DEVIN CECCHETTO: I'm Honored to Be Part of The Way Home – It Has Deep Roots and a Truly Healing Story

Devin Cecchetto is a Canadian actress and singer who, with her lightness and dreaminess, has been able to showcase the versatility of young Evelyn Goodwin in the Hallmark Channel show The Way Home. Her connection with the character, which she feels an affinity with, began in the summer of 2024 during the casting for the third season. Although Devin’s character does not travel through time, she shares a strong bond with the pond, which serves as a portal for all the other main characters. Currently, the actress is involved in the fourth season of The Way Home, which was announced in March of this year. In addition to the role of Evelyn, Devin has appeared in films such as Who Killed Our Father?, Marry, F**k, Kill, and Don’t Sell My Baby.

Devin shared with Drive Music Media her journey into the world of acting, the easiest and most challenging aspects of filming The Way Home series, the roles she would never agree to take on, and her dream of merging the singing part of her life with cinema.

Interviewer: How did you discover your passion for acting, and when did you realize it was your true calling?

Devin: I’ve always felt that acting was a natural part of who I am. From a young age, I was a performer. I started by singing «O Canada» solo to open school assemblies, and by the age of six, I was already performing in operas and theatre shows . If not for acting, it would have been singing or comedy. Even as a child, when friends came over, we’d create dance routines or put together little skits to perform for our parents. The ability to express myself through various forms of art has always been a joy, and I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve been able to turn my passion for storytelling into a career.

Interviewer: The Way Home has become one of your standout works. How do you feel about exploring the theme of time travel, which serves as a foundation for important life lessons? What aspect of this theme resonates with you the most?

Devin: I am truly honored to be part of this show, which is so much more than just about time travel. At its core, it’s about healing from past trauma. As we journey with Alice (ed. - Sadie Laflamme-Snow) and Kat (ed. - Chyler Leigh), we get to witness how they go back in time through the pond’s mysterious power, which takes them «where they need to go». It’s a beautiful exploration of how understanding the past can help unravel family truths and continue the healing process. The idea of time travel as a way to confront and understand trauma deeply resonates with me.

Interviewer: Evelyn Goodwin. What was your first encounter with this character, and how did you begin bringing her to life? What makes her resonate with you, and where do you differ?

Devin: I auditioned for Evelyn in July 2024, just before they started filming the third season. To be honest, I dove right in - I hadn’t watched The Way Home before, but I was familiar with it. I knew Evelyn lived in the 70s, and I imagined her as having a kind, free-spirited, almost magical essence, like a butterfly. One of the scenes I auditioned with was the same one where we first meet Evelyn at Coyles, dancing around the jukebox. I remember on the day of filming, I had just enjoyed a swim in the lake, and my hair dried with a natural crimp. I usually don’t wear my hair like that, but they loved the crimp and decided to keep it, which I feel really helped capture her free-spirited nature - definitely a happy accident!

I feel very connected to Evelyn’s spirit. I admire her unwavering will to continue shining, no matter how many times she’s knocked down. That resilience really resonates with me. While we share some similarities, I think where we differ is in the specific circumstances of our lives and experiences, but her strength is something I truly identify with.

Interviewer: What moment from the third season has stayed with you permanently? Why that one?

Devin: Evelyn’s moment at the pond was definitely unforgettable! When I first read the scripts, I honestly thought Evie might be a time traveler – I even kind of hoped she was. But then I learned she’s more of a mystical, witchy type of woman, deeply into tarot, poetry, and magic. While Evie is definitely in tune with something otherworldly, I don’t think she ever expected time travel to be part of the picture. Pond days are always intense, but I’ll never forget how incredible it was to work with Sadie throughout the entire season, especially on that day. She’s a true leader who knows how to make everyone feel comfortable and seen. That pond is freezing, and even though Alice is yelling at Evie in the scene, I would say that was one of the days we really bonded.

Interviewer: Which actions during filming posed the biggest challenge for you? What was difficult to portray from the script, and what came the easiest?

Devin: Oh, my goodness – Evie is definitely a chatterbox! On some days, we’d block shoot, and it would just be Evie talking at Alice all day while Alice would stare back (I love all of Alice’s looks to Evie!). Because I made Evie’s character light and airy, I always needed to match that energy and excitement throughout the scenes, which wasn’t always easy. Some days, maintaining that level of energy was definitely a challenge. However, portraying her free-spirited nature came fairly naturally, as I felt deeply connected to that part of her.

Interviewer: You’re currently working on the fourth season. What can you tell our readers about the upcoming season of The Way Home?

Devin: I can’t reveal much just yet – my lips are sealed! However, given how successful this season has been, I can say with absolute certainty that The Way Home or "Ponders" are going to love what’s coming next!

Interviewer: Is there any role you would never agree to take on? Why? What boundaries do you have in your profession?

Devin: I have turned down a role in the past because it involved full frontal nudity. However, the production later came back to me and asked what would make me feel more comfortable, which I really appreciated. I’m generally open to most roles as long as I feel the impact is positive and aligns with my values, and if I’m working with a good team. I believe that, under the right circumstances, I could be convinced to take on almost any role.

Interviewer: What role would you most like to play? Why that particular role?

Devin: Okay, so I’ve been saying a superhero role for a while now because I love the idea of superpowers – I’m a total sci-fi junkie! Anything that bends reality is just awesome to me. Alternatively, I’d love to be able to sing on camera. With my strong musical theater background, blending that world with film would be a dream come true!

Interviewer: Based on your experience, what advice would you give to aspiring actors?

Devin: If you truly love it, never give up! The world works in mysterious ways, and if you ask for something with a pure heart, you will achieve it. It just takes passion, persistence, presence, and love.

Interviewer: What mission do you have as a young actress? Why that particular one? What word do you associate with your acting career and with the character of Evelyn Goodwin? Why that word?

Devin: My mission? I believe I’m here to spread light, love, and healing. I see myself as a vessel, taking on roles and songs in all their forms to help the collective understand. Sometimes, I don’t even know the full extent of the impact, but I will continue to create and do what I love. I’m so honored to be part of The Way Home, as its roots are deep, and its story is truly healing. I think of something young Evelyn once said: "Dreams are the thing, and you can follow them by standing still." I believe we are all here to learn, heal, and grow. If you are true to your yourself follow your dreams, they will lead you where you need to go.

Pictures were taken by Kimal Lloyd, Lanlake, Halmark, Jordan Doww and Carl Carter Greene