When Calls the Heart cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the Western drama

This long-running TV show, When Calls the Heart, with a 7.9 rating on IMDb, tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher. The series shows her journey as a young teacher in a small frontier town. The town’s ways are quite different from those she is accustomed to.

Hence, to make her life easier in this new place, she begins to learn the ways of the townspeople. She slowly wins her way into their hearts. The series is best known for its heartfelt story. However, the cast plays a vital role as well. The cast perfectly captures the depth and heart of the storyline.

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When Calls the Heart cast and character guide

1) Erin Krakow as Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton

Erin Krakow’s Elizabeth is the lead of When Calls the Heart. She perfectly captures Elizabeth’s distinct lighthearted nature as she tries her best to win the hearts of the townspeople. In an interview with Good Housekeeping, Erin Krakow speaks about the emotional journey of Elizabeth in the series,

“A lot of self-reflection, a lot of trying to figure out what's the right move and is she with the right person…it was important for me to explore the sides of Elizabeth that show her celebrating life a bit more and being open to those. There's a real lightness and joy that comes with that."

It cannot be denied that she brings her heart and soul to bring out the true nature of Elizabeth in the series. Her other notable works include Finding Father Christmas, Army Wives, and many more.

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2) Daniel Lissing as Jack Thornton

Daniel Lissing’s Jack Thornton is the character who seems rough on the outside but is a warmhearted person on the inside. His banter with Elizabeth adds charm and warmth to the show. Daniel Lissing does a commendable job in bringing out the complex and layered nature of Jack Thornton in the series.

Especially through his distinct dislike of Elizabeth’s father. Though his character’s time ends in the series, he leaves a lasting impact. In an interview with ET, Lissing spoke about his time in the series,

“It is a family, and that aspect of things I really miss. I love all the cast and the people at Hallmark. My time with Hallmark was nothing but positive and I’m truly grateful to be a part of it.”

His other notable works include Last Resort, S.W.A.T., and many more.

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3) Pascale Hutton as Rosemary Coulter/Rosemary LeVeaux

Pascale Hutton’s Rosemary Coulter is truly an intriguing character in the series. Her journey from being an actress to falling in love with Lee Coulter is indeed a rollercoaster ride.

Rosemary’s character development in the series is perfectly captured by Pascale Hutton’s nuanced performance. In an interview, she speaks about her character development in the series,

“I thought she was such a fun character, but it’s been nice and exciting to play her evolution and still holding on to that core element of who she is, which is the larger than life, enthusiastic, joie de vivre type of woman.”

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4) Jack Wagner as Bill Avery

From the town’s sheriff to the town’s judge, Jack Wagner’s Bill Avery in When Calls the Heart is indeed a man with a mission. Besides, the other characters in the series, Bill’s character stands out especially because of his interaction with the townspeople.

Jack Wagner brings out Bill’s multilayered personality in a nuanced manner through his performance. His other notable works include General Hospital, Santa Barbara, The Bold and the Beautiful, and many more. In an interview with TVInsider, he speaks about how it felt playing the role of Bill Avery. He says,

"It’s like plugging into Jack Wagner from the ’80s or ’90s. I realized that’s why I’m having so much fun. It’s like, ‘Wow, I’m dusting off my old charming romance guy. Let’s dust this guy off."

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5) Kavan Smith as Leland Coulter/Lee Coulter

Kavan Smith, known for his works in Stargate Atlantis, Rogue, and many more, brought forth his versatility with his performance in this series. Lee Coulter’s main storyline revolves around his relationship with Rosemary. While speaking about Lee’s character development in the series, Kavan Smith says,

“I thought he was kind of just spinning his wheels. Then I thought, I think that in retrospect, it’s kind of neat because a lot of people don’t get to do what they want, they just search in perpetuity and they don’t find that thing…”

Lee Coulter feels distinctly real, thanks to Kavan Smith’s grounded performance.

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6) Chris McNally as Lucas Bouchard

Chris McNally’s Lucas Bouchard is a significant character in the series. From helping build a library to eventually getting close to Elizabeth, Lucas’s journey is intriguing in the series. Chris McNally brings a distinct heart and soul to the character, which makes Lucas such a fan favorite.

His other notable works include Hearts of Christmas, A Winter Princess, and many more. While speaking about Lucas's journey in the show, McNally says in an interview,

"I’m excited for … the direction that Lucas is going in, and I think that it is a different avenue of storytelling or different stories that can come in for Hope Valley. It’s a town that is alive and it has a pulse and things shift and change and evolve, and I think it’s great. I’m very optimistic about it.”

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7) Kevin McGarry as Nathan Grant

Kevin McGarry’s Nathan Grant’s journey has not been an easy one in When Calls the Heart. It is filled with many ups and downs. He considers himself responsible for Elizabeth’s situation.

This eventually draws him towards her. Slowly, he develops feelings for her. Yet his feelings are initially rejected. In the series, Kevin McGarry perfectly brings out Nathan’s emotional turmoil. He struggles with Jack’s death.

Kevin McGarry’s other notable works include The Wedding Veil, Open Heart, and many more.

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Other cast members of the series include:

•Johannah Newmarch as Molly Sullivan

•Martin Cummins as Henry Gowen

•Loretta Walsh as Florence Blakeley

•Gracyn Shinyei as Emily Montgomery

•Lori Loughlin as Abigail Stanton

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