JULIA TOMASONE “Storytelling Has a Profound Impact On People, And I Want To Be Part Of Narratives That Provoke Thought In Meaningful Ways”

Julia Nicole Tomasone is a Canadian actress and singer, based in Toronto, best known for her role as Delilah Watson, the young version of Andie MacDowell, in the popular Hallmark Channel TV series The Way Home. The show revolves around healing oneself and one's family through time travel, with the help of a magical pond.

Previously, Julia portrayed Bianca Blackwell in Disney Channel's hit teen drama Backstage, for which she was nominated and earned the Best Leading Young Actress award at The Young Entertainer Awards in 2017.

From an early age, Julia developed a love for performance, starting with musical theater. In her view, there is something powerful about telling a story through music.  In her acting career, she aims to take on roles that resonate with people and evoke genuine emotion. Each role she has played holds a special significance for her.

For a long time, she couldn't watch films she had been part of due to the feeling of being frozen in time — as the camera captures you at a specific moment in your life, and it was hard for her to see the changes. Over time, this passed, and she began to separate her characters from herself, viewing her role in The Way Home as that of a completely different person.

Her participation in the show helped her process her own loss and reframe many personal questions. She is now eagerly awaiting the continuation of the fourth season of The Way Home, where viewers will see a return to the 1970s era, featuring Jordan Dow as young Colton Landry, Devin Cecchetto as Evelyn, and Julia as young Delilah Watson. Julia shared her thoughts with Drive Music Media on the importance of each experience, the deeper characterization of Delilah Watson, which resonates with her, and the profound story of The Way Home.

Interviewer: How did it feel to transition from a teen Disney drama to a more mature and psychological series like Hallmark Channel’s The Way Home? Which of these roles resonates with you more, and why?

Julia: It’s funny, there’s often this idea that moving on from Disney has to be some major shift. For me, it’s always just been about following the work I love, because nothing else makes me feel more creatively fulfilled. I’ve grown up with the characters I’ve played, and I think my audience has grown with me too. Backstage was such a special part of my life that I’ll always be grateful for. I was discovering who I was while playing a character who was doing the same, and that was a powerful experience to share. The Way Home came at a time when I was ready to dive into something different. I’m honoured to be part of storytelling that is so healing for so many, including me. I feel very connected to Del. Her quiet strength, the way she loves deeply, her resilience, and her emotional complexity really resonate with me. She is the kind of character that stays with you. 

Interviewer: Tell us about your first experience on set — what was your very first day of filming like?

Julia: The Way Home is a very special set. There’s something incredibly beautiful about stepping onto a set for the first time where the energy feels so welcoming and genuine. A lot of film sets become like family over time, but this one felt like family from the very beginning. It became clear early on that everyone was passionate about the story we were telling.

The cast and crew were some of the kindest, most caring people I’ve met in the industry. Sadie, Jordan, Devin, and I bonded almost instantly. Sadie, in particular, went out of her way to make sure we all felt like we belonged on that set. It wasn’t just about working together; it was about creating memories and sharing moments that would last far beyond the screen.

I vividly remember the first time I met Chyler, Andie, and Sadie. I was getting fitted for a wig, hair cap on and everything. They walked in with the biggest smiles and immediately started joking around. They welcomed me with giant hugs laughing about how they were a wild bunch who loved the show more than life itself. It was such a genuine, heartfelt moment that I will always carry with me. It set the tone for the rest of the shoot, one filled with kindness and love.

Andie, who I play the younger version of, was so gracious and generous with her presence. Just watching how she carried herself on set was like attending a masterclass in professionalism and grace. She was poised, focused, and always present. Her energy was infectious, and it elevated everyone around her.

That first day had this incredible energy, people were genuinely happy to be there. I remember so many of the crew coming up to us, saying how grateful and thrilled they were to have Jordan and me on set. It was surreal. I just kept thinking, this feels exactly like where we are supposed to be.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this industry?

Julia: Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved storytelling and performing. I have vivid memories of ABBA blasting in the living room while I danced and sang for my family, putting on little shows like I was on Broadway. I’d grab my mom’s camcorder at every chance, playing dress-up and narrating everything as if I were hosting a talk show. Those moments were pure magic. My mom was always my biggest supporter, cheering me on from the very beginning. She saw my passion before anyone else did, and she nurtured it, encouraging me to dream big and never let go of what I loved.

As I grew older, my love for performing only deepened. Studying theatre and film opened my eyes to the power of storytelling and how life itself shapes you into a better actor. Traveling, living fully, and experiencing everything the world has to offer, that’s how you truly connect with the characters you play. I really resonate with the saying, if you truly love this art, you don’t choose it; it chooses you. I was just lucky (and maybe wild enough) to chase my dream and build a career around it.

The industry isn’t always kind; it can be unpredictable and challenging. But, if you stay grounded in your passion and keep showing up with presence, persistence, and love, the right opportunities will come. If you love this craft, you have to keep going and never give up, no matter how many times the industry breaks your heart. Believe in yourself, especially when it feels hard. It’s worth it. You have a story to tell and a voice that matters, one that can offer something only you can bring to the table.

Interviewer: Let’s talk about your role as Del Watson in The Way Home. What was the audition and filming process like for you? What does this character mean to you, and what — aside from your acting skills — helped you bring her to life on screen?

Julia: I remember getting the audition for Del in early summer 2024 and just having fun with it. Honestly, I’d never heard anyone say I looked like Andie MacDowell before, so I didn’t expect to hear anything back from casting. But that’s the funny thing about this job, a lot of actors will tell you, the moment you let go of expectations and just enjoy the process is often when things fall into place.

Sure enough, I got the call for a chemistry read. I read with one wonderful actor and then with Jordan Doww. We had instant chemistry. Even over Zoom, the connection was there. It was a beautiful call, and I think everyone on it felt that it was kismet. Filming throughout the summer and fall in Canada was a joy. Getting to do what I love, in a story like this, set in such a fun era, the '70s was a dream. The music was everything I already loved: ABBA, Fleetwood Mac... I was in heaven. There’s something about stepping back into another time that makes you feel like you’re part of something timeless.

Playing Del meant the world to me. Knowing that Andie and the creative team trusted me to create the backstory for such a beloved character was such an honour. When you're playing a younger version of someone already established, especially someone as iconic as Andie, it’s important to stay true to the essence of the character, not make it a caricature. To prepare, I really immersed myself in Del’s world and as a Canadian, learning that Southern charm and accent was definitely a new skill, but one I had so much fun with. There’s always a part of me in every character I play, and pieces of them that always stay with me, too.

What makes young Del so intriguing to play is how misunderstood she is. On the surface, she seems guarded, even cold, but that’s because she’s had to grow up fast. It’s 1974, and she’s been shaped by the expectations of her parents, the pressure of high society, and a world that tells young women to stay composed, to never show the cracks. But Del’s never really cared about appearances, she just hasn’t had the space to show how deeply she feels.

She’s carrying more than most people know, trying to hold her family together while quietly falling apart. Vulnerability has never felt safe, so she leads with control. She doesn’t let her guard down easily, and that’s often mistaken for indifference. But the truth is, she feels everything. But with Colton, something softens. He’s her safe place, the one person she doesn’t have to pretend with. Around him, we see the real Del who is kind, fiercely loyal, and full of love she is learning how to express.

That’s what I love about playing her. She’s layered, human, and quietly pushing back against everything she’s been told to be.

Interviewer: Which moment during the filming of The Way Home was the most challenging for you — and why? And which moment stayed in your heart as something truly special and uplifting?

Julia: The most challenging moment was navigating personal loss. I lost my grandfather, someone I was incredibly close with during the first few days of filming. He was one of the first people I called when I found out I had booked the role. I remember his voice lighting up on the phone; he was so excited and incredibly proud. My grandfather had this beautiful way of looking at life. He would always tell me, "Rome wasn’t built in a day," whenever I felt impatient or overwhelmed by the industry. It was his reminder that great things take time, that persistence and passion would always lead to something beautiful. He also loved saying "La vita è bella" - life is beautiful. I carry those words with me because they’re a constant reminder in my life and career to appreciate the journey, not just the destination.

Losing him during those first few days of filming was incredibly hard. I remember feeling like my heart was both broken and full at the same time. Broken because I couldn’t share this experience with him, but full because I knew how proud he was. In a way, The Way Home arrived in my life right when I needed it most. It’s such a beautiful story about navigating loss, healing, family, and love. Getting to be part of it helped me process my own grief. It almost felt like the universe knew exactly what I needed and handed me this role.

As for uplifting moments, it’s honestly hard to pinpoint just one. There was something magical about every single day on that set. But if I had to choose, I’d say it was those not-so-quiet moments in between takes, where we’d sit together, talk about life, really connect, and just laugh. It’s those little moments of connection that stay with you long after the cameras stop rolling. 

Interviewer: Is there another role you’ve played that had a significant impact on your professional journey? Why that one in particular?

Julia: Absolutely. I did a show called Street Legal after Backstage. It was a revival of a classic Canadian legal drama that originally aired in the late '80s and early '90s. Being part of such a well-loved piece of Canadian television history felt incredibly meaningful. I played a troubled med school dropout and daughter of a revered lawyer named Emily Novak. Stepping into that role pushed me in ways I hadn’t yet experienced as a performer.

Emily was intelligent, emotionally and spiritually broken down, and navigating a morally complex world. Playing her gave me the chance to explore a completely different energy and mindset than I had in previous roles. Working with Canadian icons like Cynthia Dale and Eric Peterson was a true honor. There was such a strong sense of legacy on that set, almost like a passing of the torch. I felt deeply privileged to be part of bringing that show to a new generation.

On a personal note, we filmed in the Old Port of Montreal, which is one of my favourite places to shoot. It’s so beautiful and creatively inspiring. I’d walk to set in the morning surrounded by cobblestone streets and French cafés, and I’d just feel lit up inside. That role was really pivotal for me. It helped shape how I approached characters moving forward, with more nuance, depth, and a stronger sense of self.

Interviewer: What is it like for you to watch the films you star in? If you set aside your role as an actress for a moment, how does it feel to watch The Way Home as a viewer? And how do you see your character on screen — like you're watching someone else bring her to life?

Julia: Years before The Way Home, I used to find it hard to watch my own work. I think that’s something a lot of actors experience, especially when you grow up on screen. It feels like your entire youth is captured in a time capsule, every awkward moment and phase.

But I think at some point, you begin to grow out of that and start to just separate yourself. But, with The Way Home, because the transformation, the brown contacts, the hair, the accent, even I sometimes forget it’s me on screen. My family said the same; they would watch and feel like they were watching Del, not me. That was a first for me, and it’s a really beautiful feeling.

It’s the first project where I could completely step back, see the character, and enjoy the story as a viewer. I was able to immerse myself in the plot and feel what the audience feels, and honestly, I love it just as much as the fans do.

Interviewer: Are there any roles you would never agree to take on? Why? Have you already had to turn down any roles? If so, what made you say no?

Julia: I try to follow my gut when it comes to choosing roles. It really depends on the story being told and how it’s being told. I believe that storytelling has a profound impact on people, and I want to be part of narratives that resonate, uplift, or provoke thought in meaningful ways.

There are definitely themes or territories I don’t feel comfortable exploring. I think it’s important to know your own boundaries and be confident in your values. So yes, I’ve said no to a few things in the past that didn’t align with what I wanted to put out into the world. I’m always open to challenging myself, but I also believe that not every role is the right fit, and that’s okay.

At the same time, I do think that sometimes your mind can change. Life experiences, growth, and perspective shifts can open you up to stories you might not have considered before. But for me, it always comes down to integrity and alignment with who I am and what I want to contribute through my work.

Interviewer: What inspires you outside of acting?

Julia: I’m inspired by anything that sparks joy and presence. Music and musical theatre have always been close to my heart, that’s where my early love for performance first took root. There’s something so powerful about stepping onto a stage and telling a story through song. It’s raw, it’s immediate, and it’s incredibly fulfilling.

I also love writing, especially poetry. I find that it’s such a beautiful way to express emotion and capture fleeting moments. There’s a kind of magic in putting words to feelings that are sometimes hard to articulate. Writing allows me to reflect, to process, and to create in a way that’s deeply personal.

Mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation are also big parts of my life. I am very passionate about mental health and these practices help me stay grounded and connected to myself. I’ve found that when I take time to be present, it fuels my creativity in ways I never expected. It’s those quiet moments of stillness that often lead to my most inspired ideas.

Anything that brings me back to myself and taps into joy or truth is something that tends to fuel my creativity. Whether it’s a beautiful song, a well-written book, or just a walk in nature, I try and find inspiration.

Interviewer: What projects are you currently working on? What can you share so far?

Julia: Right now, I’m incredibly excited for The Way Home Season 4. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the ‘70s group. Their story definitely doesn’t feel finished, and I’m excited to explore where the journey takes them. Thats all I can say for now! All I can say is that the fans of the show make this magic possible and I am so beyond grateful.

I also have an upcoming film called IVAN coming out, although the release date hasn’t been made public yet. It’s a project I’m really proud of, and I can’t wait to share more details as soon as I’m able. It’s always a little surreal when you wrap filming and then wait for that moment when it finally comes to life for audiences. I’m really excited for people to see it.

Interviewer: What mission do you have as an actress and why? What word do you associate with your creative journey?

Julia: My mission is to tell stories that make people feel seen and understood, stories that move people. If someone can watch something I’ve been a part of creating and feel a little less alone, then that means the world to me. I truly believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to connect with people, to bridge gaps, and to create empathy.

If I had to pick one word to describe my creative journey, it would be connection. That’s what I’m always chasing, connection with the character, with the audience, and with a deeper truth. Acting, for me, is about stepping into someone else’s shoes and living in their world for a little while. It’s about understanding their fears, their hopes, their dreams, and bringing that to life in a way that feels real.

At the end of the day, I want my work to matter. I want it to make people think, to feel, and to see everything through a slightly different lens with more compassion. If I can do that, even in the smallest way, then I feel like I’m doing something worthwhile.

Pictures were taken by Lane Dorsey, Peter Stranks and Hallmark Media