From potato commercial to Hallmark film: PEI girl makes it big in Ottawa
Posted Dec 11, 2022 04:15:00 PM.
Sometimes a star is born from the most unlikely of places.
That being said, when a talent comes out of Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), it comes as no surprise that their big break came with the help of some potatoes.
Morgan Saunders, 10, made her acting debut alongside Canada's smallest province's most precious tuber. First starring in a P.E.I. Potato Board commercial, Morgan is now playing Josie Avery in the Hallmark Christmas movie Twas the Night Before Christmas, filmed here in Ottawa.
Acting in one of the most beloved holiday film milieus wasn't always the plan, according to Morgan's mother, Linda.
“We kind of fell into it by accident,” said Linda, joining her daughter on The Sam Laprade Show. “A friend sent the first audition for the P.E.I. potato commercial. Then she was asked back a few times by the production company to do a few more, and a director was on set and saw her and asked to be in a TV show. So it all just sort of snowballed.”
Hallmark movies, known for their cheesy story lines and economical budgets, are some of the most popular films around the holidays. According to Nielsen poll, 80 million people tune in to watch at least a few minutes of a hallmark movie during the holiday season.
Morgan hasn't let the stardom get to her. She is still excited about seeing herself on the television.
“I am probably going to freak out,” Morgan said.
Morgan and Twas the Night Before Christmas can be seen on various stations starting Dec. 17.
Listen to the full interview with Morgan and Linda Saunders on The Sam Laprade Show below.
