When Calls the Heart fans recently saw the debut of the prequel series, Hope Valley: 1874, starring actress Bethany Joy Lenz. As fans watch her step into the role of Rebecca Clarke on the period drama, Lenz herself has also talked about what’s going on behind the scenes. In particular, she also teased a special family connection on the series.
Bethany Joy Lenz’s Character Moves Up North To Canada From Chicago On Hope Valley: 1874
As an actress, Lenz is known for a variety of roles. Soap fans may remember her as Michelle Bauer Santos on Guiding Light. Following this, she became known for playing Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill.
Recently, Lenz took on the starring role of Rebecca Clarke on Hope Valley: 1874, a spin-off of Hallmark’s long-running When Calls the Heart series. On the show, her character travels from Chicago to the Canadian frontier with her 11-year-old daughter. After their wagon breaks down, she soon gets help from a local rancher.
A mother-daughter relationship already appears to be at the core of the story. However, Lenz shared that there already is another link to the show with her real-life family.
Lenz shared that her own 15-year-old daughter, Maria March, is also part of the series. She plays Vivian Doyle, the daughter of a local prospector.
Lenz Assured That Her Daughter Still Had To Earn Her Part On The Show
Speaking with People, Lenz assured that her daughter had to earn her place on the prequel series. She revealed, “I made her audition. I was like, ‘You’re not just giving her a free part. She needs to earn it. It has to be something that you actually would cast her for.’ So, I made her audition.”
Now that she’s been cast, however, the actress was happy to work alongside her daughter. She continued, “[Maria’s] doing a great job. I’m really proud of her. It’s a beautiful story, and I’m so happy.”
Hope Valley: 1874 made its debut on Mar 21, 2026. Since then, new episodes of the show have come out on Thursdays on Hallmark Plus.
Knowing that Maria is part of the show, many fans can keep an eye out to see how often they spot her as Vivian on the show. The outlet noted that she first appears in the second episode. However, fans will have to keep watching to see what happens next.
What is your reaction to Bethany Joy Lenz’s recent share? Have you been keeping up with Hope Valley: 1874? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.