Pascale Hutton
Pascale Hutton is a Canadian actress renowned for her versatile performances in television and film, particularly her recurring role as FBI agent Abby Corrigan in the science fiction series Sanctuary (2008–2011) and as Rosemary Leveaux Coulter in the long-running drama When Calls the Heart (2014–present).[1][2] Born on June 14, 1979, in Creston, British Columbia, Hutton grew up in a rural environment with parents who embraced a hippie lifestyle, including harvesting their own honey and following natural living principles.[1][2] She pursued formal acting training at the University of Alberta's conservatory program in Edmonton, which provided a strong foundation for her career in theatre, film, and television.[1][3] Hutton's breakthrough came with early roles in Canadian productions, including a nomination for a Leo Award for Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Feature Length Drama for her work in the 2005 film A Simple Curve.[4] She gained further recognition with a win at the 2008 Gemini Awards for Best Performance by an Actress in a Guest Role, Dramatic Series, for her portrayal of Detective Mary Spalding in the CBC series Intelligence.[4][5] Her performance in an episode of Sanctuary earned her a Leo Award for Best Guest Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series in 2012, highlighting her ability to blend action, drama, and character depth in genre storytelling.[4][6] Transitioning to more mainstream audiences, Hutton has become a staple in Hallmark Channel programming since 2014, with her role as the ambitious and kind-hearted Rosemary in When Calls the Heart solidifying her as a beloved figure in feel-good family dramas.[2] She has also appeared in guest spots on popular series such as Stargate Atlantis, Supernatural, and Flashpoint, showcasing her range across science fiction, horror, and procedural genres.[7] In film, notable credits include supporting roles in Fantastic Four (2005) and The Killing (2011–2013).[1] On a personal note, Hutton has been married to fellow Canadian actor Danny Dorosh since September 6, 2002, and they have two sons together; the couple often balances their careers while maintaining a private family life in Vancouver.[1] Her work continues to emphasize strong female characters, contributing to her enduring presence in both Canadian and international entertainment.[2]Biography
Early life
Pascale Hutton was born on June 14, 1979, in Creston, British Columbia, Canada.[8][9] She was raised by hippie parents in a rural environment that emphasized self-sufficiency and natural living, including harvesting their own honey and relying on the recipes from the Moosewood Cookbook.[2][10] This unconventional upbringing in the small town of Creston shaped her early interests, fostering a connection to the outdoors and a hands-on approach to daily life.[2][11]Education
Pascale Hutton attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in acting through the university's conservatory program.[8][12] The BFA Acting program at the University of Alberta is an intensive, conservatory-style training regimen that spans three years and focuses on in-depth studies in acting, movement, voice, and stage performance, preparing students for professional careers in theater and beyond.[13][14] Hutton completed this program in the early 2000s, immersing herself in rigorous coursework that included Shakespearean techniques, improvisation, mask work, and vocal training to build versatile performance skills.[15][16] This foundational education equipped Hutton with the technical proficiency and professional readiness necessary to pursue auditions immediately upon graduation, marking the transition from academic training to her entry into the acting industry.[8][12]Personal life
Pascale Hutton married Canadian actor Danny Dorosh on September 6, 2002, after meeting him at age 19 during their early careers in the entertainment industry.[8][17] Their partnership has been marked by mutual support, with Dorosh, a former actor known for roles in shows like Madison and The 4400, transitioning to law enforcement while providing stability amid Hutton's demanding schedule.[18] The couple's shared background in acting has fostered a deep understanding of the profession's challenges, allowing them to navigate family life collaboratively. Hutton and Dorosh have two sons, born in the early 2010s, though the family maintains privacy regarding their names and specific details.[19] Hutton has credited her husband's involvement as essential for balancing motherhood with her acting commitments, noting that his role in childcare enables her to focus on projects without undue strain. The family resides primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia, where they prioritize a low-key, family-centered lifestyle away from the spotlight.[8] This base supports Hutton's frequent work in the region's film and television scene while allowing them to shield their personal life from public scrutiny.Career
Early career
Pascale Hutton entered the acting profession in the early 2000s, with her first screen credit in the television movie Hollywood Wives: The New Generation (2003), followed by a role as Beth-Ann in the film Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed (2004). In 2005, she secured a role as Pretty Waitress in the television movie Chaos. That same year, she landed a minor role as Nightclub Girlfriend in the superhero blockbuster Fantastic Four, marking an early feature film appearance amid a cast of established stars.[1] Building on her formal acting training at the University of Alberta, Hutton focused on accumulating experience through television guest appearances, starting with roles on Smallville in 2005 and 2006. She continued this trajectory with recurring parts in Canadian series such as Intelligence (2005–2007), where her performance in the episode "The Heat Is On" earned her first significant industry attention.[20] In 2008, she appeared in Flashpoint as Constable Kira Marlowe, further solidifying her presence in dramatic television.[21] As a Canadian actress based in Vancouver, Hutton navigated the challenges of breaking into the industry by leveraging the city's status as a major filming hub for both domestic and Hollywood productions, gradually shifting from brief film cameos to more consistent TV work while honing her craft on diverse sets.[22] This period of persistent auditioning and day-player gigs allowed her to adapt from theater roots to the fast-paced demands of screen acting, despite the competitive environment.[23]Breakthrough roles
Hutton's breakthrough came with her recurring role as FBI Special Agent Abby Corrigan in the science fiction series Sanctuary, which ran from 2008 to 2011. Appearing in roughly half the episodes across four seasons, this marked her first major recurring television part, where she portrayed a behavioral scientist aiding in investigations involving abnormal creatures and sanctuary operations.[24] The role offered Hutton substantial on-screen exposure within the sci-fi genre, building on her prior guest appearances in series like Smallville and Fringe as key stepping stones.[24][25] Transitioning from Sanctuary, Hutton starred as Krista Ivarson in the CBC drama Arctic Air from 2012 to 2014, a series centered on bush pilots and the harsh realities of northern Canadian life in Yellowknife. As the headstrong daughter of airline owner Mel Ivarson, Krista's arc evolves from managing family tensions and romantic complications— including a love triangle and a three-month sojourn in Southeast Asia—to spearheading the company's expansion into search and rescue missions, showcasing her leadership and resilience.[26][27][28] These performances established Hutton as a versatile presence in genre television and Canadian drama, enhancing her industry visibility and paving the way for further leading roles in domestic productions.[24][25]Hallmark Channel and recent projects
Pascale Hutton's career took a notable turn toward wholesome family-oriented programming with her prominent role in the Hallmark Channel series When Calls the Heart, beginning in 2014. This shift highlighted her versatility in portraying uplifting characters within feel-good narratives, aligning with the network's emphasis on heartwarming stories. In When Calls the Heart, Hutton portrays Rosemary LeVeaux Coulter, a vivacious former actress who arrives in the fictional town of Hope Valley as a whirlwind of energy and optimism.[29] Her character evolves significantly through her romance and marriage to Lee Coulter (played by Kavan Smith), which culminates in a wedding storyline in season 5 and continues to explore themes of partnership, work-life balance, and community involvement in subsequent seasons. As editor-in-chief of The Valley Voice newspaper, Rosemary navigates challenges like supporting her husband's mayoral ambitions and managing personal aspirations, including storylines involving their decision not to have children and their bond with an adopted horse named Goldie.[30] The series, which premiered in 2014, reached its 12th season on January 5, 2025, with Hutton's role remaining central to its enduring appeal, and it was renewed for a 13th season in March 2025.[31] By 2025, When Calls the Heart had cultivated a dedicated fanbase, often referred to as "Hearties," fostering an online community that celebrates its themes of resilience, friendship, and small-town values, solidifying Hutton's position as a Hallmark staple.[32] Hutton has also starred in several Hallmark Channel telefilms, showcasing her affinity for the romantic comedy genre. In the 2017 movie The Perfect Bride, she plays a meticulous planner whose life intersects with an unexpected suitor, blending humor and romance in a lighthearted wedding-themed plot.[33] Her role in Fourth Down and Love (2023) features her as a single mother reconnecting with a former flame, a professional football player, on a flag football field, emphasizing themes of second chances and family.[34] More recently, in the 2024 Hallmark Mysteries film Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement, Hutton portrays advice columnist Nelly Parker, who investigates a murder alongside a detective, adding a mystery element to her romantic leads while highlighting her character's sharp wit and town knowledge.[35] In 2025, she reprised the role in the sequel Nelly Knows Mysteries: All Manners of Murder.[36] These projects underscore her seamless fit within Hallmark's signature blend of romance, humor, and positive resolutions. In recent years, Hutton has expanded her involvement in production, credited as a producer on select projects alongside her acting roles.[1] While continuing her Hallmark commitments, she has made occasional guest appearances in other series, contributing to her diverse portfolio up to 2025. By this time, her longstanding portrayal of Rosemary had cemented her as an iconic figure in family television, with the series' cultural resonance evident in its multigenerational viewership and fan-driven events.[37]Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed | Beth-Ann[38] |
| 2005 | A Simple Curve | Lee[39] |
| 2005 | Fantastic Four | Nightclub Girlfriend[40] |
| 2005 | Chaos | Pretty Waitress[41] |
| 2010 | Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore | Jackie[42] |
| 2011 | Afghan Luke | Elita[43] |
| 2015 | The Unspoken | Jeanie[44] |
| 2017 | S.W.A.T.: Under Siege | Carley |
| 2023 | Double Life | Sharon[45] |
Television
Hutton's television career spans guest appearances, recurring roles, and leading parts in series and made-for-TV movies, primarily in science fiction, drama, and Hallmark Channel productions. Her early guest roles included Megan in the short-lived NBC series The Days (2004). She also portrayed Amina in Dead Like Me (2004) and Kelly in Life as We Know It (2004). In 2005, she appeared as First Officer Trebal in Stargate: Atlantis and as Heather in Reunion. From 2005 to 2006, she played a reporter in two episodes of Smallville. In 2006–2007, Hutton had a recurring role as Katie in the legal drama Justice. She also recurred as Julianna Vejzna in the Canadian crime series Intelligence (2006–2007). From 2007 to 2008, she starred as Kim Doherty in the ABC miniseries Traveler (8 episodes). Guest spots followed, including Kira Marlowe in Flashpoint (2008). One of her breakthrough television roles was as FBI agent Abby Corrigan in the Syfy series Sanctuary (2008–2011), appearing in 9 episodes. She continued with additional guests, such as Sally Clark in Fringe (2009–2010, 2 episodes), Nikki in Royal Pains (2009, 2 episodes), and Lia in Supernatural (2009). In 2012–2014, she starred as Krista Ivarson in the CBC drama Arctic Air, appearing in all 35 episodes. Since 2014, Hutton has been a series regular as Rosemary Coulter (née LeVeaux) in the Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart, with over 124 episodes as of 2025. She also guest-starred as Queen Gerda in Once Upon a Time (2014). Hutton has frequently starred in Hallmark Channel TV movies, often in romantic and holiday-themed stories. Notable appearances include:| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Recipe for Love | Nan |
| 2016 | Summer of Dreams | Denise |
| 2017 | The Perfect Bride | Amanda |
| 2018 | The Perfect Bride: Wedding Bells | Amanda |
| 2018 | Wedding of Dreams | Denise |
| 2019 | My One & Only | Stephanie |
| 2019 | When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas | Rosemary Coulter |
| 2021 | You Had Me at Aloha | Paige Marshall[5] |
| 2023 | Fourth Down and Love | Erin Allen |
| 2023 | Notes of Autumn | Isabelle |
| 2024 | Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement | Nelly Parker |
| 2025 | The Wish Swap | Coach Gloria |