Amber Marshall on Season 17 of ‘Heartland’: Love, Loss, and What’s Next for Amy Fleming
Fans have watched Amber Marshall grow up on screen. Now 35, she’s played Amy Fleming for over 15 years—appearing in more than 250 episodes of Heartland. With Season 17 now underway, the long-running Canadian series is still going strong.
Based on Lauren Brooke’s bestselling novels, Heartland follows the Bartlett-Fleming family on their horse ranch in the fictional town of Hudson, Alberta. But behind the scenic setting is a show built on real emotion—and for Marshall, that connection runs deep.
A Set That Feels Like Home
“We really have become quite a family,” Marshall says of the cast and crew. “We’re playing a family on TV, but it’s not just acting—after so many years together, it’s real.”
That bond was tested in September 2022, when co-star Robert Cormier—who played Amy’s new love interest, Finn Cotter—passed away after a tragic fall.
“It was devastating,” she says, her voice softening. “It really made all of us stop and think about the people in our lives. None of this is guaranteed.”
Growing With Amy
Few actors get the chance to grow up alongside their characters, but Marshall calls it one of the greatest gifts of her career.
“Playing Amy this long lets me evolve with her,” she says. “There’s history in every scene because we’ve all lived it—both on and off camera.”
That long history has shaped Heartland into something more than just a scripted series. “That’s the beauty of a show with this kind of longevity,” she adds. “You don’t have to rush anything. You see the changes, the struggles, the healing—it all unfolds naturally.”
Loss and the Future of Amy’s Heart
Cormier’s sudden death also left a gap in the storyline. Finn was introduced as a possible new chapter for Amy following the unexpected loss of her husband Ty Borden (played by Graham Wardle).
Fans wondered: Would Amy find love again? With Finn, it had seemed like a real possibility.
“That whole storyline was cut short,” Marshall reflects. “It left a lot of people—including us—with unanswered questions.”
Season 16 introduced a new presence in Amy’s life: Sam Langston, played by Shawn Roberts. Could he be the next step in her healing journey?
Marshall isn’t giving much away. “It’s about leaving space for curiosity,” she says. “Viewers don’t always need a clear path. Just like real life, things can shift unexpectedly.”
Why Families Keep Coming Back
For Marshall, the show’s staying power comes down to something simple—and rare.
“People want shows they can watch together,” she says. “That’s harder to find now. I hear stories about grandparents bonding with grandkids over our episodes. It brings families together.”
The show’s core values—kindness, resilience, connection—feel more timely than ever. “At a time when everyone’s glued to screens, Heartland gives people a chance to slow down and reconnect.”
No Plans to Say Goodbye
So, with 17 seasons behind her, is Marshall ready to hang up Amy’s cowboy hat?
“Not at all,” she says with a smile. “This show fits my life perfectly. I live in Alberta. I love the outdoors. I couldn’t imagine a better job. As long as they’ll have me—and as long as fans keep watching—I’ll be here.”
