Miranda Frigon is known to Heartland fans as Janice Wayne – at one point in time, she was a love interest for Tim (Fleming). She was most recently on Supernatural, but has also been working on her own music album, First.
1. You were on quite a few episodes of Heartland. What was it like working with the cast?
I loved working on Heartland. The cast is great and I’ve made some lifelong friends. Amber is always calm and cool and a total pro, so scenes with her are easy. I work mostly with Chris Potter and he’s a blast and we get along great. He’s occasionally grumpy, but that’s all part of his charm. 😉 Shawn is one of my faves because he just feels like your dad. Always has great stories and always upbeat and fun.
I still keep in touch with Michelle Morgan (Lou) who is a total sweetheart, see Jessica Stein every now and then. Maxim Roy (who played Miranda) and I are super duper close and hang out all the time. Victoria Pratt (Casey) and I had been friends for years, until she stole my boyfriend on the show.… Just kidding! She’s one of the coolest chicks I know and that was the first time we’d ever gotten to work together so that was awesome.
2. Do you have any funny behind-the-scenes stories from Heartland?
A lot of the funny moments are often with horses. They are so unpredictable and they truly have a mind of their own. They don’t care that we were filming a scene, they’ll pee in the middle of it or head butt us out of the frame. They definitely liked to throw me around a lot especially since I was usually working with race horses and they are always much more hyperactive.
Chris Potter and I also had a lot of laughs for sure. When we were filming the proposal scene (where I turned him down) he thought it would be hilarious to push me really hard at the end of the scene. Well, I happened to be standing on a slippery rock and my feet flew right up into the air and I flipped hard onto my back. I have to tell you that it was NOT hilarious. I was so mad at him! The good part was he felt really bad for a long time (probably still does) so now I can always hold that against him. If he’s having one of his grumpy days I can pull out the “Hey remember that time when…”
3. What did you enjoy most about being on Heartland?
So many things! The cast, the friends I’ve made, the beautiful Alberta skies and most definitely getting to work with horses!
4. Did you have any experience with horses before being on Heartland?
I had been horseback riding and spent some time around horses before getting to Heartland but since being on Heartland, I have a new love for them. Any chance I get to go riding, I take it!!
5. What do you enjoy most about working with horses?
I love how each of them is different, with a different personality and disposition. They are kinda like actors, when they get tired or annoyed or hungry, they start throwing a fit and refuse to work, ha ha.
Really though, horses can teach you so much. They teach me to let go and to trust and to give up control a little. That’s hard for a lot of us to do. I can see why so many people make horses their life. They are incredible creatures.
6. What was your most memorable moment from working on Heartland?
I don’t think I can choose one actually, it’s been just amazing getting to work on the show. One moment that sticks out for me was when Chris Potter directed an episode and he used one of my original songs All I Need Is You in the show. It gained me a whole new fan base so I’m grateful for that!
7. You’ve appeared in 11 episodes of Heartland over six years. How has the experience differed, and how has it stayed the same?
Well the cast has changed over a lot so I’ve gotten to meet a lot of new people throughout the years but really, going to Heartland feels like going home. I got to know the cast well so it just feels comfortable and welcoming whenever I go. I grew up in Edmonton too so working with good ol’ Canadians out on the farm in the middle of nowhere, listening to my country music makes me feel right at home. Every time I’d do an episode I would catch a bus to Edmonton after so I could spend time with my family so that was one of the best parts. 🙂
8. Any thoughts on why Heartland resonates so well with fans?
There is a story for everyone on Heartland. Whether you’re young or old, there are characters that you will feel a connection to. They are honest stories about real life struggles and victories and the fans get to experience the characters lives alongside their own.
9. Do you find time to ride on our own?
I do! Whenever I can. Last summer I went camping with my family near Jasper and we were able to do some trail rides up there with some beautiful horses. Living in LA it’s a bit tougher but I look forward to it every time I get the chance.
10. Any projects you’d like to share?
I’m going to step outside of acting for a minute because I’d love to share my new music album with you all! I just released my first album and I’m very excited about it. The album was fully funded from a very successful Kickstarter campaign that I launched. So many fans and family and friends stepped up to help me make it happen and so this is a project I am very proud of. The album is called First and it’s up on iTunes and Amazon and many other online stores and streaming sites.
Readers are invited to meet Shaun Johnston, CBC Heartland’s Grandpa Jack, and meet Michelle Morgan, CBC Heartland’s Lou Fleming, and meet Cindy Busby, CBC Heartland’s Ashley Stanton and meet Graham Wardle, CBC Heartland’s Ty Borden, and meet Alisha Newton, CBC Heartland’s Georgie.
