A new face is coming to Hope Valley; Marilu Henner just joined the cast of WHEN CALLS THE HEART.
“Welcome to the family, @therealmarilu!” the show’s Instagram account announced, revealing that Henner will play Nathan Grant’s mother, Bernice “Birdie” Grant.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Henner shared, “I’ve been a proud member of the Hallmark family for many years, and now I’m even more thrilled to be part of its crown jewel, WHEN CALLS THE HEART! This role is particularly special to me, because I get to play Nathan’s mother, the fabulous and feisty Birdie! And I’m very lucky that Elizabeth is going to be my daughter-in-law!”
Hallmark described Henner’s character as “free-spirited and colorful,” saying she “takes an instant liking to Elizabeth.”
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“Birdie is a well-travelled adventurer, most recently in Switzerland, where she helped the needy on a church trip, but she is not above getting into a bit of mischief,” the description continued. “Optimistic and resourceful, she makes the best out of a situation in times of need, always with heart and humor.”
Henner praised WCTH’s cast as “talented and welcoming,” saying they “truly are a family.”
“I want to move to Hope Valley!” the actress joked.
Birdie isn’t the only arrival in Hope Valley; Lori Loughlin’s Abigail is also coming back to town, which the actress called “the happiest reunion.”
“I really feel that they are my friends and family,” she told Parade. “We spend a lot of time together trying to make some fun television and entertain people, but it’s great to do it with people who you love and adore, who make you laugh, you know, and are talented and bring their talent and ideas and collaboration to the projects.”
Loughlin continued, “Honestly, once I put on the costume, I was back in that western town and feeling like Abigail. I really liked how they brought me back at the end of Season 13. And I have had the most delightful scenes to play in Season 14. It has been an absolute joy.”
“It’s a well-rounded season,” she teased. “We definitely have some romantic aspects, some dramatic moments, and some touch-and-go moments. And then we have some really fun and funny episodes where the cast is just letting their hair down and having fun as a community, and being silly. They’ve touched on everything this season.”
Season 14 of WHEN CALLS THE HEART premieres January 2027.
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