Ty Borden IRL: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Graham Wardle
He didn’t mean to become an actor—at first
Graham Wardle’s first audition wasn’t something he planned. At just six years old, he and his mother unknowingly sat in a waiting room filled with children auditioning for commercials. Instead of leaving, he gave it a try—and landed the part.
That spontaneous moment kickstarted a career that would eventually lead to one of Canadian TV’s most beloved characters.
He showed up to his first riding lesson in shorts
When Heartland first began filming, Graham Wardle had zero horseback experience. His first riding lesson? Just a few days before cameras rolled. He showed up in shorts and sneakers, not realizing just how un-ranch-ready that was.
The wardrobe department quickly fixed that with a proper pair of cowboy boots. He’s been riding—more appropriately—ever since.
Wardle’s favorite horse? Sugarfoot.
He’s been in Supernatural and other cult hits
Before settling into the role of Ty Borden, Wardle appeared in shows like The New Addams Family, Life As We Know It, and Supernatural. He even acted alongside Kristen Stewart and Meg Ryan in the film Land of the Women.
Still, it was Heartland that turned him into a household name—for fans of Canadian TV and beyond.
He left Heartland after 14 years—for a reason
Wardle’s departure in Season 14 was one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s history. Ty’s death wasn’t sensational—it was quiet, unexpected, and emotionally raw.
Wardle explained that he left to explore new directions. After spending half his life on one show, he felt the time had come to grow beyond it. “It was a call to move into the unknown,” he said in a podcast.
He wrote a book that blends poetry and photography
Wardle’s self-published book, Find Your Truth, is part journal, part visual diary. It includes his thoughts, reflections, and original photography. Every copy comes with a signed photo, and all proceeds go to charity.
One of his most quoted lines:
“I created this book as a window into the aspects of life I find beautiful and challenging.”
You can find it on his website: grahamwardleonline.com
A football injury helped steer him toward the arts
In 2003, Wardle played football for the New Westminster Hyacks. A concussion changed everything. The injury nudged him to focus fully on film and storytelling—something he’d always felt drawn to but hadn’t yet committed to.
It was one of those strange forks in the road that ends up shaping a life.
He’s deeply involved in charity—and not for show
Wardle isn’t just an actor who donates. He’s someone who actively works on the ground. From flood relief efforts in Alberta to fundraising for survivors of abuse and cancer patients, he consistently gives his time and platform to causes he believes in.
In 2013, he co-founded Cruise With A Cause, a motorcycle-based fundraiser for local charities in British Columbia and Alberta.
To date, his online shop has raised more than $26,000 for groups like the Canadian Mental Health Association and The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada.
He’s also a filmmaker and co-founder of a production company
Wardle studied film at Capilano University in Vancouver and graduated in 2007. He later co-founded Lone Maverick, an independent production company, and even produced a short film (The Vessel) as part of the Crazy 8’s competition.
Filmmaking isn’t just a backup plan—it’s another passion.
He runs a podcast about life’s deeper questions
In 2020, Wardle launched a podcast called Time Has Come, where he talks to guests about personal growth, transformation, and the courage to take the next step—even when it’s uncertain.
Episodes are available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and his website.
No—he’s not married to Amber Marshall
Though Ty and Amy are one of Heartland’s most cherished couples, Graham and Amber are not a couple in real life. They’ve always had a close friendship, but nothing romantic.
Graham was previously married to Alison Wardle. They quietly divorced in 2018. In a Facebook Live session in 2020, he mentioned the split and respectfully said they had simply grown apart.
A note on his tattoos
Wardle has two tattoos—each with purpose.
- Left arm: “Know Yourself”
- Right arm: “Be Yourself”
He explained the symbolism this way:
“The left side of the body represents the inner world and the right side the outer. One reminds me to reflect. The other reminds me to live out that reflection.”
Want more Heartland stories?
Check out: Why Did Graham Wardle Leave Heartland?
