WHEN CALLS THE HEART, AcTING, HALLMARK
Jacob Shoemay, who portrays Oliver on When Calls the Heart, shares a unique perspective on his journey from a young film enthusiast to landing a role in the long-running series. In this Q&A, Jacob reflects on the audition process, his character’s development, and the valuable lessons he’s learned from the cast and crew. From his favorite scenes to the fun moments behind the scenes, Jacob takes us through his experience of becoming a part of Hope Valley and what he hopes to see for Oliver in future episodes.
Q: What first drew you into acting? Was there a particular experience or moment when you thought, “Hey, I want to give this a go”?
A: Yeah, I got into it when I was a lot younger—around 9 or 10 years old. It was purely from being inspired by all the movies I watched. I was really into film and the entire acting aspect. I had some actors I really aspired to be like, and I just went off that. But I didn’t start professionally until I was 18.
Q: That’s pretty cool! Who were some of the actors you looked up to?
A: Some of my favorites are Leonardo DiCaprio, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Christian Bale.
Q: So then you heard about When Calls the Heart? Can you talk a little bit about what that audition process was like for you?
A: Yeah, it was the same audition process as any other. I got a callback, and then we did a chemistry read with Jaeda. A few weeks later, I found out I got the role.
Q: Were you on the edge of your seat waiting to hear back?
A: Yeah, I’d lost a little bit of hope, but it was a nice surprise.
Q: Was Oliver the only part you auditioned for?
A: No, I also got a callback for the part of Wyatt.
Q: Oh, interesting!
A: I thought I had done much better on that one, but I guess not.
Q: Well, I’ll say this—we’re really glad you got Oliver!
A: Me too.
Q: What has been your favorite part about playing Oliver?
A: My favorite part… it’s hard to pick just one thing. It’s just been a great experience overall. I had favorite scenes to do, but I think what made it feel a little easier to play him is that I feel like I’m kind of similar to him.
Q: When you first read for the role, what stood out to you? You said you’re similar to him, but how did you approach Oliver’s personality? How did you decide to play the part?
A: I thought I needed to really play into that mysterious aspect. I wanted to bring that out in him. At the same time, I also wanted to portray him as a very good person, because I know his backstory.
Q: Since you feel similar to Oliver, were you able to add any personal touches to the character? I imagine, as an actor, you probably have that internal conversation about what spin you can put on a role.
A: Yeah, but I wouldn’t say it’s easily seen. I’m more of an introverted person myself, and I feel like Oliver would be, too. He’s more observant and well-kept, and I kind of added that part into him from myself.
Q: Who on set, would you say really helped you adjust when you arrived to play Oliver?
A: Oh, easily! Erin, Kevin, and Jack. They were all great at giving tips. They were just great, really, really nice people.
Q: Were there any cast members who gave you particular advice right up front that really helped you?
A: Yeah, I got some good advice from Jack. Since I’m relatively new, he was giving me pointers, little tips I could just randomly pull out whenever I needed. He was very welcoming and gave a lot of good tips.
Q: Anything one of them said that really stayed with you?
A: To have fun with it.
Q: So talk a little bit about your chemistry read. I don’t know if we always have a full picture of what that looks like.
A: It’s all self-tapes now. You just do it at home or wherever you can, and then send it in. If there is a chemistry read, that’s usually in person. It was for the roles of Oliver and Wyatt. It was a pretty packed room, and it was a little intimidating. Just the whole setup—lots of people watching, the pressure to perform well.
Q: So you were feeling a bit nervous?
A: Yeah, definitely. But I thought I had done much better on Wyatt. I expected to hear back from that one, but I thought I messed up the Oliver read. I just didn’t do it the way I wanted to. I felt like I screwed up one part, but I can’t even remember exactly what it was. I was just more hopeful about Wyatt.
Q: And how was the chemistry with Jaeda?
A: It was great! She was super nice, super sweet, and very outgoing.
Q: And then you got the call that you got the part. How long before that did you get the call, and then you guys actually were on set?
A: It was pretty quick. I think it was less than a month—about 2 or 3 weeks.
Q: Did did you know, going into it that Oliver was going to be in the whole season?
A: No, the originally I think it was. It was a large principal, and I think it said 3 episodes.
Q: So we know that when they do block shooting, like for episodes one and two, scenes are often shot out of order. What was your very first scene that you shot? Do you remember?
A: Yeah. My first scene was with Kevin and Scout.
Q: Was that a good first one to start with?
A: Yeah, it was really good. It was that scene in the jailhouse where I think I’m throwing garbage away or something.
Q: Oh, pops up! Which wasn’t actually one of the very first scenes. So why do you think that was a good scene to start with?
A: It was really fun to work with Scout.
Q: Oh, the dog! I thought you were gonna say Kevin.
A: Yeah, that’s a close second.
Q: In episode 1, we were introduced to Oliver, but we weren’t sure about the mystery part of it. Did they tell you to keep it mysterious for a bit or did you just play it out?
A: I just played it out. I didn’t get any pointers like that, but I could tell from the overall aspect.
Q: So in episode 3, we learn that Oliver was behind in some of his schooling. What do you think are some of Oliver’s biggest strengths that might have stood out to others?
A: I think he’s very determined, ambitious, and loyal. He’s been through a lot, so it’s hard for him to trust people, but once he does, he’s completely loyal. He tries to be the best version of himself because he was surrounded by negativity.
Q: Do you think Oliver has found that community of people where he feels he can be loyal to them?
A: Yeah, I think he’s really warmed up to everyone. He feels like he finally has people he can surround himself with, almost like a family, but it’s still early.
Q: In episode 4, Oliver missed a chance to dance with Allie and give her a gift. What do you think that gift might have been?
A: Oh, I know what it was supposed to be.
Q: Do you think that gift will come back or was it just a missed opportunity?
A: Oh, I could see it making a return. Maybe it’ll pop up in the future.
Q: Was there a moment when it was okay for Allie to realize she enjoyed being around Oliver, or did it happen naturally?
A: I was always more interested in her than she was in me. I liked being around her, and she started to warm up to me over time. I think it happened naturally over time. It does take a while. Very gradually.
Q: Can we look forward to another favorite moment coming up?
A: There is a scene with Jaeda, and there’s a nice little walk and talk.
Q: In episode 6, when Allie wants to trespass onto McGinty’s property, Oliver tells her he doesn’t want to go but ultimately does. What do you think makes him decide to go along?
A: I think he feels a certain responsibility over her. He’s her protector in that moment. He can’t let her go alone, especially with it being McGinty’s land. Also, the fact that it’s Nathan’s daughter, who’d be his boss, makes it a good look for him to go along.
Q: A lot of people talked about how amazing the scene in the barn was when Oliver’s cleaning, and Allie gathers the courage to explain her past. It was a powerful moment. Do you remember being directed through that scene or any key things Martin Wood wanted you to make sure to play out?
A: Yeah, that scene was more directed toward Jaeda, but I also had to play my part, where I could relate to her and understand where she was coming from. I needed to show that I’m there for her. Oh, and those cupcakes… not the best.
Q: Oliver immediately recognizes Sonny Garrison and calls him out, which felt like a big moment for him. As much as we’re seeing Oliver’s sharp instincts, it felt a bit unexpected that he called him out right there on the spot. So when Sonny grabs Oliver, and Allie and Oliver push back, what do you think is going through Oliver’s mind in that moment?
A: Yeah, I think it’s just pure terror and fear for her safety. I’ve really taken a liking to her, and I feel responsible. I could have stopped it. I could have refused to go into the woods with her and now we’re in this dangerous situation.
Q: In episode 9, Oliver plays a huge role in creating the distraction and going after Sonny Garrison. What was it like filming that scene and getting to be one of the heroes in that moment?
A: That was my favorite scene to film—it was so much fun! I wasn’t expecting that much action, so when I found out that this scene was happening, I was really excited. It was a cool build-up to the moment. The whole sequence took multiple hours to film because of the complexity. We had to shoot from so many angles, and since it was in the woods, it made things trickier. The horses weren’t always cooperating, and we had to make sure everything, like the kick and jumping out of the way, was timed perfectly. It was a pretty intense day of filming!
Q: At the end of Episode 9, we see Oliver walking with Nathan, Allie, Elizabeth, and Bill. Is that where you think Oliver really starts to feel like he’s a part of this, or is he allowing himself to start feeling that way?
A: Yes, I think he’s really starting to connect with the people of Hope Valley. He’s spent so much time with them, and they’ve been through a lot together at this point. He’s already as close as he is with Allie. He’s allowing himself to feel like part of it now.
Q: In that scene where Oliver appears out of the shadows, is it because he was cleaning out a cell?
A: Yeah, I was cleaning the cells.
Q: What prompted Oliver to come out in that moment? Was it because he knew Allie was taking the heat for everything, and he needed to make sure Nathan knew he was just as much at fault?
A: Yes, I think it was mainly to take some of the heat off Allie. He wanted to point out that she wasn’t completely in the wrong. There was a reason they were out there, especially with the fact that I knew that McGinty had blocked the trail. There was a lot more to the story than they were making it seem.
Q: Did Oliver already know that the ash trees were on Lee Coulter’s land, and now all the pieces came together for him to reveal that information?
A: Yes, I think he had learned it from his project, and now everything was coming together.
Q: In episode 10, we hear Allie call Oliver “Ollie” for the first time. Was that written in the script, or did it happen spontaneously?
A: It was written in the script, but we did notice it. We didn’t talk about it beforehand, but it was like, “Oh, I don’t think she’s ever called me Ollie before.” It’s a nice little moment that shows Allie is getting more comfortable with Oliver.
Q: At dinner in Episode 10 we see Nathan have a conversation with Allie about having to apologize a little bit for how he reacted. Then we see this moment where Allie looks across the table and thanks Oliver. Can you talk a little bit about that moment like?
A: It was pretty straightforward. I was just sitting there. But, Oliver is thinking he’s in a really good place.
Q: Can you describe Oliver’s story for the next couple of episodes (episodes 11 and 12) in one word, or more is fine?
A: I’d say “less intense.” It’s a bit of a break after the more dramatic moments earlier in the season. It’s a calmer, more relaxed time for him.
Q: In these upcoming episodes, is there an opportunity for Oliver to step into more of a Mountie role while Nathan helps Elizabeth with little Jack?
A: It’s more about Oliver being there for Allie during this time. He’s not as involved with the situation surrounding little Jack, but he’s there to support Allie.
Q: What has been your favorite scene for Oliver this season so far?
A: My favorite moment was in the woods. I really enjoyed the action in that scene, and it was a lot of fun to film.
Q: Do you have a favorite part of the set?
A: I really like the saloon. It’s beautiful inside, and there’s a lot of space.
Q: When you’re not filming, where do you usually hang out on set?
A: We spend a lot of time in the barbershop. It’s right in the middle of everything, so it’s easy to get to.
Q: What has it been like coming into such an established show in season 12?
A: It’s been great! The cast and crew were very welcoming. Erin and Kevin filled me in on everything I needed to know about the show, and fans have been really nice. It’s been a wonderful experience so far.
Q: Who cracks you up the most?
A: Kevin.
Q: But is it really funny, or is it a good effort? That’s what we really want to know.
A: He’s really that funny.
Q: Did you know about all of the hype of When Calls the Heart?.
A: I didn’t really have an idea till so many people had just told me about the fan base and to just, like, be wary on social media. And yeah, now I can see very quickly.
Q: But at least you know that the show’s popular enough that it’s like, hey, there’s a strong chance we’re going to get a season 13, and I’ll get to keep playing Oliver, right?
A: Yeah, that’s the goal.
Q: There you go. So, speaking of Season 13, if there is a season 13, we know that Jacob likes the Mountie action. Is there anything else that you would like to see in Oliver’s storyline?
A: Yeah, just overall more. If I were to… beyond season 13, just some more. It’d be so much more fun to have a role where you just had kind of more authority, like Nathan’s kind of role, where you’re more than a cadet.
Q: Thank you, earned it at this point, don’t you?
A: Yeah. He’s been through quite a bit.
Q: I think he’s earned it. I think he’s proven that he knows his stuff.
A: Yeah, he’s proven that.
Q: Yeah, all right. So, is the end of season written in a way that there’s a chance Oliver will be back in season 13?
A: Yeah, I think so. I think… yeah. The gradual build-up of Jada and Oliver, or Allie and Oliver, really peaks at the end of the season where they’re like at their closest with each other. And yeah, not in trouble with anybody, just… yeah.
Jacob Shoemay’s journey on When Calls the Heart continues to impress as he brings depth and authenticity to the role of Oliver. His reflections on the audition process, character development, and behind-the-scenes moments offer a unique look into his experience on the show. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Oliver in the upcoming episodes and beyond! Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below and on YouTube and head over to stephanie_heartnmotion on Instagram.
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