KELSEY FALCONER on Portraying Mothers' Mental Health, Filming The Way Home, and Woodworking

Kelsey Falconer is a Canadian actress and wood worker whose role as Tessa Cooper in The Way Home was not fully revealed on screen, but it shaped the actress’s portrayal of the character. What was important to Kelsey was that she never perceived Tessa through the lens of her mistakes. The character itself is, in fact, very deep and very real — there is no performative heroism in her, but rather the feeling of a real person moving through her own pain and love, making decisions in circumstances she could never have anticipated.

An important part of her story is that the writers do not romanticize motherhood, but instead show it for what it can be — and the only thing you feel while watching is an inability to understand how anyone could treat a woman that way when she was not ready for it.

Kelsey’s perception of the character and her empathy for her complexity played an important role in the Tessa we ultimately saw on screen.

Beyond The Way Home, Kelsey has had roles in several TV shows, including Lenore Hunk on Fargo, Nurse Zoe on DOC, and she plays the title role in the upcoming film Celia as well as the lead role in the feature film Fortescue.

Kelsey shared with our founder, Asya Radko, her own perspective on Tessa, the characters she personally connects with in The Way Home, woodworking, creative risk, and the roles she questions whether she would take on.

Interviewer: What was the beginning of your journey in film? Was there a specific moment when you realized, “Yes, I want to bring certain characters to life”? Do you remember that moment?

Kelsey: I actually started in theatre!! I went to theatre school and worked professionally on stage for several years. Ever since I was little, I loved performing and creating characters. I honestly think I knew I wanted to be an actor almost straight out of the womb. The defining moment came when I saw a professional production of My Fair Lady. I remember sitting in the audience thinking, “This is it. This is what I have to do!”. There was never really another option for me after that. Interestingly, TV and film weren't my original focus. I was theatre through and through. But once I started working professionally, my agent began submitting me for on-camera roles. I started booking pretty consistently, and over the last eight years I've gradually made the transition into TV and film. What surprised me most was how deeply I fell in love with the medium.

Theatre will always be my first love and the place where I learned my craft, and I know it will find its way back into my life again. But film and television have given me a different way of telling stories, one that's incredibly intimate and nuanced. Being able to capture the smallest emotional moments through the camera is something I truly cherish. Today, telling stories through TV and film has become my greatest passion, and I feel incredibly fortunate that my career evolved in a direction I never originally expected. I feel lucky that I've found room in my heart for both mediums, and I'm excited to continue exploring each as my career evolves!

Interviewer: What was the filming experience like as your character was gradually revealed throughout the story? What is your personal perception of Tessa, and why? Did you know everything about her from the beginning, or were certain things kept from you, as was the case with Vaughan’s character?

Kelsey: I didn't know all of the specific details at the beginning, but I did know we were heading toward a postpartum depression storyline. I was also told what had happened between meeting Tessa in 1974 as the T.S. Eliot girl and seeing her years later working at Coyle's and stealing from the cash register. There was so much of Tessa's story that was hinted but never fully shown on screen but informed so much I did as an actor. After losing both of her parents in a tragic accident, she became an orphan. To avoid being placed in foster care, she lied about her age and made her way to Port Haven which was a place that held special memories because she had visited it with her parents. She was, at her core, a survivor. We see that same resilience in Tessa in the 1920s as well.

My personal perception of Tessa, right from the start, was that she was someone who had been carrying an unimaginable amount of pain while still trying to find a way forward. I never saw her as someone defined by her mistakes or by the choices she made in moments of desperation. I saw her as a young woman who had experienced tremendous loss, who was isolated and struggling, but who also had an incredible strength and determination to survive and to love and be loved again. What I loved about Tessa was that she was complicated. She could make choices that were difficult to understand on the surface, but underneath those choices was a person who was hurting and trying to navigate circumstances that were beyond her control. She had such resilience and such a deep capacity for love, even when she was struggling to express it.

I can't tell you how meaningful it was to portray a character experiencing postpartum depression during a time when it wasn't understood or openly discussed. So many women suffered in silence, often carrying shame for something that was completely beyond their control. One of the most rewarding parts of playing her was watching the audience's perception change over the course of the season. The comments and messages I received at the beginning were so different from those at the end. Seeing viewers begin to empathize with Tessa, understand her choices, and ultimately root for her was incredibly moving. That kind of shift is exactly what makes storytelling so powerful. My hope was that, even though Tessa's story takes place decades ago, audiences could recognize that these struggles are still relevant today. If her journey helped even one person feel seen, or encouraged a conversation about maternal mental health, then I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of telling that story.

Interviewer: How did you get the role in The Way Home? Can you tell us about the casting process and the scene or audition material you were given?

Kelsey: I actually auditioned for Young Fern first and ended up doing a chemistry read with Chyler and the Hallmark team! I remember being obsessed with the energy of that room (well, Zoom!). I fell in love with the whole team and the show. I then got a call that they wanted me to read for Tessa and I remember getting the character breakdown and scenes and immediately I was like… I am Tessa. This is the role for me.

The casting team is so brilliant. Bianca was truly the perfect Young Fern and I felt immensely connected to Tessa the moment I read the first scenes. I was sent the Coyle’s scene and the scene with Vic before we went into the Landry’s home for the first time. “Friends that feel like family”. Oof, I’ll never forget the first time I read that line <3

Interviewer: What is your favorite moment from the series – whether it involves your character or another one? Why? What was it like for you to complete this project? What is something that will stay with you forever?

Kelsey: I lost my dad in my early 20s so the Colton story line has always really hit home for me. Season 3 episode 10 will always be my favourite episode. The scenes with Colton and Alice… 3 seasons of incredible build up for that moment and I sob every time I watch. When Alice calls Colton Grandpa…. Like, this show is unbelievable! And then the series finale with Del & Cole’s 5 more minutes is perfect.

I am obsessed with Del and Cole, in all eras! Being part of this project has been the most rewarding experience. The story, the cast, the characters, the crew. It is so rare to have this special of an experience on a show and I walked away having joined a family. We are all so close and remain so. These incredible humans will stay with me forever.

Interviewer: Which of your roles has been personally the most meaningful to you? Why?

Kelsey: Tessa was super meaningful of course, but separate from The Way Home I got to be part of a film that was about a 21 year old exploring Nahanni National Park in 1974 called “Celia”. This was so special because I was portraying the mother of the writer/director who has now passed. I felt so honoured to be trusted with this. I got to travel to Nahanni where we shot on film and were completely remote, sleeping in tents, and getting our water from the river. It was a once in a lifetime experience and having also lost a parent, I understood the importance of sharing this story and it was a gift to get to portray Celia.

Interviewer: Besides your own character, which character from The Way Home resonates with you the most? Why?

Kelsey: Hmm, I think I would have to say Susannah! I've always been someone who likes to surprise people with what I'm capable of. I'm a professional furniture and cabinet maker, I converted a Sprinter van into a tiny home, and I'm also a certified Pilates teacher. I've always loved learning new skills and proving that I'm capable of more than people might expect.

That's something I really admire about Susannah. She has so many incredible talents and is incredibly independent in a world that tells women they need a man by their side in order to succeed. She is resourceful, intelligent, and knows how to navigate the systems and limitations placed on her. In many ways, she is far ahead of her time. What I love most about Susannah, though, is that her strength doesn't come at the expense of her heart. She loves fiercely, she cares deeply, and she would do anything for the people she loves. I really connect with that combination of independence and compassion. I resonate with many parts of who she is, but I also think she represents qualities I continue to strive toward - being capable, courageous, and someone who shows up fully for the people who matter most.

Interviewer: What was the most challenging part of filming for you? Why?

Kelsey: I'd say filming in challenging weather conditions is always one of the hardest parts for me. We're often asked to create the illusion that it's much warmer or colder than it actually is, while wearing costumes that may not necessarily match the conditions we're filming in. That can definitely be a challenge, especially during long days spent outside. Trying to stay fully present in a scene and emotionally connected to your character when you're freezing cold in a t-shirt, or trying to maintain focus in extreme heat, is no small task! That being said, we had an incredible crew who did everything they could to take care of us between takes. Whether it's helping us warm up, cool down, or making sure we have what we need to get through the day, they make those challenges much more manageable. It's truly a team effort, and I'm always grateful for the people behind the scenes who help bring the story to life.

Interviewer: What kinds of characters inspire you the most to bring to life? Or are you someone who enjoys taking risks with your roles?

Kelsey: I'm most inspired by strong, layered female characters written by women. Those roles often capture the complexity, vulnerability, ambition, and resilience of women in a way that feels deeply authentic. I love characters who aren't defined by a single trait or stereotype. They're flawed, courageous, conflicted, and constantly evolving. But also, I LOVE taking creative risks. I don't want to play the same character repeatedly. I want roles that push me emotionally and artistically, make me see the world from a different perspective. I love switching between genres and finding the truth in all the characters I play from an absurd comedy to a gritty drama!

Interviewer: Is there a role you would turn down, and why? Are there any boundaries or limits you have as an actress? And what kind of role would you love to play?

Kelsey: I don't believe in limiting myself creatively, but I do have boundaries. I would turn down a role if it glorified abuse, violence, or harmful stereotypes without purpose or accountability, or if a character existed only to be objectified rather than developed as a real person.

For me, storytelling has influence, and I want to be part of projects that treat their characters with honesty and respect. At this point in my career, I've had the opportunity to be part of many dramatic projects, and I'm incredibly grateful for those experiences. Moving forward, I'd love to stretch my comedy skills and explore that side of my craft more.

Comedy has such a unique rhythm and vulnerability, and I think it challenges an actor in a completely different way. I recently got to film an absurd comedy series and I loved every second and hope to get to explore that genre a little more!

Interviewer: You also create wooden pieces and work with wood. Tell us about this part of your life.

Kelsey: I love talking about wood!! In 2020, I decided to convert a Sprinter van into a tiny home with very little knowledge. I ended up absolutely falling in love with woodworking and decided to go back to school for it. I then worked in a professional shop for 2 years and built furniture and worked on the interiors of homes. I love learning new things! I no longer work professionally in a shop and have shifted to woodworking as a hobby but the skills I learned working were irreplaceable and I will have forever :)

Interviewer: What mission do you have as an actress? Why is that important to you?

Kelsey: My mission has always been to give truth to the characters I play so it can affect and connect with people. I want to tell honest, human stories that help people feel seen, understood, inspired or simply just entertained! That's important to me because I believe stories have the power to create empathy and connection. A great performance can stay with someone long after the credits roll, offering comfort, challenging perspectives, or encouraging meaningful conversations.

Interviewer: What word would you associate with your journey as an actor? Why that particular word?

Kelsey: I would say, growth. Every audition, role, rejection has taught me something valuable that’s not just about acting, but about myself. Acting constantly challenges me to step outside my comfort zone, develop new skills, and see the world through different perspectives. My journey isn't just about building a career, it's about continually evolving as both an artist and a person.

The interview was written by Asya Radko. The pictures were provided by Kelsey Falconer.