You never know when you wrap up that junior-sized guitar, drum set, or keyboard, and put it under the tree, the impact it might have on a small child. Music is definitely a gift, and that’s what Hallmark Channel and GAC Family actor, Paul Greene discovered.
The actor, who grew up in Wetaskiwin – a province of Alberta, Canada – has always been musically inclined.
“I grew up in a musical family and played some wind instruments as a youngster,” says Greene. “When I was 10 years old, my dad had a guitar, and I used it to take a few lessons.”
Although Greene might not have shown much interest in playing a few simple songs as a kid, little did he know that just a few strums on that guitar – at 10 years old – would come full circle and fuel his passion for the instrument as an adult. The performer has even had the opportunity to showcase his musical talents on the Hallmark Channel, and fans were hooked.
I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Greene to find out more about his musical endeavors, what is coming up for him on the Hallmark Channel, and discuss his favorite things about Christmas. He even shares his favorite Cranberry Sauce recipe for the holidays!
STM: Let’s start at the beginning, before you started acting on the Hallmark Channel.
Greene: Before acting, I was modeling and doing TV commercials, as well as recording music along the way. I had also attended college on a volleyball scholarship and was studying marine biology…I’ve always loved animals.
STM: What were some of your projects prior to the Hallmark Channel? How did you get involved with the network?
Greene: My first big break was on a show called WICKED WICKED GAMES with Tatum O’Neal, and then David E. Kelly picked me up for a show called WEDDING BELLS. I also did a series called BITTEN. One of the executives from Hallmark, Bart Fisher, saw my work and offered me my first movie, A PERFECT MATCH with Danica Mckellar. Ron Oliver was the director.
STM: That was a great movie!
Greene: It went really well, and then I immediately did A CHRISTMAS DETOUR with Candace Cameron Bure about a month later. After a few more movies, the opportunity to be Dr. Carson Shepherd on the Hallmark Channel series, WHEN CALLS THE HEART came my way, and I decided to jump on it. That was already five seasons ago! Time flies when you’re doing what you love.
STM: It certainly does! So, with the new season of WHEN CALLS THE HEART airing soon, what’s in store for Dr. Carson Shepherd?
Greene: This season for Dr. Carson Shepherd, it is very emotional, up-and-down, and unpredictable…a very different season for my character.
STM: Okay, so I guess the Hearties will just have to wait and watch. What about upcoming movies and shows on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries?
Greene: In addition to the new season of WHEN CALLS THE HEART premiering in February, I’m producing and pitching a new series called IDLEWILD that is in preproduction.
STM: How exciting…congratulations!
Greene: There are also some new movies, that I can’t share too much about yet, but will be coming shortly in 2021. Stay tuned to my social media for details. I am releasing two short films: one I directed and one of them I wrote and directed. They will be released shortly, as well.
STM: We’ll be sure to keep a lookout for them. What about any other projects outside of acting?
Greene: My fiance, Kate Austin, and I do a yearly 8-week transformational course and that will be launching January 10, 2021. It’s a big help to many people and it really lights us up.
STM: Thanks for sharing! So what about your music. It definitely seems to be a big part of your life. Have you always performed?
Greene: I was the drummer for our church band, and then when I was 18, I got a guitar. When I started traveling the world, I took the guitar with me everywhere. I wrote a lot of my own songs, plus learned a lot of very familiar songs…I just had it everywhere and played all the time. I was 25 when I was introduced to the piano and I just fell in love with it. It all made sense because I had such a great music teacher in New York City; he taught me the fundamentals of music.
STM: You are very one musical individual!
Greene: I was also in a big choir in New York City at Times Square Church, and I had these daily vocal tapes that I practiced with for years and years. I think that helped me quite a bit. I used to also sing in the subways in NYC…daily for seven years!
STM: Wow! And you’ve also been able to share your music on the Hallmark Channel.
Greene: Yes, during Covid early 2020, I was asked to do a small concert for Hallmark Channel before one of the episodes of WHEN CALLS THE HEART and the show got a lot of attention. When I found out a lot of people really liked it, I continued to do them. Since March, I have done 180 concerts total, averaging from 90 minutes and longer….3 hours and 20 minutes was my longest! They are all performed on my Facebook page.
STM: So with all that talent, you must have some musical influences who have inspired you.
Greene: Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Iron and Wine, traditional gospel quartet music, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and my dad and mom.
STM: And you have original music, too. Where can your fans find these songs?
Greene: My original music is on iTunes and Spotify…everywhere actually. Just search for “Freedom For Your Soul” by Paul Greene and it should pull up most of my music. I have some new songs I’m working on that will be released in 2021.
STM: Are there any other music-related projects we should know about?
Greene: As well as a Christmas special, I recorded the intro for the movie BUTTONS: A CHRISTMAS TALE (2018), and was also in it. BUTTONS was actually re-released in movie theaters this month for Fathom Events. I also have two other concerts that I’m releasing to my YouTube or Facebook very soon, probably within two weeks.
STM: Any other Christmas songs you have recorded?
Greene: I wrote, produced, and played the instruments for a Christmas album with my son’s mom years ago. It’s on her Spotify: Angi Greene
STM: So, now let’s get to the the magic of the season! To start, what was your favorite Christmas present growing up?
Greene: Quality time with my dad and Christmas presence ❤️
STM: That’s very sweet. What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
Greene: A lot of the current holiday traditions revolve around cooking…I like to make a big turkey and all the fixings to go along with it. I have a pretty special cranberry sauce that’s very spicy and delicious. I also like listening to Christmas music early, especially while I’m in the kitchen.
STM: Other than your own Hallmark movies, 🙂 what are your holiday favorites?
Greene: Elf and The Grinch
STM: How will you be celebrating Christmas this year?
Greene: We will be in the snow in our cabin, making food, playing Christmas concerts, and spending quality time with family.
STM: And to round out the interview, what is it about Christmas that inspires you?
Greene: I like that people are kind and take care of one another. I love feeding people, so delicious food and singing Christmas songs. And, of course, family, music, the smells, the slow pace, and the Christmas story.
What a pleasure to have the opportunity to interview Hallmark Channel’s fan favorite Paul Greene. To join him for his Facebook concerts, or find out more about his online course, be sure to follow him on all of his social media platforms.
Facebook: facebook.com/paulgreenofficial
Instagram: @paulgreeneofficial
Twitter: @paulgreenemedia
Youtube: YouTube.com/c/PaulGreenOfficial
TikTok: @paulgreeneofficial
For Paul Greene’s Music
Paul Greene’s Christmas Music (with Angi)
For more information on the 8-week Freedom Alchemist course CLICK HERE
You can also find out more about Paul Greene on his website: paulgreene.com
INGREDIENTS
2 cups fresh (frozen if out of season) cranberries
2 apples, peeled, cored and cut into small chunks
1/2 to 3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cinnamon stick
2 jalapeños, finely chopped
A couple of cloves (in a cheesecloth sachet so you can remove)
Zest and juice of 2 oranges
2 to 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier (orange flavored cognac)
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
Pinch of cinnamon powder
Pinch of cayenne powder
Pinch of cinnamon powder (optional)
Pinch of cayenne powder (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1.In a medium saucepan on medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring, making sure not to burn. Carefully add grand mariner and cook the alcohol off.
2.Add jalapeños and saute for a couple minutes.
3.Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook, until cranberries start to pop and break down. Add a few tablespoons of water if it starts to get overly dry.
4.Cook approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
5.While warm, pour into small jars and flip the jars upside down.
6. If desired, add a pinch of cinnamon powder and cayenne powder first, before pouring into small jars.
Watch the video of Paul making his Cranberry Sauce recipe on Hallmark’s Home & Family by CLICKING HERE
