Andrew Walker and Hallmark Stars Discuss Candace Cameron Bure’s Departure and Network Rivalry
Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes, and Paul Campbell discuss Candace Cameron Bure's departure from Hallmark Media in 2022, shedding light on the network's competitive landscape
Candace Cameron Bure, Andrew Walker. Getty Images (2)
Andrew Walker did not co-star with Candace Cameron Bure in a Hallmark movie, but he shared his thoughts on her contentious departure from the network. In an interview with Vulture published on December 19, the 44-year-old actor stated, "I believe it was simply a convenient reason to conceal an opportunity she had elsewhere. Whether she felt she had fewer opportunities at Hallmark because she now holds an executive position at Great American Family, I cannot say. But that is how I interpreted it."
Walker's long-time friend and Three Wise Men and a Baby co-star, Tyler Hynes, shared his perspective on the topic, saying, "I can't begin to understand the complexity of her relationship. All I know is that for us, our purpose is clear. I don't want to speak for the others, but I know why I'm here."
Walker added, "That has always been our goal. We want to see the same changes you mentioned - a diverse range of storytelling. It's important for things to progress."
In April of 2022, Cameron Bure, aged 47, made headlines when she announced her departure from Hallmark after 13 years. She disclosed that she would be joining Great American Media, a network founded by former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott, and would be taking on a more active role at the company, overseeing and curating programming for the network as a whole.
In a surprising move, Cameron Bure caused further stir in November 2022 when she expressed her view that Hallmark had undergone significant changes in leadership, asserting that it had essentially become "a completely different network." Speaking to WSJ Magazine, she suggested that Great American Family, the primary channel of Great American Media, would uphold traditional marriage at its core, hinting at potential differences in same-sex storylines compared to those featured on Hallmark.
Cameron Bure later took to social media to clarify that she never intended to offend or hurt anyone, expressing her great love and affection for all people.
Meanwhile, Walker and his Three Wise Men costars Hynes, 37, and Paul Campbell supported Hallmark and its leadership, without speculating on Cameron Bure's intentions with her statements.
Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Hallmark Media
"Hallmark has established a culture that trickles down from the top. When you have someone like Lisa Hamilton in the leadership role, replacing Bill Abbott, it leads to decisions that impact the network," Walker explained on Tuesday. "The formula is solid. There's no need to debate which network is better than the other."
Walker mentioned that despite some Hallmark stars transitioning exclusively to Great American Family, he does not view it as a competitive situation. "I don't think our style can be replicated in the same way elsewhere. It's like comparing apples to oranges," he stated.
Campbell, 44, concurred, stating, "I believe the term 'competition' suggests that viewers are switching to other channels because someone else is doing what Hallmark is doing. But if you look at the numbers for this season, viewership is increasing, so there's plenty of room. There's a lot of space for people to produce and tell similar stories. But I don't see it as a competition. Hallmark is the only place that does exactly what Hallmark does."
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Walker previously expressed his gratitude for being a part of the Hallmark family in February. He believes that Hallmark is dedicated to telling genuine stories about real people, with the same heart, warmth, and familiarity found in their movies. He is amazed by the incredible work the network has done so far. Hynes also shared similar sentiments in March, describing the people at Hallmark as absolutely lovely and feeling like a supportive family.
