Meet Shaun Johnston: The Heart Behind Heartland's Grandpa Jack

Ever wondered about the man behind Heartland's beloved Grandpa Jack?

Meet Shaun Johnston's portrayal of Heartland's beloved Grandpa Jack, a focal point in our tenth season. Despite his tough-as-nails facade, he has a fondness for dry humor and hearts of gold, earning him great popularity among fans.

Full Interview:

1. Can you tell us something about filming the emotionally charged episode where Grandpa Jack bids farewell to Paint?

Well, it was incredibly challenging. I didn’t take any notes predicting that this episode would be so deeply personal. It was a tough shoot for everyone involved.

2. Which episode stands out as your favorite during these past seasons?

This one, without a doubt.

3. If you could offer some advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Don't fret about renewals. I always worry between seasons, as I truly adore the show. I hope it gets renewed each year. My advice would be to let go of such worries.

4. What hobbies do you enjoy outside of acting?

Hockey and music are my passions. I may not be a virtuoso guitarist, but I'm content with my skills.

5. What life lessons have you gleaned from playing Grandpa Jack over the last decade?

Playing Grandpa Jack has taught me that aging gracefully isn't just a possibility; it's achievable.

6. What's next for you post Heartland?

Rest assured, I'll have plenty of opportunities to reset. Watching TV and playing more hockey are at the top of my list.

7. Are you excited about any forthcoming roles?

Yes! Recently, I played a rather enigmatic character named Juan Carlos in the sci-fi series Wynonna Earp. My character was present in episodes aired on June 10 and 24, 2016. Additionally, I have another project lined up - a stage play in January 2017 at the Shadow Theatre in Edmonton.

8. Does your hair get dyed daily for the role, or do you wash it out on weekends?

My moustache gets altered daily, while the wig is removed leisurely.

9. Some sources mention that initially, you dabbled in banking and runway modeling before becoming an actor. Is it accurate?

Indeed, it is true. As a child, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business from business school. Initially hoping to make it in the metropolitan city of Toronto, I packed all my belongings into my car and embarked on a cross-country drive. However, my travels led me towards modeling, fashion, and auditions. Despite my initial lack of experience, I managed to secure a room at the YMCA of Toronto, eventually finding a job.

In retrospect, pursuing a career in advertising was indeed tempting, given my degree in business. Nevertheless, after working as an Accountant for a brief period, I realized my true calling was acting.

Overall, my journey from small-town boy to city dweller in Toronto, complete with modeling and other ventures, taught me valuable life lessons that have shaped my journey today as an actor.

10. You've acted in theatre as well as TV. Which plays were your favorites, and how does the experience differ between theatre and TV?

That's an insightful question. Some may believe stage acting to be riskier compared to TV. However, I beg to differ. Through doing both, I can see the differences. The perception is that TV/film offers several takes to nail a scene. But theater, apart from rehearsals, is live! A glitch here means a flop. Here's why – in film/TV, if one take isn’t ideal, another comes along. On stage, due to thorough rehearsing (four weeks), you seldom falter. I feel less mistakes happen onstage than on film. Often, I'm unsatisfied with a film performance as I haven't delivered the moment, given enough time or rehearse perfectly. That's Instagram-worthy forever. Theatre audiences usually forgive mistakes by morning. My favorite character was Eddie in Fool for Love, written by Sam Shepard, my all-time favorite playwright.

11. You recently performed a concert at an Alberta ranch. What excites you most about playing in front of a live audience?

Reflecting on my theatre days, the room has its own energy. Performing in front of an audience can alter the course of a play. This holds true at Symon's Valley Ranch. Yes, I was anxious as it wasn't similar live music performance experience. The whole night felt like shared storytelling through songs - a total of ten. My audience's enthusiasm made me relaxed. They were enjoying themselves immensely and that happiness seeped into my performance. Initially, I was jittery, but that vanished soon. The rest becomes quite enjoyable.