Amber Marshall on ‘Heartland’ Family, Love, Loss & Amy Finding Love Again

For over 15 years, Heartland fans have grown up with Amber Marshall, the heart and soul of the long-running Canadian drama. As Amy Fleming, she’s guided viewers through heartbreak, healing, and hope — all while grounded in the stunning foothills of fictional Hudson, Alberta.

Now, with Season 17 underway, Marshall reflects on what makes the show — and her character — so timeless.

“We’ve Become a Real Family” — Behind the Scenes of Season 17

“We genuinely care about each other. That kind of connection shows up on screen.”
— Amber Marshall

Filming Heartland has never been just a job for Amber. The cast and crew have evolved into a true family over nearly two decades — one that mirrors the warmth and resilience of the Bartlett-Fleming clan they portray.

She compares it to high school friends becoming your extended family — only here, the friendships run even deeper because they live out those bonds on and off screen.

Amy’s Growth Mirrors Amber’s Own Journey

Few actors have the privilege of portraying one character for as long as Marshall has played Amy. And that longevity has created something rare — a natural, almost seamless blend between actress and role.

“There are stories pulled straight from my life. When Amy got married, it mirrored my own wedding. I’ve lived through her ups and downs.”

That overlap allows her to bring authenticity to emotional moments — especially as Amy navigated life as a grieving widow after losing Ty (Graham Wardle), and now, slowly, begins opening her heart again.

Watching Lyndy Grow Up Onscreen

Season 17 also marks a turning point for Lyndy, Amy’s daughter, who’s showing early signs of inheriting her mother’s “horse-whisperer” skills.

Marshall beams when talking about Ruby and Emmanuella Spencer, the twin sisters who play Lyndy. Having known them since they were babies, she says:

“They’ve grown up on set — and in many ways, they feel like my own.”

That real bond spills into their scenes together, adding even more emotional depth to Amy’s evolution as both a mother and a woman.

Losing Finn, Remembering Robert: A Cast Still Healing

One of the most emotional turns came with the unexpected death of Robert Cormier, who played Finn Cotter — Amy’s potential new love interest in Season 16.

“We were developing a beautiful story arc together,” Amber says. “It was heartbreaking to lose him — not just as a castmate, but as a friend.”

His passing shook the cast deeply, serving as a reminder of life’s fragility. Yet, in their grief, the Heartland team found renewed purpose and deeper connection.

Is Amy Ready to Love Again?

Season 16 gave Amy — and fans — room to breathe after Ty’s death. It honored his legacy, while gently introducing the possibility of new love.

Now, many wonder if Sam Langston (Shawn Roberts) could become something more than a friend.

“Life has a way of surprising us,” Marshall teases. “Just like in real life, sometimes people are just friends — until they’re not.”

The ambiguity is intentional. After all, Heartland has never been about quick fixes, but about letting characters — and viewers — heal at their own pace.

Why Amber’s Not Ready to Say Goodbye

Amber Marshall isn’t going anywhere.

“Every day I show up to work, I think — how lucky am I? This job fits my life so perfectly. I live in Alberta. I love Alberta. And I love this show.”

Whether it’s riding horses under the summer sun or shooting scenes in 30-below temperatures, she’s committed to Amy’s journey for as long as Heartland will have her.

A Story That Feels Real

At a time when TV is often dark or divisive, Heartland stands out for its wholesome, multigenerational storytelling.

“Parents, kids, even grandparents can sit down and watch together,” says Marshall. “It brings people closer — and that’s something really special.”

That’s the secret behind its 17-season run — and why fans across the globe still feel like part of the Heartland family.