Benjamin Ayres saddles up for Hope Valley 1874
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In this episode of brioux.tv: the podcast, host Bill Brio sits down with Canadian actor Benjamin Ayers to discuss his new role as a rugged rancher in the Hallmark prequel series Hope Valley 1874. Ayers, known for his versatile career across comedy and drama in shows like Dan for Mayor, Saving Hope, and Less Than Kind, dives into the authenticity of portraying life in 1874—a time defined by survival, community, and frontier challenges. He shares insights on the meticulous research behind period details, from the significance of cowboy hats to the physical demands of horseback riding and the emotional weight of his character’s past. Ayers also reflects on his journey in the Canadian entertainment industry, his pride in representing Canadian stories on international platforms, and his innovative fan engagement through Romance University, a community-driven initiative that raises funds for women’s shelters and children’s charities through themed merchandise. The conversation reveals a deep appreciation for storytelling, craft, and the evolving landscape of television production in Canada.
The authenticity of 1874 frontier life in Hope Valley 1874 centers on survival, cooperation, and hands-on labor—making it a rich backdrop for character-driven drama.
Choosing the right cowboy hat is a crucial part of character development, with Ayers sourcing a custom Stetson from a Vancouver-based hat shop that reflects his character’s grounded, stoic nature.
Awards and recognition are not the goal—building community and giving back are central to Ayers’ mission, exemplified by Romance University, which has raised over $100,000 for charitable causes.
Canadian actors continue to thrive in the global TV landscape, especially through streaming platforms and international co-productions, even without a physical base in Los Angeles.
The shift from traditional TV launch seasons to year-round streaming has changed the industry, but also created new opportunities for creators and actors to maintain creative control.
Saddle Up for Hope Valley 1874
“In 1874, it's purely survival. Everything is a major task and you need the cooperation of others in order to succeed and in order to survive.”
The Art of the Cowboy Hat
“The hat did not feel right... I went in there and tried on a bunch and found the one that I wanted and that's the one we bought. It really works.”
Life on the Frontier: Survival, Conflict, and Community
Ayers discusses the challenges of portraying life in 1874—where building a fence, protecting water sources, and managing prospectors are not just plot points but daily realities of survival.
From Sketch Comedy to Westerns: A Canadian Actor’s Journey
Ayers reflects on his diverse career, from sketch comedy with Face Full of Theater to dramatic roles in Saving Hope and Hallmark films, highlighting his ability to thrive across genres.
Romance University: A Fan-Driven Charity
“We've donated over $100,000. It's been like a really big kind of thing that I've...”
“It's not like other industries where if you put in your time and work, you can kind of work up some type of ladder.”
“In 1874, it's purely survival. Everything is a major task and you need the cooperation of others in order to succeed and in order to survive.”
“You have to have that connection to the camera and to the audience that is a bit magical in some ways.”
Host
Guest
Benjamin Ayers
person
Bill Brio
person
Hope Valley 1874
other
Hallmark Plus
other
W Network
other
Romance University
other
When Calls the Heart
other
Bethany Joy Lenz
person
Saving Hope
other
Jill Hennessy
person
Get the full intelligence
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