If you’re a fan of Heartland, you’ve likely grown up alongside Amber Marshall. The 35-year-old actress has played Amy Fleming for over 15 years, appearing in more than 250 episodes and counting, with the milestone 17th season now in production. Based on the beloved bestselling book series, Heartland tells the story of the Bartlett-Fleming family, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Alberta’s rolling foothills in the fictional town of Hudson.
For Amy, ranch life means being surrounded by the open countryside and the horses she cares for. But that rural setting hasn’t always been peaceful. Much like Amy, Amber and the rest of the cast have faced their share of challenges over the years. One such devastating moment was the loss of Robert Cormier, who played Amy’s love interest, Finn Cotter. Robert tragically passed away last September following a fall, a loss that hit the Heartland family hard.
Yet, as the longest-running drama in Canadian TV history, Heartland continues to expand its fanbase beyond Canada. Recently named one of the Top 5 Most Streamed Shows in the U.S., the series premiered its 16th season stateside on UP Faith & Family earlier this year. Between filming for season 17, Amber took a moment to reflect on the special bond shared on set, her role as Amy, and what’s next for both her character and the series.
The Heartland Family: A Cast That Feels Like Home
What’s the vibe like on set as you work on season 17?
Amber Marshall: It’s hard to imagine spending this much time with the same group of people and not feeling like family. We’ve been together for so many years now, and it feels a lot like the friendships you make in high school that turn into family over time. What’s funny is that we’re playing a family on screen, but we’re also something like a family behind the scenes. We genuinely care about each other, and I think that connection really shows on screen. The longevity of the show has allowed our characters—and our relationships—to feel more real and layered because we’ve lived so much of it together.
Amy’s Journey: Personal Growth On and Off Screen
How do you view Amy’s evolution after all these years?
It’s incredibly rare for an actor to play the same character for this long, and getting to grow alongside Amy has been such a gift. What’s been especially unique is how the writers often look at what’s happening in my real life and find ways to mirror that in Amy’s storylines. For example, when I got married, our showrunner at the time, Heather Conkie, was at my wedding taking notes. I laughed and said, “I’m going to see this on screen in a year or two, aren’t I?” And sure enough, stories inspired by my wedding popped up later in the show.
It’s been amazing because it allows me to bring a lot of authenticity to Amy's experiences. When life hands her a storyline that I’ve gone through myself, I know how it feels and how to channel that into her emotions. It feels natural because, in many ways, I’ve lived it too.
A New Generation: Amy’s Daughter Lyndy Steps Into Her Role
Fans are really enjoying watching Amy’s daughter, Lyndy, come into her own. What’s it like working with Ruby and Emmanuella Spencer, the twins who play her?
The twins, Ruby and Emmanuella, were cast as Lyndy when they were just six months old, so it’s surreal to see how much they’ve grown. They’ll turn seven this summer! Watching them learn and develop—both as actresses and as kids—has been such a rewarding experience for me, not just as an actor but as a kind of mother figure to them. I’ve spent so much time with these girls over the years, and they truly feel like part of my family. I think that real bond between us brings so much authenticity to their performance and to our interactions on screen. It’s been a joy to see little Lyndy follow in Amy’s footsteps, especially with her horse-whisperer abilities starting to shine through.
Overcoming Tragedy: The Loss of Robert Cormier
Season 16 saw Amy begin to open her heart to love again, but fans were heartbroken by the sudden passing of Robert Cormier, who played Finn. How has the cast been coping?
Robert’s passing was a shock to us all. It was devastating on so many levels, especially since fans were just starting to see Amy fall in love again. Robert was such a kind, honest, and open person to work with. We spent so much time talking about future arcs for Amy and Finn and where their story might go. It’s heartbreaking that those plans never came to fruition.
When we learned about his passing, it was a moment of deep reflection for everyone. It was a reminder of how fragile life is and how important it is to cherish the people around us. Tragedies like this have a strange way of bringing people closer. On set, I think we all gained a renewed appreciation for one another. It’s a bond that’s only grown stronger.
Amy Finding Love Again: Teasing Season 17
Season 16 really marked a turning point for Amy. How do you feel about where her story is heading?
Season 16 was finally a season where Amy started to move forward. After losing her husband, Ty, there were a few seasons where we wanted to honor that loss. It gave fans time to grieve with Amy and to show the process of a single mom navigating life for her daughter. But as meaningful as those seasons were, they were incredibly heavy—for me as an actor and for fans of the show. It was emotionally taxing to live in that grief every day.
By season 16, we let Amy begin to open up again. We showed her rediscovering happiness and giving herself permission to move on. It’s such a beautiful, hopeful place for her to be, and I think fans are ready to cheer her on as she steps into this next chapter.
There’s been a lot of speculation about whether Sam is Amy’s next love interest. Can you tease anything?
I love how the show drops hints without fully committing. Life is like that—you never know what’s around the corner. Sam’s been a steady presence in Amy’s life, kind of like a friend who’s always just there. Sometimes in real life, a neighbor, a coworker, or a friend can unexpectedly become something more. I think that’s what makes Amy’s storylines so engaging. It keeps viewers guessing, but always in a way that feels grounded in reality.
The Heartland Legacy: Why Fans Keep Watching
What do you think has kept Heartland so beloved for so many years?
The show offers something rare today: family-friendly content that brings people together. I hear so many stories from fans about parents, kids, and grandparents all sitting down to watch Heartland as a family. In such a fast-paced, disconnected world, the show gives people a way to connect—not just to the characters but to each other. It’s a wholesome escape, and I think that’s more important now than ever.
Riding Into the Sunset
How much longer do you see yourself playing Amy?
Honestly, I feel so lucky to do what I do. Filming outdoors, working with incredible people and animals—it’s a dream job. I live in Alberta, I love Alberta, and I don’t want to be anywhere else. I’ll ride this horse for as long as I can.
Related Links:
- Watch Heartland on UP Faith & Family
- Heartland Official Website
- Amber Marshall on Instagram
- Heartland Books by Lauren Brooke
Heartland continues to thrive, not just as a show but as a comforting tradition for fans across generations. With season 17 on the horizon, it seems this beloved story is far from over.