Emilie Ullerup’s journey to becoming a beloved figure in Hallmark productions traces back to her upbringing in Copenhagen, Denmark, as the daughter of a Danish diplomat. While many recognize her from notable films like “Don’t Forget I Love You,” “Nature of Love,” and “Winter Castle” (where she starred alongside Kevin McGarry from “When Calls the Heart”) or “Christmas Bells Are Ringing,” her career in the entertainment industry started long before she became a part of the Hallmark family.
After her European upbringing, Ullerup made a significant move to Vancouver, Canada, where she decided to elevate her passion for acting by enrolling at the Vancouver Film School. Since then, Emilie has carved out a name for herself both on and off the small screen. However, her journey has not been without challenges, as she faced and overcame a major health obstacle to reach the successful position she holds today.
Emilie Ullerup is swiftly ascending the ranks of Hallmark royalty, captivating audiences with her performances. Her next film, “Retreat to You,” is set to premiere on September 23 at 8/7c, featuring Peter Mooney, whom viewers might recognize from Hallmark’s “Fly Away with Me.”
Emilie Ullerup Makes Her Mark in the Entertainment Industry
Emilie Ullerup’s initial foray into the entertainment industry commenced in 2006 when she secured a role for two episodes in “Battlestar Galactica” as Julia Brynn. Reflecting on this experience, she shared with Pop Culture Principle, “That was my very first audition… It was overwhelming and terrifying, but a great experience because everything was just easy there. It was just lovely.”
Following this auspicious start, she embarked on an eight-episode stint in “Sanctuary,” portraying the character Ashley Magnus. Despite the controversial nature of her role, Ashley garnered substantial support after her departure from the series. Expressing her gratitude, Emilie noted, “When you leave a show… you never know what people are going to feel. And seeing that it wasn’t that way was really exciting. Because of this experience, there’s a different relationship for me with the fans because — it’s meant a lot.”
Ullerup’s acclaim continued to rise with her role in “JPod,” where she portrayed Kaitlin Joyce, earning her a Leo Award for her outstanding work in the series. Early in her career, she also made notable appearances in “Arctic Air,” “Blood Ties,” “Riese,” and “True Justice.” Each role contributed to shaping her career and establishing her as a respected talent in the industry.
Emilie Ullerup triumphed over a challenging tumor.
In 2008, Emilie Ullerup confronted a year-and-a-half-long battle with persistent back pain, ultimately uncovering the presence of an aggressive tumor at the base of her spine. Fortunately benign, the removal process was extensive, necessitating the extraction of her coccyx and half of the sacrum from her pelvis.
Reflecting on this challenging period, she shared with Clique Clack, “There were moments of great frustration and fear and lack of control. I think those are very healthy things to be faced with once in a while — as long as you can get out of it okay.” Despite the daunting nature of the experience, Emilie emerged from it with resilience and a valuable perspective on resilience and overcoming adversity.
Emilie’s Romance Beyond the Screen
Emilie Ullerup is happily married to Kyle Cassie, a fellow Canadian actor renowned for his roles in films such as Deadpool, Puppet Killer, and Lost Boys: The Tribe. The couple, sharing a deep connection both on and off the screen, has been blessed with two children, enriching their lives as a loving family.
Embarking on Her Hallmark Journey
Emilie Ullerup has established herself as a prominent figure in the Hallmark realm, having featured in a remarkable total of 12 Hallmark films along with contributing to several series. Her journey with the network began with a supporting role in 2012’s The Music Teacher, marking the inception of her association with Hallmark productions. Over the years, she has transitioned into leading lady roles, showcasing her versatility and charm on screen. Explore some of her notable works from the past, and anticipate what delightful offerings lie ahead in her Hallmark journey!
The Music Teacher (2012)
A Kansas City music teacher faces the loss of her beloved after school music music program in the wake of budget cuts. With the help of her former students and their commitment to their teacher’s cause, they put on a show in the hopes of saving the program.
Chesapeake Shores (2016)
Emilie Ullerup played a significant role in the Hallmark series spanning five seasons, capturing the essence of the O’Brien family’s challenges and triumphs in the charming backdrop of small-town Chesapeake Shores. In this heartwarming series, Emilie portrayed the character Bree O’Brien, a vibrant playwright grappling with a creative slump, as she navigates through the complexities of her artistic journey and personal life.
Hearts of Christmas (2016)
Emilie Ullerup takes on the character of Jenny in the movie “Hearts of Christmas,” where she portrays a young colleague working alongside a neonatal ICU supervisor on the verge of retirement. Jenny assumes the responsibility of organizing a staff Christmas party and a surprise celebration for her soon-to-retire supervisor. However, her plans encounter obstacles when the hospital’s new Chief Financial Officer intervenes, compelled to implement cost-cutting measures. The storyline unfolds as Jenny navigates the challenges presented by financial constraints, all while aiming to create a heartwarming and memorable celebration for her dedicated supervisor.
With Love, Christmas (2017)
In the narrative, two advertising executives, Melanie and Donovan, find themselves in a creative clash as they strive to develop the next standout cellphone commercial for the holiday season. Adding an extra layer of complexity to the situation, Melanie, portrayed by Ullerup, discovers that she is secretly assigned as Donovan’s Secret Santa. The plot unfolds as the characters navigate professional tensions and the intricacies of their personal connections, creating a dynamic and entertaining storyline filled with holiday cheer and workplace dynamics.
Christmas Bells Are Ringing (2018)
During their childhood, Sam and Mike shared an unbreakable bond, forming a deep friendship during Sam’s summer vacations at her family’s Cape Cod home. Mike, a local boy, became her close companion during these visits. However, when Sam’s mother passed away, the emotional weight of the loss prevented her from returning to Cape Cod. Thirteen years later, with her father’s upcoming wedding prompting a return to the picturesque location, Sam finds herself back in Cape Cod, where fate reunites her with Mike, bringing a wave of memories and emotions from their shared past.
Winter Castle (2019)
Emilie Ullerup shares the screen with Kevin McGarry from “When Calls the Heart” in this chilly romantic tale. Jenny is overjoyed about her sister’s wedding, scheduled to take place in an ice hotel. However, things take a warmer turn when she becomes captivated by the best man amidst the icy setting.
Katie, a city-based magazine writer, is assigned to cover a “glamping” resort, with Will serving as her rugged, handsome, and outdoorsy guide. As the two embark on their adventure, sparks fly, creating a heated atmosphere amidst the cold surroundings. An interesting tidbit: Emilie Ullerup was pregnant during the filming of “Nature of Love.”
“I was four months along, which made it way more tricky for everyone involved,” she shared with Parade. “I had to have a body double for any wide shots as I was showing. I had to hold a lot of purses or my hands in front of me to camouflage the bump. You could make a drinking game out of the movie: any time you spot the bump, you drink. You may actually never see it though, I’m not sure.”
Don’t Forget I Love You (2022)
In this heartfelt narrative, Taylor discovers a time capsule left behind by her late mother on her birthday. Within its contents are a series of challenges and instructions designed to push Taylor beyond her comfort zone, encouraging her to embrace the myriad possibilities life has to offer, including the potential for love.
Emilie Ullerup, reflecting on the story, shared with Media Village, “I believe we are all pretty resilient and with time everything heals.” She appreciated the resilience portrayed in the narrative, noting that while Taylor grapples with the loss of a parent, the tale beautifully commemorates this experience. Ullerup found it to be a lovely journey, depicting a woman learning to release fears and control mechanisms she had established to protect herself, realizing that perhaps these defenses are no longer serving her.
Retreat to You (2023)
Experience Emilie Ullerup’s latest Hallmark film, “Retreat to You,” where she stars alongside Peter Mooney. The storyline revolves around two former high school best friends who unexpectedly reunite during a wilderness retreat. Don’t miss the chance to witness their journey on September 23 at 8/7c!