Meet the actor who has appeared in 27 Hallmark movies
Sixteen years ago, actor Nelson Wong landed a role in the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries film Third Man Out. He did so well that director Ron Oliver cast him in another Hallmark project. And then another.
To date, Wong has appeared in 27 Hallmark movies, including mysteries, romantic comedies, and — of course — Christmas films.
He has become such a staple on the network that directors will often change the name of the character he is playing to Kenny, the name of the character he portrayed in Third Man Out.
“Kenny has been a kitchen TV show director, a wedding planner,” Wong said in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “He’s been a concierge at a plaza. He’s been a baby daddy.”
Hallmark state of mind
Wong, who moved to Canada from New Zealand when he was six years old, said some actors look down on Hallmark productions for being too — ahem — cheesy. But he finds the stories refreshing.
“These Hallmark movies are actually more true to real life, I’d say — nice people trying their best given their circumstances,” he said.
The actor said he never really celebrated the holiday season until he started appearing in Hallmark movies. That’s all changed.
“They’ve afforded me so much in the way of working relationships and oftentimes, on set and moments on screen, I can’t help but be in the Christmas spirit when I’m doing them now,” he said.
Where Your Heart Belongs
In addition to appearing in Third Man Out, Wong has starred in The Christmas Train, A Timeless Christmas, and A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love.
His next Hallmark film will debut on January 1, 2022. He will star alongside Jen Lilley and Chris Russell in the romantic comedy Where Your Heart Belongs.