WHEN CALLS THE HEART Director Neill Fearnley Dies After ALS Battle
By Movieguide® Contributor
WHEN CALLS THE HEART’s cast and crew are mourning the death of director Neill Fearnley.
“It’s with a sad heart we say goodbye to our friend and consummate director, Neill Fearnley, who passed away on July 13 after a long battle with ALS,” a post from the show’s Instagram reads. “Neill was there for the first season of WHEN CALLS THE HEART, directing episodes across the first 10 seasons and helped us create our story-telling world.”
The post continues, “He was a gift to Hope Valley and a gift to humanity. His generous heart and brilliant mind will be deeply missed.”
A statement from Hallmark reads, “Neill was vital to making WHEN CALLS THE HEART the beloved show it is today, and he will be sorely missed by the entire Heartie community and everyone who had the honor of knowing him.”
WHEN CALLS THE HEART star Erin Krakow posted a tribute to Fearnley on Instagram with a photo of the pair dancing on set.
“Neill loved directing. He loved being on set. And he loved @wcth_tv,” she wrote. “He cared so deeply for all of us. He was always so protective of Elizabeth – and of the girl playing her. In fact his very first text message to me encouraged me not to wear a corset for a stunt scene. There he was, quietly looking out for me.”
Krakow continued, “Neill helped mold WCTH from the beginning. I’m so thankful for the 11 beautiful seasons we had together. And I’m grateful to be back in Hope Valley where we’ll all continue to feel his presence – in the characters he helped us create, the sets he brought to life, and the crew who carry his memory through their artistry.”
“I wish we’d had more time together. It doesn’t feel real that he’s gone. But Neill’s memory will remain in my heart. And I’ll care twice as big in his honor,” she concluded.
In addition to his work on WHEN CALLS THE HEART, Fearnley “significantly contributed to popular shows like THE X-FILES, SUPERNATURAL, and HIGHLANDER: THE SERIES,” per Soap Opera News.
“His talent extended to thirty-two movies, over two hundred and fifty hours of episodic television, and numerous pilots,” the outlet continued. “Additionally, he made substantial contributions as a producer, directing multiple commercials and hundreds of hours of live television.”
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