Chris McNally knows how to keep things in check. The actor, who was born in Canada, plays “Lucas Bouchard” opposite Erin Krakow in the sixth season of the hit Hallmark show When Calls the Heart. When the show’s sixth season started in February, it broke ratings records as the most watched scripted show on television. McNally also stars with Natalie Hall in the Hallmark Network show A Winter Princess. The next movie he will be in is Heaven on Lifetime. It is the first in a series of movies based on V.C. Andrew’s book series about the corrupt Casteel family. Chris McNally also plays with Natalie Hall in A Winter Princess on the Hallmark Network. The next movie he will be in is Heaven on Lifetime. It is the first in a series of movies based on V.C. Andrew’s book series about the corrupt Casteel family.
According to Jamie Agoglia, who has been on some of the most popular TV shows, which one has been the most important to their careers? I read that you see your part in Altered Carbon as a major turning point in your career.
Chris McNally: Something changed for me because of Altered Carbon. When Calls the Heart is the first show where I’ve been a regular, and I don’t think that would have happened without Altered Carbon.
What was it like to be a part of If You Call the Heart, one of Hallmark’s most-watched shows?
I was really scared because the group had been together for five years. It was great to meet everyone; you felt right at home right away.
With all of your skill and dedication to your job, what have you learned from the ups and downs of building a successful career?
When work gets hard, I’ve learned to keep my head up. Being careful to stay level. That’s how rough it is; there are a lot of ups and downs. Not give up, and keep things even. Being ready and understanding you’ve done everything you can before an audition takes the edge off. If you don’t get cast, it doesn’t hurt as much when you try to leave.
Which piece of advice has been the most helpful to you in your career?
One of my teachers told me that making it to the Olympics is harder than making a living as an actor. Because only a very small number of people become professional actors, that made me work even harder and push myself to give it my all.
For you, what does it mean to be an actress and performer?
And that means I’ve reached the goal I’ve had since I was a child. It was my dream to work in show business and be an actor. To get caught up in stories and play different roles, and for people to enjoy the things I make. Also, I love what I do, so I’m very happy with my own life. It feels like a personal victory.
What if you weren’t acting?
I think I’d be working in decorating and home design. I grew up with it because my parents did it and I love it.
What does Chris McNally’s day-to-day life look like?
What a difference it makes for me to work or not work [laughs]. What I do on the job or while getting ready for the job takes over my life; I fall into a black hole. It controls my life. It takes a long time to change things. When I’m not working, I like to sleep in, drink wine and beer, go camping, and explore new places. I also like going on trips. I just moved to LA a year ago, so I’ve been trying to see more of the area.
Who do you want to work with again and again? a director or actor, etc.
I’ve always been inspired by Sean Penn, and meeting him would be a dream, even though I would be very scared.
What music do you listen to?
Hey Greta Van Fleet, It’s been a while since I listened to them. They are very good…Being an Agent Man and Watching Over. I don’t listen to anything else for weeks or months when I’m really into a band. Then I move on to something else.
What is that on your nightstand? What are you reading right now?
I don’t have one [laughs]. I’m busy putting together my apartment. My watch, phone, and lamp would be on it. The next book I want to read is “Never Cry Wolf” by Farley Mowat.
Since you moved to LA, what part do you like the most?
Right now, my favorite part of town is the Arts District. The restaurants and breweries are both close enough to walk to. It’s a very lively place. That’s great. Even though it’s in the middle of the city, the area looks very new because it’s clean and artsy. There are beautiful paintings and other art all over.
