When Calls The Heart's Pascale Hutton Played A Key Character In This Forgotten Sci-Fi Series

Years before becoming a Hallmark staple and appearing in the best episodes of "When Calls the Heart," Pascale Hutton recurred in "Sanctuary," an underrated sci-fi series that's not widely talked about today. "Sanctuary" focused on Dr. Helen Magnus' (Amanda Tapping) attempts to provide a safe haven for creatures with otherworldly powers (some human, some not). Despite being labeled "abnormals," Magnus and her inner circle — including Dr. Will Zimmerman (Robin Dunne) — work hard to help them.

Hutton played Abby Corrigan, an FBI agent. While Abby only appeared in nine episodes, her arc was closely tied to Will, who she was romantically involved with. Given the nature of their work, you can guess that their romance was anything but typical and full of mischief. From getting kidnapped on a date to hunting for a lost creature in the sewer, Abby and Will's burgeoning relationship was tested well beyond reason. 

Although Pascale Hutton is best known for "When Calls the Heart," her role on "Sanctuary" added another layer to her acting arsenal. When speaking about her lengthy professional relationship with director Martin Wood, she dished about the hand he had in helping her land the show years earlier. "He hired me for one of the first things I ever did, which was an episode of 'Stargate Atlantis,'" Hutton told Pop Culture Principle. "A couple of years later, he was doing a series called 'Sanctuary' and he hired me when I was pregnant with my first child."

In another interview with Pop Culture Principle, Hutton discussed her background in music — which includes musical theater and opera — and how it factored into her onscreen work. "I did a science fiction show several years ago called 'Sanctuary' and they did a musical episode that revolved around my character and I got to sing these beautiful original songs that were created for the show," she said.

The conversation later shifted to the genres that resonated with Hutton the most as an actor. Unfortunately for fans of her work on "Sanctuary" and other sci-fi shows, she revealed that she wasn't necessarily seeking out the genre — although Vancouver was home to many shows that fell under that umbrella. Above all, she wanted to play well-written, interesting characters that challenged her. Given her resume, it's clear that Hutton achieved her goal!