It's not every day you hear about an actress who grew up without television, but that is the case for Hallmark star Heather Hemmens. Her unique childhood really sets her apart from other TV stars in Hollywood and gave her an appreciation for the meaning of hard work. In addition to her two Hallmark films from the past year, you might also recognize her for currently starring in the CW series Roswell, New Mexico in addition to other memorable TV appearances. She's one of our favorite new leading ladies on the Hallmark Channel, here's everything to know about the rising star.
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She grew up off the grid
Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Unlike many actors and actresses who grew up feeling inspired to enter the entertainment world after watching various classic movies and TV shows growing up, Heather Hemmens grew up off the grid. She lived in the woods of Waldo in Maine, near the small town of Belfast, and her family had no electricity. Yes, that means no television. But Hemmens actually credits her unique upbringing with making her disciplined in her current acting career.
"There are so many things I think I gained from growing up that way, including a strong work ethic," she explained to the Portland Press Herald. "You can't be lazy when there's wood to bring in or things to pick in the garden. I also read a lot of books, which really enhanced my imagination. When I'm looking at a script, I visualize everything I'm reading."
She spent her final two years of high school attending a performing arts school in Boston and, upon graduating, moved out to Los Angeles to pursue a professional acting career.
She was on Yellowstone
Some of the main roles Hemmens is recognizable from are the CW series Hellcats, the Tyler Perry soap opera If Loving You Is Wrong, the CW series Roswell, New Mexico and the Jamie Foxx Netflix series Dad Stop Embarrassing Me. But did you know she also had a recurring role on Yellowstone? Back in season one, Hemmens had a recurring role playing Melody Prescott, the assistant to Dan Jenkins.
As a refresher, Dan Jenkins, played by Danny Huston, was one of the first adversaries the Dutton family faces in the series. He was a capital developer for Paradise Valley who ended up conspiring with Chief Rainwater to attempt to build a casino and hotel near the Dutton property. When he received some major pushback from John Dutton, his assistant came out to help -- Melody. She appeared in episodes 5-7 for a brief but memorable appearance.
Hallmark career
In addition to the various TV shows she's starred in, Hemmens is emerging as a new Hallmark leading lady. The feel-good network is obviously known for its annual number of festival holiday films, and unlike most of its stars, Hemmens isn't really able to reflect back on her Christmas favorites from growing up. But she has gained an appreciation for some of the classics as an adult. So far, she's appeared in two of the networks' films, including Christmas in My Heart opposite Luke Macfarlane and, most recently, Caribbean Summer with Ser'Darius Blain. But she's just getting started.
Like other stars on the network, such as Lacey Chabert and Tamera Mowry-Housley, Hemmens recently signed a multi-picture deal with Hallmark.
"We are excited to sign this multi-picture deal with Heather Hemmens," said Lisa Hamilton Daly, Executive Vice President, Programming, Crown Media. "Heather is such a pro at what she does, making every movie she works on unique and special. We are lucky to have her on board, starring in multiple movies for us."
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