Chloe Bennet and Blair Penner star in “Married by Mistake” a new, original movie premiering Sunday, March 5 at 8/7c on E!. We at Survived The Shows had the pleasure of chatting with Jill Morrison about her experience on Married by Mistake and what fans can expect. Check out the full interview below!
What’s the main element in Winnie’s character and the movie in general that fascinates you the most and drew you to join Married by Mistake?
JILL MORRISON: Winnie is very loyal, and spontaneous, and energetic. She really finds the joy in life, she struggles with her marriage, so she finds brightness wherever she can get it. And work is a place she is able to do that. I connected to this because I admire that attitude , and always wish I could be more like that and try to be. Playing someone that free of inhibitions is what drew me to her. She just puts it all out there!
Where are you and Winnie most similar and where most different as human beings?
We are similar in that I am cheerful and loyal. I am much more private than Winnie, who will blab to whomever!
What’s been the biggest challenge for you in portraying Winnie?
Making sure that I was true to the southern American accent and that I didn’t embarrass myself!
How would you describe Married by Mistake in just 3 words?
Funny, sweet, and romantic
What can you tease about Winnie’ journey throughout the movie?
She probably has a big tattoo of a flamingo on her back!
Talking about the environment on set, how would you describe your experience while filming Married by Mistake and do you have any fun anecdotes to share?
I really like working with Mike Rohl, the director, and him and I cracked each other up with our silly ideas for Winnie. When I was Dancing ( like a flamingo) I had a lot of fun with the background actors, and had to turn my back to the camera a lot because I was cracking myself up so much. Laughing so hard I was crying. Such a joy when work is like that.
If you could choose any other character from Married by Mistake, apart from Winnie, that you would have loved to play, which one would it be and why?
Probably Eric Keenleysides part, Buck, Winnie’s boss. I love being bossy and rich!
Did you take anything from set, any prop or piece of costume, to remember your experience as Winnie?
Yes! Some fun flamingo sunglasses. I’ll wear them when I feel extra silly
Talking about your past project, how was your experience on the set of tv show “When Calls the Heart”? What is your favourite memory about your time as “Carla” and with your castmates?
I worked on When Calls the Heart on its first season, with everything really being developed. The show has taken a much more positive upswing since then. My character was going through a lot of darkness, and that was actually really Fantastic to dig into to, it was physically challenging to play the pregnancy and the birth, and that is creatively satisfying. I got to work with my longtime good friend Loretta Walsh, which was a real treat for us. I loved working with Erin and making a friendship and a connection there, and Lori. The directors were incredible. It was a wonderful experience and I will always value it.
What’s the main element in the movie Reba McEntire’s The Hammer that fascinates you the most?
Frankly, Reba. She is such a light. And such a kind, down to earth person. She invested so much In it, and was so delightful to act with. I want it to become a series. I just loved watching how tough her character was, and compassionate. When I sang with her, I was screaming inside, it was a life highlight.
Among all the shows you guest-starred in, is it one you would like to come back and continue your character’s story?
Yes, A Million Little things! I would love to see what else Rachel the Hr lady gets up to. Loved working on that show a lot
Throwing back to the origins of your career, how did the passion for acting come about in your life?
I knew I wanted to be an actor since I was very little. I would say around 3. The opportunities were slim growing up in farm land, but I always knew inside that was what I was suppose to do. That feeling has never gone away. I auditioned for theatre schools without knowing anything ( lots of community theatre before that but very amateur) I got very good training. I pursued theatre, but always knew I wanted to be in the movies since the first time I saw that lion roar. My first film audition was Mean Girls, and I was hooked after that to the camera
Among all the roles you’ve had the chance to play throughout your career, is there any particular role you’re most fond of?
Yes, a regular role I played in a Canadian sitcom called Package Deal. Her name was Nikki. She was so fun and I love the sitcom world, it was the best time of my life
If you had to give some advice to people who want to pursue an acting career, which kind of advice would you give them?
I would say to never stop training, no matter what. The craft is expansive. Do some theatre. Find your voice. Build community, find your support system. Do everything you can to believe in yourself and let your light shine. Get a job that provides income that doesn’t interfere with your acting.
Married by Mistake, with Jill Morrison, premiered March 5 on E!. If you haven’t watched it yet, catch up a preview here below!
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