Amber Marshall has spent nearly two decades embodying the character of Amy Fleming.
At just 19 years old, she started portraying the equestrian-loving teenager in Heartland, a CBC drama centered around a family-run ranch in the Alberta Foothills.
Marshall has been passionate about riding since the age of five, acquired her first horse at 10, and always envisioned a life filled with animals.
A young Amber Marshall learns how to ride a horse. (Submitted by Amber Marshall)
“I always knew I wanted to grow up to be like her,” said Marshall, now 38, during a recent interview with CBC’s Ian Hanomansing. “I aspired to be Amy Fleming.”
After almost 20 years, the line between the actress and her character has blurred significantly.
Originally from London, Ont., Marshall now lives on her own ranch, surrounded by horses and cows, fosters dogs, and has embraced Alberta as her home since relocating there during the second season of Heartland.
“I can’t envision moving again. This is where I belong,” she remarked.
Heartland returns for its 20th season this Sunday, making it the longest-running scripted drama in the history of Canadian television.
Based on Lauren Brooke’s novels, the show premiered in 2007 and has evolved from a Canadian family drama into a global sensation, attracting viewers from countries such as England, France, Australia, and the United States.
Marshall rides a horse during the filming of Heartland’s 20th season, which begins Sunday. (David Brown/CBC/Seven 24/Dynamo)
The storyline follows Amy and her family as they strive to maintain their ranch while dealing with the challenges of growing up, relationships, loss, and financial struggles.
Amy has experienced marriage, motherhood, and widowhood after the unexpected death of her husband, Ty Borden (Graham Wardle). Meanwhile, her sister Lou (Michelle Morgan) has established a career and raised her own family, and their grandfather Jack (Shaun Johnston) continues to be the family’s patriarch.
As the characters have matured and evolved, viewers have had the opportunity to grow alongside them.
Marshall has met fans who were toddlers when the series first aired and have continued to watch it into adulthood.
Some have shared with her how Heartland has supported them during challenging times.
“It’s remarkable to realize that a show can connect with someone who has never visited Canada, who has never seen Alberta,” she noted, “yet they can watch it and feel a bond with those characters and the Heartland family.”
A family narrative that resonates beyond Alberta
This bond was evident during a fan gathering in Alberta on August 11, where viewers traveled from around the world.
Sarah Metcalf and her daughter, Riva, made the journey from Manchester, England. Riva discovered Heartland through a school assignment when she was nine, later watching the show after receiving DVDs from relatives in Canada.
“We would watch one episode, and it would end on a cliffhanger, so we had to watch the next,” Sarah recalled. “It’s a truly unique series, and we feel fortunate to have found it… It’s become a significant part of our lives.”
Leanne and Ayla Gale traveled from Brisbane, Australia. Ayla mentions that the show’s performances and cinematography sparked her interest in filmmaking, while her mother, Leanne, is captivated by Alberta’s landscapes. “I adore Canada. The Rockies, the scenery, the mountains, the pine trees, the ranches,” Leanne expressed.
Heartland is filmed in the scenic Foothills of southern Alberta. (David Brown/CBC/Seven 24/Dynamo)
Marshall agrees that the stunning landscapes are integral to the show. “The Heartland scenery has become a character in its own right,” she stated.
Fans frequently inquire whether the Foothills are real or the result of visual effects. Marshall confirmed their authenticity and mentioned that the breathtaking views have motivated some viewers to visit Alberta.
“It’s simply a beautiful region of Canada,” she explained. “People wish to experience what they see on screen, and I believe they are not left disappointed.”
Marshall mentioned that visitors can enjoy the region’s western lifestyle, nature, and calming ambiance, fully immersing themselves in the Alberta Foothills.
She shared with Hanomansing that Alberta’s more relaxed pace has taught her to slow down, contrasting it with the hustle she feels returning to Ontario.
“I love stepping outside into the fields and thinking, ‘I should probably be doing something else, but I’m just going to enjoy this lovely day,'” Marshall expressed.
Horses keep everyone present
This tranquility has influenced the atmosphere on the Heartland set, where horses play a vital role in the production. Marshall noted that their unpredictable nature keeps the show authentic and compels the actors to remain engaged.
“Horses simply live in the moment,” she remarked. “They don’t follow a script and are unaware of what’s unfolding.”
Horses are shown on the set of Heartland. (David Brown/CBC/Seven 24/Dynamo)
The animals also necessitate a calm and serene working environment.
“You can’t have a tense set with animals and expect them to perform,” she explained. “We must maintain a quiet, relaxed, and tranquil atmosphere.”
Marshall’s dedication to animals predates her time on Heartland. As a child, she aspired to be a veterinarian and volunteered at an animal shelter starting at age 10. She currently oversees the Foothills Animal Support Society, which assists animals and their families in accessing veterinary care.
Additionally, she has advocated against allowing coal mining in protected areas of the Rocky Mountains, having witnessed the destruction inflicted on landscapes, water sources, and wildlife.
“I genuinely believe we have a moral duty to safeguard this beautiful region,” she stated.
‘I’ll do Heartland till I die’
Marshall believes that Heartland persists because it provides something increasingly scarce: wholesome, multigenerational television that leaves audiences feeling uplifted rather than anxious.
“It gives you a sense of wholeness,” she said. “It brings a feeling of calm and satisfaction, making you feel like you’ve done something beneficial for your mind and body.”
Marshall, shown in Calgary, says she wants to do Heartland for many more years to come. (Turgut Yeter/CBC)
She noted that the show is not limited to a specific time period or life stage. Its characters can evolve as new individuals join, others depart, and families transform.
When asked how many more seasons she anticipates, her response was quick: “Oh gosh, another 20.”
“I’ll continue with Heartland until I die,” she declared. “This is my life. I adore being in Western Canada. I cherish my time on the ranch. I love being surrounded by my animals.”
