. Can you talk about when you learned about this storyline? Was it something that was planned for the next season, or did it evolve over time?
A: With a lot of these storylines, things are always up for discussion, and they can evolve as time goes on. This particular storyline was so important to tell, but the outcome, with Angela visiting the school, meant there was a big shift for Minnie, as she’s been wanting this for a while. It was loosely discussed that, if we continue, maybe she’d be absent for parts of the season. We considered the idea that maybe Angela would come home on weekends, so she wouldn’t be gone entirely and would still be part of Hope Valley. We also thought it would be lovely to have those moments of visiting her, especially with Keisha and Jinnie, who played Clementine and Emma—it would be great to work with them again.
Q: Did you have any input on how this story would progress throughout the season?
A: Absolutely! We have a lot of discussions, and as things come up, we always share our thoughts. The writers are always open to hearing how we feel about certain things, especially when it comes to how Minnie would react in specific situations. For example, when we reached the final scene with Angela in the café, there was a lot of discussion about how Minnie would feel about the brochure and how we would approach that emotionally. We wanted to ensure the scene felt authentic, with Joseph and Minnie being on opposite sides but both having valid concerns about Angela’s future. For Minnie, she feels responsible for Angela’s disability in some way, so she doesn’t want to suggest something that could potentially lead to another issue for her daughter. There was a lot of thought put into ensuring the motivations for both characters were clear and real.
Q: You talked about Joseph and Minnie being on opposite sides of the decision, and we saw earlier in the season where Joseph made a decision in talking with Angela and didn’t include Minnie in the process. Can you talk a little bit about why Joseph made that decision, because it seemed a bit out of character for him?
A: Yes, it was definitely a departure from the usual dynamic between Joseph and Minnie, where they’re almost always on the same page. I think Joseph knew that the only way to get Minnie to see this from a different perspective was to take the initiative and get the brochure sent for Angela. He knew it would spark a conversation and open up the possibility for them to look at it together. While Minnie was understandably angry, I think she ultimately understood his reasoning when he explained that he did it to start the conversation and look at the options together. The reality is, if Angela truly wanted to pursue this, she could’ve sent the brochure herself. But because Minnie was struggling so much with the idea, Joseph felt it was necessary to push her to look at it, in the hope that they could handle it as a team and move forward in a more positive way, rather than Angela trying to make that decision on her own.
Q: In episode 9, there’s a lot of urgency as everyone is rushing around looking for a scarf, and there’s a lot of anxiousness. What was everyone feeling in that moment? What was Angela feeling, what was Minnie feeling, and what about Joseph, who seemed to stay calm and collected?
A: For Minnie, it was almost like she was projecting her fears onto Angela in that moment. She was trying to show Angela that if this is what she wants, she needs to be on top of things, and even though it was out of character for Minnie to react that way, it showed a deeper layer of her personality. Minnie has always been level-headed, and so this was a moment where she had to confront her own emotions, which was something new for her. It was a pivotal moment for her character, where she had to grapple with her feelings, especially about her child.
As for Angela, she probably felt like Minnie was overreacting, but Minnie’s anxiety and protectiveness came from a place of love. Joseph, on the other hand, wisely took a step back and let Minnie handle it herself. Sometimes it’s better to stay quiet and allow people to process their emotions, and in this case, Joseph knew that Minnie would work through it in her own time, which she ultimately did. This was a really human moment for Minnie, showing that even the most composed characters have their vulnerabilities, especially when it comes to their children.
Q: The Schwartzman school set this season really stood out as feeling completely different from Hope Valley. Can you talk about the design of the set, and how it came to life?
A: The Schwartzman school set was actually created by converting the judge’s office, which was a fun little behind-the-scenes tidbit. The team, led by Sarah Mayberly, did an incredible job with the transformation—it was a complete overhaul. The attention to detail was amazing, especially with the little touches like the plaque on the wall that explained who opened the school, and the pictures they added. Those are things you may not notice in wide shots, but they really helped to make the space feel distinct and fully realized.
The design truly gave off a different vibe compared to Hope Valley, and I think that’s part of why it felt so fresh and new. They put so much work into the details, and it really paid off in the final look of the episode. It’s one of those sets where, even though it’s a subtle change, it really immerses you in the idea that we’re now in a different environment, a different world, away from the familiar feel of Hope Valley.
Q: Can you share a bit about the new characters for this scene and how they were chosen for this role?
A: Yes, it was such an incredible experience working with them. All of the cast members playing the visually impaired characters were, in fact, visually impaired to varying degrees. Some of them didn’t need to use braille or rely on it, as they could still see enough, but they were considered legally blind. It was such a fascinating and eye-opening conversation to have with them because it’s not something you often think about.
Keisha Anderson, who played Clementine, and Jinnie Saran, who played Emma, were both new to television—this was their first TV role, and they did an amazing job. They were both so excited to be part of this, and it really created a special energy on set. It was just an uplifting environment because they were so thrilled to be a part of this project.
The entire experience felt very special to us, especially since it was all shot in one day. We worked to ensure that they were as comfortable as possible, given the unique set and all the cameras in the space. We made sure they had clear marks to hit and that the lighting and set conditions were set up to help them navigate the space.
It was a huge learning curve for all of us, but they were so fun and easygoing, making it a really rewarding experience for the cast and crew alike.
Q: What transformation do you think Minnie underwent during her time at the school, and how did she end up supporting Angela?
A: Minnie started out a little closed off, just like when she first arrived in Hope Valley. She wasn’t convinced that anything at the school would change her mind about Angela wanting to pursue it. But when they walked into the read-aloud session and saw how welcoming and supportive the community was, I think that moment really impacted Minnie. She felt that maybe this was the right place for Angela after all. There was a sense of relief for her, as she realized that Angela might actually thrive there, and Minnie didn’t have to worry about trying to prevent her from going.
Later, when they returned to Hope Valley, Minnie’s emotions shifted. I loved playing that arc for Minnie in one episode. It was a personal struggle for her, and she learned a lot through seeing Angela’s growth firsthand. Minnie realized that perhaps she had been too hard on Angela at first. She had initially questioned Angela’s ability to manage, but seeing how far Angela had come made Minnie reflect on her approach.
It was a powerful moment for Minnie to recall her own past and use that experience to encourage Angela. It was a nice change from her usual way of giving advice as an outsider. This time, Minnie was drawing from her personal story to connect with Angela in a more meaningful way.
Q: Where does the story stand now with Minnie and Angela? Has Angela made her decision?
A: At this point, Minnie has given Angela her blessing. She’s fully supportive of Angela going to the school now, and if Angela wants to go, Minnie is 100% behind her. It’s a significant shift from where they started, but Minnie is confident that this is the right path for Angela. So, yes, Angela is now free to graduate and move forward with her decision to attend the school.
Q: What was it like for you to perform in The Importance of Being Earnest with an accent that’s so close to your own?
A: It was such a fun experience! When I first heard that we were going to do The Importance of Being Earnest, I was really excited. I’ve always wanted to try something where I could switch accents, and this role gave me the perfect opportunity. Since I’m already British, performing in my own accent was a bit of a twist, but it was still exciting. The challenge was trying to make sure I maintained Minnie’s character while using that British accent. When I’m playing Minnie, I’m in her accent all day, so adding a layer of her personality to the British tone was a fun challenge. I was thinking this is so different to how I would sound, and I have to maintain my Minnie-isms throughout, even when I’m doing the play. So I sound like Minnie just putting on an accent. So that’s a weird one when the accent you’re putting on is your accent. It was a bit strange, but it made the whole thing so much more enjoyable!
Q: Who on the cast has the best British accent?
A: Honestly, Johannah’s is pretty good! I feel like somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember her mentioning that she spent some time in the UK, so that might explain it. But she definitely has a solid British accent. And then there’s Loretta—she’s Australian, so her accent is a bit closer too. It’s always fun to hear them all try different accents!
Q: The actual play was so much fun, and Johannah shared how enjoyable it was. But I think everyone agrees, Hrothgar stole the show with his performance, especially with the effects. That wasn’t originally in the script, right?
A: Yeah, exactly! Hrothgar totally stole the spotlight with his impromptu addition to the scene. He really shined! It wasn’t in the script at all, but he just made it work, and it was hilarious—especially with the shoes and the microphone moment. He absolutely nailed it!
Q: What was it like playing out that scene with the costumes? How much fun was that?
A: It was such a treat! You don’t often get to do something like that, especially in a group scene with the whole cast. The costume fitting itself was a blast—I remember thinking, this is going to be a great day! Then, when you put on the 1920s hair and everything, it just added to the fun. It was such a joy to step into that world and play those roles. And of course, having all the cast members and extras watching us—it just made it even more enjoyable for everyone. They loved seeing us in character!
Q: Johannah mentioned that Erin was just watching the whole time, soaking it all in. Did you have a favorite moment during filming?
A: Yes, Erin stayed and watched us a lot! To be honest, I think everyone had a grin on their face every time we did that scene. It didn’t matter how many takes—we were all just having so much fun. It was one of those moments that felt so unique, and I don’t think it’s something we’ve done before in quite that way. I would’ve happily kept going!
Q: Your timing into the microphone with the line was spot on! How did you feel about how they edited that moment?
A: It’s so funny to see how they edit these moments. They added a little suspenseful music right before Joseph gave the look and then Minnie leaned into the mic. It really elevated the timing and made it even funnier! It was great fun to do, and I’m so happy with how it turned out!
Q: Speaking of talent, we know Minnie is an exceptional choir director, but we also know how well you can sing. How do we get Minnie in front of the mic more often, singing, and not just leading the choir?
A: Oh, I would love that! I think Minnie should definitely get the chance to sing more. I can totally imagine a scene where Minnie and Joseph sing a hymn together in church. It would be such a beautiful moment! I think that would be a lovely addition to the show, and it would give Minnie the chance to showcase her voice a bit more.
Q: Minnie has a big, sweet surprise coming in Episode 12. Without giving too much away, can you give any hints about what that might be?
A: It’s a really heartwarming moment for Minnie. This season, a lot of her journey has been very personal, especially with Angela and Joseph. But in Episode 12, the entire town comes together to show their love and support for her. It’s a beautiful reminder of how much the community in Hope Valley cares for one another, and it’s a really emotional moment for Minnie to experience that.
Q: We’ve heard many times lately that community is one of the big themes in the final episodes. So, who do you think will be most impacted in the last three episodes?
A: There are definitely a few characters whose journeys are deeply affected. Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Minnie, in particular, will experience some significant emotional moments. For Minnie, it’s a time of reflection as she revisits aspects of her past that she may not have thought about in a while. There’s a lot of emotion and complex feelings for all three of them, and it’s definitely a time for them to confront and work through some of their challenges.
Q: I’m assuming you know how the season ends. So, what will our reaction be to the last 2 minutes of the season finale?
A: If you’re not crying, then you definitely weren’t watching the episode. It’s a good season cliffhanger. This one is a good one. There’s a lot going on before it happens. So once you get to the final two minutes you are probably going to need another box of tissues.
Q: So Minnie always seems to be the one giving advice. She’s level-headed, and we know she always has Joseph there for support. But if there was a friendship you’d like to see developed more for Minnie, someone she could lean on more, who would that be?
A: That’s a really good question. Maybe Minnie and Faith could become closer. They’ve got some things in common, and although they haven’t spent much time together, it would actually be really nice to see them bond more. I think Minnie could learn quite a lot from Faith just in a different capacity. And then that opens up Minnie’s character, which is quite nice.
Q: If we do get a Season 13, do you have any wishes or ideas for Minnie?
A: One wish that always seems to come up is Minnie’s backstory, and that would definitely be a fun story to tell. The only thing is, it might take her away from current Hope Valley since it would involve diving into her past. But what could come from that is exploring who Minnie was before she got married—what was she studying, what were her dreams before family life took over? Now that Angela is growing up and moving on with her life, maybe it’s time for Minnie to revisit some of the things she had to put on hold when the children were younger.
Q: Fans really love the Canfields and that dynamic. So what do you think it is that really draws fans to the Canfield family?
A: First and foremost, I think it’s their strong faith. They always lean on it, and that resonates with people. Fans also love how Joseph and Minnie always manage to find common ground, even when they disagree. It’s something that everyone wishes they could do as well as they do. There’s a level of respect and family values that they all share, which feels very wholesome. The Canfields came to the show as a complete family, which is a unique dynamic. Plus, they represent so many important themes like diversity and disabilities. There are so many facets to the Canfields that I think every viewer can connect with one aspect of their story. When I booked the role I didn’t know that we would go here with it, and didn’t know that we’d be able to delve so deeply into various layers of the Canfields. It’s really been a pleasure to be able to tell Minnie’s story and tell the Canfield story, and to be a part of the town in the way that we are.
Q: Do you have any word that might give us a little bit of a tease for what’s to come in the next 3 episodes?
A: Strength.
Q: Natasha, do you have any projects coming up, or anything that we need to be looking for?
A: Well, if you are a fan of horror, Final Destination 6 is coming out in theaters on May 16th. That’ll be on the big screen!
Whether it’s Minnie’s faith, her unwavering support of her family, or the tender moments with Joseph, Angela and Cooper, Natasha Burnett captures our hearts with her portrayal of Minnie. As the season wraps up, fans can expect to see more of what makes Minnie such a beloved character—strength, growth, and the power of community.
Check out the Q and A here and be sure to leave a comment below and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/stephanie_heartnmotion/
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