Amber Marshall on Family, Loss, and Amy’s Journey to Love Again

For years, viewers have followed the heartwarming story of Amy Fleming on the beloved TV drama Heartland, and they’ve grown up with the actress who brings her to life, Amber Marshall. At 35, Amber has played Amy for over 15 years – that’s more than 250 episodes and counting, with season 17 currently being filmed! The show, inspired by bestselling books, takes place on a beautiful ranch in Alberta, Canada, following the life of the Bartlett-Fleming family and their connection to horses.

Amy loves her life surrounded by horses and the open countryside, but it hasn't always been easy living on the ranch. Just like Amy, Amber and the rest of the cast have experienced their own share of loss. One of the show’s stars, Robert Cormier, who played Amy’s love interest Finn, sadly passed away last September.

Despite being the longest-running Canadian drama ever, Heartland's popularity continues to spread. It’s now among the top 5 most streamed shows in the U.S., having recently premiered on UP Faith & Family. Amber recently took a break from filming to reflect on the show’s long run and the strong bonds between the cast, as well as to share a few hints about what’s in store.

Life on Set: A Real Family

What’s the atmosphere like on set for season 17?
Amber Marshall says, “We’ve really become a family over the years. It’s funny to think that we’re actually playing a family on TV, but we genuinely care about each other. I absolutely love how long the show has been on the air because it gives the characters so much more depth and history with each other.”

Amy's Personal Growth

How has Amy changed over the years?
“It’s a rare chance for an actor to play a character for this long,” Amber explains. “It’s been amazing to grow as a person alongside Amy. What’s really interesting is how the writers sometimes take things happening in my life and mirror them in the show. I remember our showrunner even attended my wedding! We joked that we’d see it on screen eventually, and sure enough, similar stories unfolded. That’s the best way I can prepare for my role – by drawing on my own experiences.”

Growing Up with Lyndy
Amy’s daughter Lyndy, played by the adorable twin sisters Ruby and Emmanuella Spencer, is really stepping into her own this season, showing off a natural talent with horses.

Amber shares, “The twin girls were cast when they were just six months old, and they’ve literally grown up on the show! They’re now seven, and I truly feel like they’re my family. I’ve watched them develop and learn, and that has been so rewarding, not just as an actor but as a mother figure.”

The Impact of Loss

The show faced a difficult time with the passing of Robert Cormier, whose character Finn Cotter was deeply connected to Amy’s in season 16. Fans had hoped for a lasting romance between them. Amber reflects on the strong family feeling on set.

“It was devastating news. It really reminded us that life is unpredictable. We all took a step back and appreciated the people we love. Robert was such a great guy – open, honest, and fun to work with. We had so many great conversations about Amy and Finn’s future, and it felt like it would carry us through the rest of the season and beyond. His loss definitely brought us closer as a cast, because you realize you can’t take anything for granted.”

Season 16 is currently airing in the U.S. on UP Faith & Family. Amber believes this season gave Amy the chance to move forward after the death of her husband, Ty.

The Future for Amy and Sam?

“For a few seasons, we focused on honoring Ty’s memory and their relationship, which was so important to the show. It felt respectful to show Amy’s grieving process. But season 16 was about her allowing herself to be happy again.”

Fans were so excited to see Amy start to fall in love again, a storyline that has been a frequent topic of discussion among Heartland fans.

There’s been speculation about whether Sam Langstone could be Amy’s new love interest. Amber offers a little hint.

“I think it’s always interesting to have characters who are present in a woman’s life, offering kindness and support. Sometimes people might see someone as just a neighbor or friend, but life can take unexpected turns. You never know what might happen.”

Looking ahead, Amber says she loves playing Amy and being part of the Heartland world.
Read also: Amber Marshall's journey with Heartland…

“I love this character and the lifestyle the show offers. The film set is amazing – we mostly film outdoors in beautiful locations. Every day is breathtaking! Yes, there are challenging days, but overall, it’s an incredible experience. I can’t imagine a better job.”

Amber believes the show’s success comes from its wholesome and family-friendly nature.

“A lot of the feedback we get is that Heartland brings families closer together. We hear stories of kids watching the show and talking to their grandparents about it. In a world that can feel very disconnected, it’s wonderful to have something that everyone can enjoy and connect over.”