‘Hope Valley: 1874’ Cast—Bethany Joy Lenz Leads Hallmark+’s New Prequel Series
Get to know the stars bringing the ‘When Calls the Heart’ prequel to life on Hallmark+
If you love When Calls the Heart, then there’s a good chance you’ve already fallen for Hope Valley: 1874, the prequel series that debuted over the weekend on Hallmark+. The series follows Rebecca, a mother who makes the trek from Chicago to the Canadian frontier with her young daughter in tow in search of a better life. When she arrives at her destination after a treacherous journey, she discovers that the boardinghouse she had purchased to live in wasn’t what she was told it would be, forcing her to rely on the help of a local rancher, Tom, as well as the folks of this new community she finds herself in. Here, get to know the Hope Valley: 1874 cast as the series takes off.
Bethany Joy Lenz as Rebecca Clarke
Bethany Joy Lenz takes the lead in this new series, though she’s no stranger to the world of Hallmark—or television, for that matter. You most likely know her for her role in the hit teen drama One Tree Hill, or perhaps even for her inspiring memoir, Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While Also in an Actual Cult!). On Hallmark, she’s shined in films like A Biltmore Christmas (2023) and Royal Matchmaker (2018), and now, she’s excited to bring the fierce Rebecca Clarke to life—a strong-willed mother determined to give her and her daughter the life they deserve.
Benjamin Ayres as Tom Moore
Benjamin Ayres brings kindhearted rancher Tom to life. Though he might seem gruff at first, his giving nature is quickly revealed through the help he offers Rebecca and her daughter. Ayres has starred in countless Hallmark films over the years, and you may have caught him in flicks like Falling for Vermont (2017), Long Lost Christmas (2022) or A Christmas Angel Match (2025).
Jill Hennessy as Hattie Quinn
Jill Hennessy might be known for hits like Crossing Jordan and Law & Order, but in Hope Valley: 1874, she’s ruling the frontier. Hattie Quinn runs the trading post in town alongside her daughter, Olivia, and soon forms a friendship with Rebecca as she settles into town.
Mila Morgan as Sarah
Mila Morgan has already built up quite the resume, including series such as The Baby-Sitters Club and Home Before Dark, but now, she’s bringing to life Sarah Clarke, Rebecca’s daughter, who possesses just as much will and brains as her mom.
Roan Curtis as Olivia
Roan Curtis has appeared in countless television series over the years, her most notable role being in Firefly Lane, and now, she’s bringing to life Olivia in the Hope Valley: 1874 cast. Olivia is Hattie’s daughter, who helps her run the trading post—and this season just so happens to hold a love triangle for her.
Lachlan Quarmby as Alexander
Lachlan Quarmby is a new member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, but his mind is on something else this season—his feelings for Olivia. The actor previously appeared in Hallmark+’s Providence Falls.
Jedidiah Goodacre as Clayton
A blacksmith who works for Tom, Clayton, similarly harbors feelings for Olivia in this series.
With this talented cast bringing heart, courage and community to every scene, Hope Valley: 1874 is already shaping up to be the heartwarming series we all need. Whether you’re a longtime When Calls the Heart fan or new to Hope Valley, this prequel promises the kind of inspiring storytelling that keeps us coming back for more. Watch new episodes Thursdays on Hallmark+.
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