Heartland Star - Amber Marshall joins Adam Cromarty
This episode is pretty epic! Adam Cromarty is joined by Amber Marshall who has appeared in a whole list of TV and Films, but is best known for her role as Amy Fleming in the TV smash hit Heartland. As a lover of horses and anything to do with Animals, Amber is living the dream as her current on-screen role pretty much mirrors her life at home!
Listen as the conversation swerves from ice cream to horses and Adam even tries to land a guest spot on Heartland!
Throwback Thursday: Amber Marshall responds to fan questions, part 1! (March 2010)
Q: Hi Amber, Thank you first off for being such an inspiration to a lot of us Heartland fans out there :) . My question is: If you couldn't play Amy, and you had to play any other role on Heartland, who would it be, and why? Smiles from Orangeville Ont. Posted by: Musical_Melody on March 05, 2010 at 05:41 AM
A: I love portraying Amy in every way as I feel her and I are very similar. If I were to play any other character in Heartland I think I would enjoy a more contrasting individual to myself. It would be a fun challenge and interesting to see how I could shape a character very different from Amy. Which one in particular? Possibly Kerry-Ann (Ty's ex girlfriend) who we met in Season One - played by Paula Brancati. The character had a very dark edge to her, and Paula did such an excellent job.
Q: Hey Amber, OMG I was wondering when you were going to be up for q and a! I just wanna say thanks for the letter (you replied to my fanmail and my friends thought I was going mad cause I jumped around and screamed so much!) and thanks to Graham too for the autographed photo. My question: In all three seasons so far which was your favourite episode to shoot and why??? Also want to let you know that i love the show and you guys are amazing! Posted by: Emma on March 01, 2010 at 12:54 PM
A: That is a tough question! I can say right away it is definitely an episode filmed in the summer months, as Alberta summers are so beautiful. I love working outdoors during them. To narrow it down to one episode, I would probably have to pick 207: Sweetheart of the Rodeo. We had fabulous weather, lots of riding and lots of laughs.
Q: Hey Amber, really glad I can ask YOU a question. You are awesome as Amy. I really enjoy watching scenes with Amy & Ty together, altough they are not always cute... So here is my question for you: I was wondering how many of Amy's riding scenes you're doing yourself. By example the last scene of episode 301 'Miracle'. Was that really you jumping about the fences with Caesar or was it just a stuntman? Anyway, keep up your awesome work! Greetings from Germany. Posted by: Tiishirt on March 01, 2010 at 12:32 PM
A: This is a question that seems to be asked quite often. There is really no black and white answer to it. I love to do as many of the "stunts" as I am allowed to, however due to the insurance policies on the show, there are certain things that they simply will not allow. Although I started my riding career in English Hunter, and I love to jump - the insurance companies don't think it is a good idea for me to risk injury. Therefore, the majority of the jumping we see Amy do, is performed by a stunt double. I am usually allowed to jump fences under 2 feet... and sometimes higher... but shhh! ;)
Q: Hey Amber!!!! First off i would like to say that you are my favourite actor and a great role model! I really value the work that you have put into heartland. I wouldn't even dream of missing an episode! I actually was going to go to the Royal to meet you but couldn't last minute but i am definitely coming to the Equin Emporium in London. Cant wait for the season 4 and Christmas Movie next year!!!! (as im sure a lot of people would say too). My question for you is... What traits to you and you character Amy both share? Thanx for your time! Posted by: Taylor on March 01, 2010 at 07:00 PM
A: There are many traits that Amy and I share. I think the most apparent would be our love and respect for animals and the outdoors.
Q: Hey Amber, I absolutely love you. So my question is what is your favourite sport - not including horse back riding? Like do you like to swim or run. Anyway I hope you answer this question because i haven't had any of my questions anserwed yet. love your work. Posted by: anabelle on March 02, 2010 at 08:49 AM
A: Great question! I was never really into sports growing up. I wasn't on a soccer team or in track and field. When I was between the ages of 6 and 12, I was part of a local dog agility club. My mom and I would spend a lot of our summer at dog trails and lessons. It was so much fun. I started riding full time after I got out of agility, so that was my next full time sport. I recently got back into agility with my Border Collie X, and she loves it!
Q: Bonjour Amber! I'm not actually French, but I'm learning :P You've come a long ways since the beginning of Heartland, and I'm sure because of it you've been given many opportunities another teenage girl may not get to have. Congratulations on it :) My question for you is: Amy deals with a lot of complicated emotions, and good ones too. When it's required to cry, or be scared, how do you really get into the moment (like think of something personal, etc.)? Thanks for being so great, you're a fantastic role model :) Posted by: Samantha Stokes on March 02, 2010 at 02:54 PM
A: Thanks Samantha. Another good question, and I think it is very unique to every actor. For me, it completely depends on the intensity of the emotion I am portraying. If I am supposed to be a little mad/sad/excited, it doesn't take much for me to get there. As I say the lines, I think of the underlying meaning and feel how Amy would feel. If a scene calls for Amy to be extremely upset then I try to put myself in her shoes. I think of how I would feel if that situation happened to me, or how I have felt if I have experienced that same thing.
Q: Hi Amber! I love you so much, I can't even describe it! Okay, question, do you spend more time on set when you're not fimling with other actors or with the horses? Bye! Posted by: Kitty on March 03, 2010 at 02:41 PM
A: Now that is a tough one!! I'm going to say overall I spend more time with the actors, since the horses are not there every day and sometimes they are off in the field happily grazing. Although, in the summer months I love to sit quietly on the fence or in the grass by the horses while I have a moment off.
Q: Heya Amber! Firstly, you do an awesome job as Amy. I read the books, but didn't know there was a tv show (i live in england) until a couple of years ago :) ok, so my question is.... Have you always wanted to be an actress/work as a vet, or did you wanna do something completely different when you were younger (like being an astronaut or summin'!) Big hello from rainy england, Posted by: Annie on March 01, 2010 at 12:51 PM
A: The first song I ever "wrote" was when I was three... it went something like this, "I wanna be a farmer, farmer, FARMMMMERRRRR!" So I think at a young age that was where I was headed. Once I learned what a veterinarian was I was set on that. As soon as I was old enough to work in a Vet Clinic I did, and I was there for five years. During that time I was acting in theatre and on the odd television movie or show. After being cast as "Amy" I started to realize that my passion for animals and acting could be combined in the perfect job. So that is where I am at now, and who knows - maybe I will still be a farmer!
Q: Hi Amber. My question is if you could own one horse from the show which one would you have? Posted by: emma on March 01, 2010 at 01:49 PM
A: SPARTAN, without question! "Stormy" the horse who plays the role is wonderful. I have a weakness for black horses and he is just a stunning horse. Not to mention quiet, bomb proof, gentle with the smoothest gaits! What more could I ask for? But I like to think that the character he plays is just like him.
Q: Hey Amber! You are sooo prettttyyyy!!!!! :) and you are such a good actor! you are like my role model.... just sayin - I have met you 3 times in Toronto.. :P Every time you and Graham or someone else comes... I just have to go :P I loove the show!! Anyways my question for you is.... when you auditioned for heartland did you audition for the role of Amy or did you audition for someone else? thanks for your time. :) Posted by: Sonya on March 01, 2010 at 01:57 PM
A: Amy was the only character I auditioned for on Heartland. She just seemed to be the most suited to me, and I guess in the end, she was!
Q: Hey Amber, you do a really good job!!! I love watching the show... But unfortunately I live in Germany! Here´s my question: About Spartan: Is that always the same horse or are there some different "Spartans" in the show? Thank you so much for taking time to answer all these question! Lots of love, Posted by: Elli M. on March 03, 2010 at 05:34 AM
A: We mostly use a horse by the name of "Stormy" for Spartan. He is very quiet and easy to work around, and smooth to ride - so he is the perfect fit. But like all of us "actors" he has stunt doubles! When we need "Spartan" to rear, kick, lie-down and even jump, we bring in a specialized horse that is trained to do so. That way we keep Stormy in great shape for all his close ups!
Q: Howdy, Amber! Heartland wouldn't be Heartland without you, so I guess that makes you the 'heart' of the show. It's an awesome responsibility, and you're doing an incredible job as Amy with the marvelous support of the rest of the super cast. Keep up the excellent work! Here's my question: We've seen your character singing along with Country music recordings Lyndy Bartlett made on the show... it didn't look like voice over dubbing to me, so is singing one of your passions? (If so, your singing voice is lovely). Thanks for taking time to answer all these fan questions! -TC Posted by: TC on March 03, 2010 at 01:04 AM
A: I love to sing! Shaun (Grampa Jack) and I both enjoy sitting out and playing the guitar at lunch and singing songs we know. I have recently taken up the guitar so I can join in on the jam. It is also so much fun to sit around the camp fire and play and sing, ah I can't wait for summer!!
Q: Hey Amber! I'd decided on your question ages ago, and I'm very pleased to at last get a chance to ask it! May I just say first though, that I think you are a very talented young actress and I look forward to seeing you every week in a new episode. Now for the question: Do you use any of the 'Heartland' treatments (T-Touch, Alternative Medication etc.) on any of your own horses? Thanks! Posted by: Lisa on March 01, 2010 at 12:40 PM
A: I have definitely learned a lot more about alternative medication then I had known before I started on this show. It was not something I ever used with my horses in the past, but I have started to experiment a little more with certain remedies we have used or I have heard of others using. I am also starting to become more health conscious myself, and like to use natural remedies whenever I can.
Q: Hi Amber. First I have to say you are a wonderful person I really admire you! I wanted to ask you something about your role in "The Elizabeth Smart Story". What does it feel to portray someone who really exist? Best wishes from France. Posted by: Charlotte on March 03, 2010 at 10:36 AM
A: When I got the role of Elizabeth Smart, I was the same age as her and completely shocked and horrified by her story. For those of you who are unfamiliar, she was kidnapped as a young teenager and taken captive by a man who made her believe she was sent to be his wife. Nine months later she was found by police and reunited with her family. To answer your question, I tried to separate the true story and the character I was portraying in order to maintain emotional disconnection. I treated the story as fiction, and although I did my research on her and her story, I thought of it as a movie I was acting in, instead of a real person whose traumatic ordeal I was reliving.
Q: Hi Amber!! You do a wonderful job at playing Amy! I was wondering... Who is your favourite actor or actress to work with on the show and why? Posted by: Nikki on March 01, 2010 at 03:14 PM
A: One of the best things about working on Heartland is the cast and crew. We are all such a close group and have so much fun everyday. To narrow down one particular person is quite difficult as I have a special friendship with the entire main cast. My favourite scenes are spent at the Heartland dinner table. We have had so many laughs there!
Q: Hey, Amber! Love the show! I could not ever possibly imagine another Amy than you. My question is: If you had to pick someone on the set that you were the closest to, or spent the most time with, who would it be? Thanks!!! Keep up the amazing work!! Posted by: Claire on March 03, 2010 at 04:22 PM
A: I think outside of work I spend the most time with Graham. Him and I have a lot of the same interests and are usually on the same working hours.
Q: Hi Amber you are awesome at acting and a great role model. I love watching the show so keep up the great work. My question is: What is the first acting gig you got? Posted by: Lara on March 01, 2010 at 10:00 PM
A: When I was 12 years old I was cast as the role of "Ally" on a YTV kids show called "Super Rupert." It was such a great experience and really started my love for on-screen acting.
Q: I adore you Amber and I don't think Canada could find a better actress!(other than Michelle and Jessica) Anyways, my question is, I know that you an Graham are boyfriend and girlfriend in the show, but in real life, have you two developed any type of relationship, like become great friends? Love you! Posted by: Janet on March 01, 2010 at 01:59 PM
A: Graham is one of my very best friends. I love spending time with him and it never involves any "work." I really couldn't imagine a better "Ty." I think Graham is a very talented person and he is easy to work with. It is so wonderful to have such a connection with a co-star and it makes it easier to act!
Q: Hey Amber you're an amazing and talented actress I don't think they could've pick a better actress to play your role in heartland!! Anyway ,my question is what would be your dream role in any show or movie if you had to pick one? thanks so much :) Posted by: Alex on March 01, 2010 at 05:18 PM
A: I would love to film a 3-D Movie like Avatar. I think it would be so much fun doing a lot of green screen work and having the majority added into the film in post production!
Q: Hi Amber! You play your role of Amy perfectly! :) Here's my question: As Amy, you ride Western and Show Jump. In real life, which discipline do you like more? Or do you like both just as much? Thanks! ~Sarah~ Posted by: Sarah on March 01, 2010 at 05:48 PM
A: I love both English and Western for different reasons. I think if I had to choose, it would be Western. I just really like roping and cattle work, and I find the saddle's more comfortable. When I just go out for a trail I love to go bareback, but when I feel like jumping the English tack goes on!
Q: Hi Amber, you are an awesome actress!! You inspire a lot of people and many people look up to you! Amy's one of my favourite characters on Heartland! Okay, so my question is (If you don't mind to answer), What is your favourite colour/color? Thank you so much for being on Heartland - you are so awesome!! Heartland is my all time favourite show!! :) Have a great day! :) Bye! If you answer this question - Thanks a billion!! :) :) :) :) Thank you! Posted by: Maegyn on March 05, 2010 at 06:41 AM
A: Growing up, anytime someone asked me my favourite colour the answer was always blue. Now I think I would have to say it depends on what we are talking about. Clothing, house paint colour, the colour of the sky or grass... So let me think.... For horse colour I really like Buckskins, Dark Palominos and true black horses. For house paint colour, I'm gonna go with beige. Clothing? I usually stick with Earth tones... But all around good colour? I'm still thinking blue, but I do really like purple. Maybe blueish purple?
Q: Hi Amber, My question is - given the fact Heartland gets more popular every year and I think no one else could play Amy can you see yourself in this role for the next few years? (I certainly hope so!) Posted by: Sandy on March 01, 2010 at 03:07 PM
A: I certainly can! I am here and ready to play Amy for as long as the show goes! I cannot think of a better lifestyle.
Q: Hi Amber, First off, you are a wonderful actress and I thouroughly enjoy watching you on screen. I also really appreciate knowing that working with animals is something you enjoy doing on and off screen. I imagine that this only adds to your acting skills. My question is this....Heartland is based on a series of novels. Did you read these books when you were younger? And do you draw inspiration for Amy's character from the books if you did? Thanks, Sarah. Posted by: Sarah on March 01, 2010 at 04:12 PM
A: I had read a couple of the books when I was a kid, but was never much of a reader. When I got the role of Amy I started to read a few more in order to get a better idea of the character. However, with all the changes we had made, I found it too hard to separate what the Amy in the book series had done and what the character I was portraying had done. So I stopped reading them...
Q: hi amber your the best i absolutely adore you your the best so my question is who is the funnniest who is the most serious who is the most worried and who is the most mad out of the cast and crew of heartland thanks natalie Posted by: natalie on March 01, 2010 at 05:27 PM
A: I am definitely gonna go with Spartan for the funniest actor on set. He is always trying to steal my close up, and if he is forced to be in the background he will sulk and yawn until he is noticed... The most serious you ask? Probably Sugarfoot... he takes his acting responsibilities very seriously. Copper is usually worrying about forgetting his lines... so he might fall under that category. And even though we are a pretty happy bunch, Max the St. Bernard gets a temper every now and then and will lock himself in his doghouse until we bring him cheese covered bones on a paper plate.... Weird I know!
Q: Okay, so, as much as I hate to be the one to ask this, I gotta ask. For the fans. For tradition. For plain old things we just gotta know. Amber Marshall: What's your favourite comfort food? I know, I know, it's just I'm making this doggone list, and... well, yeah. Anyway, keep up the great job acting, and watch out for rampaging fans! (they get really bad in the spring time, when they come out of hibernation...) Posted by: Twe on March 01, 2010 at 06:09 PM
A: ICE CREAM! Any kind, but the more chocolate the better....
Q: Hello Amber! You are by far the person that brings this show alive, love your work! I've heard that you love animals as much off set as Amy does in the show. How do you deal with being away from your animals while you are working? Or do you bring them with you? Thanks so much, and can't wait to see the next episode, you are such a great actress! Posted by: Marigna on March 02, 2010 at 09:04 AM
A: I couldn't leave them! I have moved my home to Alberta now, and so did all my furry friends. My dog, China comes to work with me everyday. She is my little shadow, and goes everywhere I do. My horses are happy grazing most of the day, and then enjoy our weekend rides in the mountains. The chickens and cats? Well, they amuse themselves.
Q: Hey Amber! You are an amazing actress and my daughter has helped me become a huge fan of Heartland! My question is: When you ride off the show, do you wear a helmet? I have always thought that wearing one is always important no matter how experienced and I am interested in your view. Thanks so much Amber, for being a wonderful role model for my daughter! Posted by: Paula on March 01, 2010 at 06:13 PM
A: I always wore a helmet growing up. And I believe it is very important to wear one especially when you are jumping! Usually when I ride now I don't wear one - but do as I say not as I do in this situation!!
Q: Hey Amber! First off just wanted to say that you're awesome, I love you on heartland and I really wish I could get a chance to meet you sometime! :) anywho, my question: what's your favourite genre of music to listen to and why? Posted by: Elyse Smith on March 02, 2010 at 10:42 AM
A: I love everything! I do not really have a specific genre that I like in particular. I like easy going classic rock, and new age music. I listen to country, oldies, hiphop, modern and classic rock and everything in between.
Q: Hi Amber!! You're a fantastic actress and I love the way you play in Heartland! It surely must be a lot of fun to film it and we definitely enjoy watching the result!!! My question for you is: is there a certain role or character that would be a challenge for you to play in the future? Thanks a lot and keep up the great work!!! Lots of love from Holland, Posted by: Anouk Moser on March 02, 2010 at 10:48 AM
A: I would love to be in a heavy action movie that was very intense in stunts as well as dramatic tension. I think that would keep me on my toes.
Q: Hey Amber! I LOVE you in the part of Amy. Here it goes.. In episode #306 Growing pains, did you get lots of time to play with the baby cougar? Because it was so cute! Posted by: Angela on March 02, 2010 at 01:44 PM
A: Oh wasn't he?! I wish I could have cuddled him all day! I did get to hold him in-between scenes, but we didn't want to exhaust him before his big cougar close-up!
Q: Hi Amber! I am Heartland crazy, and I have met you and Graham once before in Toronto at the Royal Winter Fair. Though you probably don't remember :) Anyhoo, my question for you is...: If you could pick one horse movie in the world, which one would be your favourite?? Thanks a bunch! You are all wonderful actors, :D Posted by: Alexandra on March 02, 2010 at 03:51 PM
A: The Original Black Beauty! Those beach scenes make me cry every time. The most incredible images!
Q: hi amber! you do a brilliant job playing amy on heartland :D my question is.... what is the hardest thing you've had to do on heartland? i'd really like to know. thanks and keep up the good work! Posted by: Zoey on March 03, 2010 at 08:44 AM
A: The hardest thing? This is a tough one. Well I think it has actually been filming this week! We are currently shooting the Christmas movie to air December 2010. It is quite physically demanding and sends me home very tired every night! Will I be giving any hints? No way!
amber_marshall_farm: Throwback to when I first worked with @scainiprod on a show called Super Rupert. Almost two decades later we were able to work on Heartland together. 😊❤️
