If you’re a fan of Hallmark and its Countdown to Christmas celebration, you already know Andrew Walker. He’s a mainstay who always brings warmth and authenticity to every role he plays.
But what you may not realize is how deeply he values the people he works with and the fans who embrace his work.
Chatting with Andrew is like a window into a world where kindness, humility, and gratitude aren’t just words; they’re his way of life.
“The silent disco and all these things we wouldn’t normally get to do with fans — it’s going to be quite the experience.”
With a whopping 70,000 people on the waitlist, the cruise is proof of just how much fans love Hallmark. But for Andrew, that adoration still feels surreal.
“I’m always surprised. I always feel like I’m going to show up at one of these things, and then that’s going to be the telltale.
“I’m like, okay, all right, finally people have figured me out. They’re not interested in me anymore. And there’s no line. Nobody wants to see me,” he admitted with a laugh, sharing a glimpse of his humility.
Andrew’s gratitude for his career is clear. “There are so many actors that are out of work,” he said, reflecting on the challenges in the industry.
“Just to be a working actor and have people want to see my work and be around and say hi and thank me for it, it’s truly a special situation.”
Being part of a close-knit group of actors who are also genuine friends must make it all the more fulfilling. They’re not just actors working together; they’re genuine friends — and some family.
“And that’s why does not go unnoticed daily,” he said. “I will say it to my wife. I’m like, I just can’t believe it.”
He laughed as he recounted a recent family moment. “I’d just ordered my candy cane costume for fan events, and I walked out with it on…my boys were like, ‘Daddy, what’s that?’”
Andrew laughed, “This is what your daddy does for a living.”
Hallmark events like the Christmas Con and the upcoming cruise have become special to Andrew, who values meeting fans in person and hearing their stories.
After the Hallmark Cruise’s inaugural sail, one fan shared how Andrew’s Jingle Bell Run costar, Ashley Williams, made her feel seen and supported during a difficult time. Andrew wasn’t surprised by this story.
“Ashley is an empath,” he said, clearly moved by her compassion.
He described how their families have grown close, even joking about how near they live to each other. “Where the crow flies, it would be like a five-minute walk, but we have to go down one canyon to come up another.”
The friendship he’s built with Ashley over the years added electricity and depth to their chemistry in Jingle Bell Run. In the movie, Andrew plays Wes, a former professional hockey player hoping for his next big break.
While he’s aching to find the limelight again by participating in the reality competition show, Ashley’s character, Avery, is an elementary school teacher who prefers to keep her head down and act on behalf of others.
Together, they both discover new things about themselves, pulling out the very best in each other. That’s a story that resonates deeply with Andrew.
“When you’re around people who are of service constantly, you start thinking…am I leading a life of compassion?” Andrew explained.
“That’s what it was like in Jingle Bell Run. Wes just kept being reminded of his past, and spending time with Ashley’s character brought out the best in him.”
One thing that keeps Andrew humble is the normalcy of his family life. He’s a dad who changes diapers, mows the lawn, and treasures moments with his wife and kids.
Reflecting on his Hallmark journey, he laughed about his first fan event. “You have imposter syndrome, right? I’m like, why are people here? Why are people waiting to see me?”
It wasn’t until he heard the personal stories of fans — people seeking comfort or joy in Hallmark’s movies during tough times — that he understood the impact of his work.
“It’s not about me. It’s about the brand…the magic…all the things this network has done,” he said, emphasizing that he’s simply part of a much bigger picture.
In our conversation, we joked about the possibility of a Hallmark-themed competition show similar to The Great Holiday Dash, which is featured in the movie. Andrew loved the idea.
“It would be really great for people to see Andrew Walker trying to run a half marathon or trying to get somewhere, and I’m breaking down. I’m struggling, and I’m trying to get myself through it.,” he chuckled, imagining fans seeing a more vulnerable side of him.
He went on to imagine his friend and fellow Hallmark star Tyler Hynes, as well. “Tyler’s like Mr. Cool Guy constantly, but I’d love to see Tyler with a little tear streaming down his face because he doesn’t want to eat the bowl of cockroaches!”
His humor, grounded in reality, embodies Andrew’s playful, down-to-earth side, which makes him a fan favorite.
When I asked how he’d be spending the holidays, his answer was far from ordinary. This year, Andrew and his family are off to Southeast Asia. “We’re going to have a beach Christmas and then Singapore for New Year’s,” he shared with excitement.
Even more special, he’s set to officiate the vow renewal of his two best friends. “I’m the officiant,” he said proudly, adding that it would make this trip even more unforgettable.
Andrew gives of himself freely, which makes conversations like these and his work on screen something to truly appreciate.
When I thanked Andrew for his time, kindness, and dedication to fans, he shared how much he looks forward to spending time with everyone on the cruise. “I’m there for the fans,” he assured me.
“I want to get around to everybody and get a little moment or two with people.” And yes, his wife will be there, too. “She’s almost a bigger celebrity than I am,” he joked, giving fans one more reason to look forward to meeting him in person.
For Andrew Walker, being a part of the Hallmark family is a privilege he cherishes.
He loves his work, treasures his friendships, and values the connection he shares with his fans. And that’s the real magic that keeps us all watching.
Jingle Bell Run premieres on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, November 16 at 8/7c.
