Interview with Riley Smith from Christmas in Conway

It’s the beginning of the holiday movie season, and tonight, ABC is airing Christmas in Conway, a touching, romantic Christmas love story that teaches us how selfless and true love can be.

Recently, Riley Smith, who plays the adorable Tommy Harris, took the time to chat with me about this movie and life in general. His character is a landscape designer that is helping Duncan (Andy Garcia) make a beautiful Christmas surprise come true for his dying wife, Suzy (Mary-Louise Parker). Tommy has his own romantic encounter with the home-care nurse, Natalie (Mandy Moore).

Jump ahead to read more about Riley.

When asked what it was about this movie that drew Riley in, he told me that it was, “The amazing cast of Andy Garcia, Mary Louise Parker, and Mandy Moore, and the story was great.”

I agree the cast is amazing, but it was definitely the story that really drew us in. Riley describes the movie as an “endearing Christmas movie about eternal love with a nice balance of comedy.”

When it comes to romance, Riley is romantic in real life, just like the movies. He enjoys the classic, “drive up the coast, usually ending at a vineyard.” Although his comedic side can admit that his answer sounded a little bit “like an answer on a dating game show.”

Speaking of his comedic side, Riley was on the fabulously hilarious and yet dramatic show, Freaks and Geeks. This is one of those shows that unfortunately got cancelled before its time, and as Riley said, “It was a great/unique show that proved that some shows don’t get the chance they deserve to find an audience.”

Besides his appearance in Christmas in Conway, he’s going to be guest starring on Beauty and the Beast for a two-episode arc. Currently, he is in Austin working on Deliverance Creek, a back door pilot produced by the amazing Nicholas Sparks.

In conclusion, I asked a few quick questions that give a glance into who Riley is outside of acting.

Favorite TV Show: “Modern Family.”
His TV Crush: “Being that I love Modern Family, how can I not go with Sofia Vergara?”
Choice of shows to guest star on: “I would have loved to guest star on The West Wing. I love Aaron Sorkin’s writing.”
On his playlist: “Everything but heavy metal.”
His guilty pleasure: “Music.”

If you weren’t planning on tuning in to ABC tonight at 9/8c to watch Christmas in Conway, then I urge you to reconsider. This movie is heart-warming, and Riley is a fantastic actor.

– Megan