Before When Calls The Heart, Kevin McGarry Starred In Another Show Based On A Hit Book Series

Fans of the family drama "Heartland" will immediately recognize Canadian actor Kevin McGarry in "When Calls the Heart." Based on the identically named book series, the long-running drama "Heartland" follows sisters Amy (Amber Marshall) and Lou Fleming (Michelle Morgan) on their adventures to run their family's cattle ranch in Alberta. McGarry debuted on "Heartland" Season 9 as Mitch Cutty, a driven ranch hand who eventually attracts the romantic attentions of Lou Fleming. Unlike McGarry's character on "When Calls the Heart," Mitch Cutty did not remain a viable love interest.

After a tense conversation with Lou in Season 14 reveals stark differences in their hopes for their relationship, Cutty moves away from Alberta, putting an end to McGarry's "Heartland" career. The star first appeared on "When Calls the Heart" in 2019 as the stoic Mountie Nathan Grant, whose slow-burn dynamic with Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton (Erin Krakow) finally culminated in a long-awaited engagement at the end of Season 13. In an interview with Parade, "When Calls the Heart" creator Brian Bird ominously affirmed that Kevin McGarry will have plenty to do in the already-confirmed Season 14. "The audience needs to buckle up and not get too comfortable with Nathan and Elizabeth," hinted Bird, "because there is more coming." 

According to McGarry in an interview with Rave It Up, Mitch Cutty was originally only going to appear in two episodes, max. After an unsuccessful first date with Fleming, Mitch's arc started being fleshed out once he was hired on as a new stablehand at the Flemings' ranch. "With "Heartland" ... it's not just how well your character blends in with the story, it's also kind of who you are as a person," the star shared. "They're such a tight family out there ... If you get along with everybody really well ... then they love to keep having you back."

McGarry's harmony with the cast and crew ultimately led to a five year run for Mitch Cutty. His job on the Flemings' ranch offered the "Heartland" writers opportunities to explore the character outside of his relationship with Lou Fleming: Throughout his time on the series, Cutty would develop a strong kinship with Jack Bartlett (Shaun Johnston), Amy and Lou Fleming's grandfather. Although McGarry eventually left "Heartland," he regards his time on the series as an important stepping stone for his career. 

"I was still pretty new at the time — I wasn't doing 'When Calls the Heart'," said McGarry. "I was still ... the quiet guy in the corner watching a lot of this stuff. I remember one of the producers came up and said 'You know, I like how you're just kind of watching ... you're not walking in ... [saying] 'this is what I think.' ... It's still something I do to this day," continued the actor.