Lachlan Quarmby Shares the Co-Star Career He Admires Most

Hallmark fans are already saddling up for another emotional journey, this time with Hope Valley: 1874, the highly anticipated prequel to the beloved series When Calls the Heart. While viewers are swooning over new characters and fresh frontier drama, it’s a behind-the-scenes confession from star Lachlan Quarmby that’s got everyone buzzing.

During a recent press event, the actor revealed—hilariously and unexpectedly—which co-star’s résumé left him completely starstruck. Here’s the twist: it wasn’t one of the human cast members.

Lachlan Quarmby Steps Into Hope Valley

In Hope Valley: 1874, Quarmby plays Constable Alexander Vaughn, one of the earliest Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers. The story follows Rebecca Clark, played by Bethany Joy Lenz, as she heads into the wild Northwest Territories to run a boarding house in a tiny settlement destined to become Hope Valley.

The prequel is expanding the Hallmark universe in a bold way. There’s plenty of frontier grit, but also that familiar warmth that’s made When Calls the Heart such a staple.

Quarmby, an Australian now living in Vancouver, fits right in with the red serge uniforms, horseback patrols, and the show’s signature heart-on-sleeve storytelling. It’s pretty clear he’s found his stride in this world.

A Hallmark Veteran in the Making

He may be new to Hope Valley, but Quarmby’s no stranger to Hallmark. Fans might remember him from A Very Merry Bridesmaid and the three-part Providence Falls movie event, based on the bestselling novels by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets.

He’s also popped up on shows like Tracker, Firefly Lane, and Charmed. Still, even with a growing list of credits, Quarmby was genuinely impressed when he joined Hallmark’s longest-running franchise.

The Résumé That Left Everyone Laughing

During a joint press event with cast from both When Calls the Heart and Hope Valley: 1874, Quarmby talked about how much he admired the original series’ cast for their dedication. They’ve anchored a beloved show for years, and he didn’t hide his respect.

But when someone asked whose résumé impressed him most, his answer surprised everyone.

It Wasn’t a Co-Star — It Was a Horse

Yes, the résumé that left Quarmby in awe actually belonged to one of the show’s four-legged performers. He joked that the horse’s list of credits was basically his dream career.

And honestly, once you hear the credits, you might feel the same way.

• Tonto — A draft-quarter horse cross ridden by Robin Williams in Night at the Museum as Theodore Roosevelt.
• Appeared in the Paramount+ series Joe Pickett.
• Worked on Vancouver productions like DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Once Upon a Time, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, and The Last of Us.

It’s wild to think that while actors hustle for decades to build a filmography, these horses have quietly galloped through blockbusters, prestige TV, and fan-favorite dramas. Not a bad gig if you can get it.

The Secret Stars of Hope Valley

Anyone who’s watched When Calls the Heart knows the horses aren’t just props. They’re woven into the story—carrying Mounties across sweeping landscapes, standing by in moments of triumph and heartbreak.

But honestly, most viewers probably don’t realize just how experienced these animal actors are.

Meet Jack — The Horse With a Hollywood Résumé

Another standout is Jack, a horse whose career is honestly kind of jaw-dropping. His credits rival some of the biggest names in entertainment.

• Ridden by Jonathan Bailey in Bridgerton.
• Featured in both Wicked films.
• Mounted by Liam Hemsworth in The Witcher.
• Appeared in Outlander and Free Rein.

No wonder Quarmby joked about this being the dream trajectory. From Regency romance to fantasy epics to frontier dramas, these horses just keep showing up in all the best places.

For actors, landing a big franchise is a milestone. For these horses, it’s just another day at the stable. Kind of humbling, isn’t it?

Why This Moment Resonates With Hearties

What makes this revelation so fun is how perfectly it fits the Hallmark community. Hearties, as diehard fans call themselves, don’t just love the human characters—they care about the town square, the schoolhouse, and absolutely, the horses.

Quarmby’s playful admiration just confirms what longtime viewers already know: every cast member, whether they walk on two legs or four, is part of the magic.

The Longevity Factor

When Calls the Heart is famous for its stability in an industry where shows vanish overnight. That sense of continuity goes beyond the main cast.

The horses working on both series have become seasoned pros. They’re used to long days, period costumes, and complicated scenes. Their steady presence helps keep the show’s world believable.

It’s a reminder that TV is a team effort. Success never rests on just one performance—everyone, even the horses, plays a part.

A Promising Start for Hope Valley: 1874

The prequel premiered March 21 on Hallmark+, with new episodes dropping weekly starting March 26. Early buzz? Pretty positive. It seems the show’s managing to honor the original while carving out its own space.

By focusing on Hope Valley’s early days, the series digs into resilience, community, and personal reinvention. Rebecca Clark’s leap into the unknown feels like a metaphor for Hallmark’s own storytelling expansion.

A Fresh Frontier With Familiar Heart

Quarmby’s Constable Vaughn brings that law-and-order vibe fans love, but with a new twist. As one of the first Mounties in the area, he embodies both promise and uncertainty—it’s a cool mix.

The show leans hard into big landscapes and horseback patrols, making the horses more important than ever. Their presence gives everything a sense of realness and scale that’s tough to fake.

If Quarmby’s lighthearted stories are any clue, the vibe on set is pretty great right now.

The Real Takeaway

In Hollywood, résumés often turn into shorthand for prestige. Sometimes, though, the most impressive careers belong to the quiet pros who never chase the spotlight or sit down for interviews.

Lachlan Quarmby gave a nod to a horse’s sprawling filmography. It’s a reminder that greatness in entertainment isn’t always where you expect it.

Galloping through fantasy epics or just trotting down Hope Valley’s dusty streets, these animal actors have built careers many performers might envy. There’s something oddly delightful about that.

Thanks to one candid press moment, viewers may find themselves watching the horses a bit more closely. Who knew a four-legged co-star could steal the show?

When your scene partner has shared the screen with Robin Williams, battled monsters, and even roamed the Highlands, it’s hard not to feel a little humbled—and honestly, pretty amused.