From Hallmark Darling to Landman Powerhouse: Kayla Wallace’s Rise

Kayla Wallace might play the steely, scene-stealing attorney on Paramount+’s breakout hit Landman, but her journey to fame? Not exactly a fairy tale. From a dance-obsessed kid in British Columbia to sharing scenes with Hollywood royalty like Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore, Wallace’s story is all grit, romance, risk, and a few jaw-dropping career pivots.

Let’s dig into the transformation of the woman who went from Hallmark sweetheart to television powerhouse — and now, she’s stepping into her biggest role yet. Honestly, it’s a wild ride.

From Small-Town Dreamer to Stage-Struck Performer

Before those blistering boardroom monologues, Kayla Wallace was just a kid in Victoria, British Columbia with big dreams. Born in 1993, she was performing almost as soon as she could walk.

Dance recitals, school plays, musical theater — if there was a spotlight, she wanted in. She had that energy, you know?

Training Like a Pro Before the Spotlight

After high school, Wallace enrolled at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Suddenly, her passion became pure discipline.

She trained six days a week, sometimes twelve hours a day, working on acting, singing, and dance. It was intense, exhausting, and maybe exactly what she needed.

During that year, she made a crucial decision. Instead of sticking to the stage, she shifted her ambitions toward film and television — a move that changed everything.

A Humble Disney Beginning

Every star’s got a first credit. For Wallace, it came with a dash of Disney magic.

The Descendants Breakthrough Moment

In 2014, still living in Victoria and without an agent, Wallace showed up at an open-call audition. Homemade headshot in hand, nerves everywhere — but she went for it.

That gutsy move landed her a small role in Disney Channel’s Descendants. She appeared in the lively Be Our Guest number, and while the role was brief, the experience was huge.

Seeing her name on a trailer door for the first time? That’s something she’ll never forget. It wasn’t about how big the part was — it was about stepping onto a real set and realizing she belonged.

The Vancouver Grind: Paying Dues in Hollywood North

After graduating, Wallace headed to Vancouver, aka Hollywood North. The city’s film scene is booming, but that doesn’t mean instant success.

Side Hustles and Small Roles

Like so many actors, she balanced auditions with whatever jobs paid the bills. She worked in restaurants, taught musical theater camps, even did a stint as a bank teller.

It was a grind, but she kept at it. Slowly, small roles started stacking up:

• Supporting part in Death of a Vegas Showgirl
• Guest appearance on Ice
• Antagonist in holiday film A Song for Christmas
• Guest spot on The Good Doctor

Each credit added polish, confidence, and a bit of momentum.

Hallmark Fame — And a Life-Changing Role

Then came the turning point that would flip her career — and her personal life — upside down.

When Calls the Heart and a Bold Leap

Wallace’s first Hallmark film was 2018’s Once Upon a Prince. But the real game-changer? Landing the role of Fiona in Hallmark’s beloved series When Calls the Heart.

She found out she got the part the same day she auditioned. Costume fitting happened right away, and filming began almost immediately.

At the time, she was still waiting tables. Getting a recurring TV role finally gave her the guts to leave the service industry behind.

A Hallmark Romance That Became Real

As if career momentum wasn’t enough, When Calls the Heart also brought Wallace something else: co-star Kevin McGarry.

From Co-Stars to Soulmates

Their romance grew slowly, starting as friends over years on set. By December 2022, they were engaged. Not long after, they quietly tied the knot.

Their chemistry translated beautifully onscreen in Hallmark films:

• Feeling Butterflies (2022)
• My Grown-Up Christmas List (2022)

Unlike a lot of Hollywood couples, working together just felt natural for them. And even with busy schedules, they’ve kept things grounded and supportive.

The Role That Changed Everything: Landman

Just when Wallace seemed firmly planted in Hallmark territory, a seismic opportunity showed up.

From Sweetheart to Scorched-Earth Lawyer

When auditioning for Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, Wallace actually tried out for a teenage daughter role. But Sheridan called her personally and offered the part of Rebecca Falcone — a razor-sharp corporate attorney who commands every room.

It was a dramatic pivot from her earlier roles. Her first big scene? Storming into a boardroom and delivering a blistering speech. Rebecca was instantly unforgettable.

Wallace admitted she wasn’t sure she could pull off that kind of fierce authority at first. But once she found that confidence, it just clicked.

Holding Her Own Among Legends

Landman isn’t just another TV show. The cast is stacked with legends.

Sharing the Screen with Icons

Wallace suddenly found herself acting opposite:

• Billy Bob Thornton
• Demi Moore
• Jon Hamm
• Sam Elliott
• Andy Garcia

Instead of shrinking back, she used their presence as fuel. She’s talked about wanting to raise her game to match theirs.

Watching their discipline — especially Sam Elliott’s work ethic — pushed her to work harder. In a nice twist, Thornton told her his late mom loved When Calls the Heart, which gave Wallace a little boost on her first day.

A Temporary Goodbye — And a Return

Her Landman schedule forced her to step away from When Calls the Heart during Season 11. Fans weren’t thrilled, but sometimes, that’s just how it goes.

It wasn’t a forever goodbye, though. In 2025, she returned as Fiona — a reminder that she hadn’t forgotten her roots.

And Now… Her Biggest Role Yet

Just when it seemed like her life couldn’t get any fuller, Wallace made a heart-melting announcement.

Baby on the Way

In November 2025, just before Landman’s second season premiered, Wallace shared some big news. She and McGarry are expecting their first child in 2026.

She revealed her pregnancy at a premiere event, and fans were honestly shocked. No one saw it coming.

After a wild year—filming a hit series, building her marriage—she’s now getting ready for motherhood.