An Interview With The Hallmark Channel’s Morgan Kohan

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of sitting down with the wonderful and amazingly talented, Morgan Kohan of When Hope Calls. Morgan and I chatted about her role in the Hallmark Channel’s TV series and her passion for acting. Click here to read my review of When Hope Calls Season 1.

What ignited your spark for acting and what continues to fuel it?

My first trip to New York City with school. I had grown up dancing then went to a musical theater school/academy. I honed in to more film/tv. 

 

How do you find something to connect to in each character you play—what’s that process like?

My process is more exploration as to what’s happening for the character that what I can personally relate to. The circumstances of betrayal, the underlying emotion similarity that I can ground that into for myself versus the exact experience are what helps me connect.

How do you handle burnout from playing a character while developing your own?

The nice thing with my time on WHC, that was an extended period of time, she could feel that burnout coming and pacing herself. It was in a hotel, so she could gain energy back recharging and being alone. She was able to get groceries, do laundry, and feel more like herself. 

I can see myself producing more, if I was to expand. My boyfriend is interested in directing. I’m a problem solver, I really like organizing and getting things done. Just a thought. Probably want to do a short film then move into a movie. 

What characters are you looking to play?

Open to the journey. Being open to stories, relationships, and as long as there’s a good arch for the character. 

 

How do you define a good arch?

They’re fighting for something that is meaningful to them.

Does it sadden or disappoint you when people ask for “what’s next” instead of enjoying the current project—or does it excite you that people want to see more of you?

It’s a little bit of both. It’s flattering that people want to see you in both. But, it’s tricky as an actor because it comes up last minute. We could be doing nothing forever then all of a sudden in 2 weeks, a big project could be coming up. Especially with new actors, it takes time to build up and sometimes you can’t say what it is. When you are on a project it’s important to really appreciate the time and work you’re doing at that moment. 

What were your favorite movies/tv shows growing up?

I didn’t watch much film or TV growing up. In the summer we had TV allowance every day. We were encouraged to play, do homework, dance, etc. Anything, connecting to acting wise was dance based, which led me into acting.

 

Who are your favorite actors?

Currently really enjoying Olivia Cook. She’s wonderful. I saw her in the sound of metal and little fish. It’s about a pandemic based on a short story and filmed in 2018. They released it recently. She’s wonderful and listening to her interviews how grounded and fun she is about.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY:

• When Hope Calls Season 1 Review

• An Interview With The Hallmark Channel Actor, RJ Hatanaka

   

Did you originally audition for Lillian?

Yeah, I did. I had a regular in the room audition. Then I had a callback.

 

How long did the audition process take?

Probably 2 or 3 scenes for about 5 minutes then a week or two later I heard back to go back in (callback). We heard that Monday about the role. It was reading with the reader for the audition then for my callback, the casting director read with me. He used to be an actor so that was a great experience to have. I think Jocelyn had been hired on at that point.

are you similar to Lillian?

Yes! I think how family oriented she is, organized, is very much me.

How are you different from Lillian?

Differences are a that I’m little more easy going. I’m less strict and defintaly don’t have the love triangle.

If there is a season 2, what are you hoping to explore more of in Lillian’s journey?

Of course knowing the love life, I’d really like for her to explore some other female friendships within the town. And, what the heck is going on with Tess? I feel like they need to talk.

 

How has acting intertwined with your maturity/growth? 

I think it’s helped me to be comfortable and excited to be older and grow. The more I experience as a person, the more I can put into my work. It’s opened me up to different points of views.

 

How do you engage in your mental health/wellbeing in the business infamous for rejection?

I really try to take small wins. Whether that’s I’m really excited and proud about a tape that I did or a scene that I wasn’t able to do last year that I was able to do this year, I take that as a win. I have a very supportive partner and family. One of the hard things is not hearing back. But, it’s not from a “I don’t like you” stance.

Sushi. I really like a good red dragon roll. Anything with raw salmon. 

Do you prefer day or night?

Day, but I get more done at night

What are you currently watching?

Binged Dr. Foster.

Where is your favorite place in the world?

Wherever my family is.

Do you have any siblings? If so, how many?

1 younger sister.

What is a book you read that positively impacted your life? 

I have been reading a lot this year. I think it’s similar to the characters, each one puts a new perspective and POV. I think it’s’ similar to the scripts. Each book that I read has been very beneficial.

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