Jesse Metcalfe has carved a notable path through the entertainment industry, transitioning from his early days on soap operas to becoming a recognizable face in primetime dramas and, more recently, a star on the Hallmark Channel’s original series, Chesapeake Shores. This series, which premiered to strong ratings and has cultivated a devoted fanbase, highlights Metcalfe’s versatility and enduring appeal. His role as Trace Riley in Chesapeake Shores is a significant chapter in a career marked by memorable performances.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Metcalfe first captured audience attention on the NBC soap opera Passions, where he portrayed Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald. This early role laid the groundwork for his subsequent rise to fame. He then became a household name for his performance as John Rowland in the critically acclaimed ABC series Desperate Housewives, a role that spanned several seasons and cemented his status as a leading man. Further television ventures included a starring role in the series Chase and a significant part in the revival of the iconic 80s drama Dallas.
Big Screen Appearances
Beyond his television work, Metcalfe has also made his mark on the big screen. He starred in the popular teen comedy John Tucker Must Die, sharing the screen with future Chesapeake Shores co-star Meghan Ory. His filmography also includes roles in Beyond a Reasonable Doubt and the inspirational drama God’s Not Dead 2.
Crafting the Character of Trace Riley
Metcalfe’s involvement in Chesapeake Shores stemmed from a previous collaboration with the Hallmark Channel on The Country Wedding, where he portrayed a country music artist. When the opportunity arose to join Chesapeake Shores, based on Sheryl Woods’ book series, Metcalfe was presented with the character of Trace Riley. Initially, Trace was a less prominent figure in the books and a graphic designer. However, through a collaborative process involving Metcalfe, the Hallmark Channel, and pilot writer Nancy Silvers, the character was significantly developed and tailored to Metcalfe’s strengths and interests. A key appeal for Metcalfe was the integration of a music element into the series, a departure from the books, which allowed him to showcase another facet of his talent.
Navigating Source Material and On-Screen Chemistry
Unlike some of his co-stars, Metcalfe was not discouraged from reading the books. He read approximately half of the first book but found that it offered limited insight into his character, leading him and the creative team to take significant artistic license with Trace’s development. The on-screen chemistry between Metcalfe and Meghan Ory, who plays Abby O’Brien, is a highlight of the series. Their established history working together prior to Chesapeake Shores contributes to this dynamic. Metcalfe describes Ory as a great co-worker, actor, and friend, emphasizing that their genuine friendship translates into believable on-screen chemistry.
Unveiling Trace’s Past and Future
A significant narrative arc for Trace Riley involves his mysterious past in Nashville. Metcalfe was keen to incorporate a “dark past” and a secret for his character, which would be gradually revealed throughout the season. This element of intrigue, where Trace keeps aspects of his history hidden from those who knew him as a young man, adds depth to the character. The storyline culminates in an emotional scene where Trace reveals his Nashville experiences to Abby, which Metcalfe found particularly rewarding to perform.
Working with a Stellar Ensemble Cast
Chesapeake Shores boasts a multi-generational cast, including veteran actors Diane Ladd and Treat Williams, alongside Barbara Niven and Emilie Ullerup. Metcalfe expressed his privilege in working with such accomplished performers, particularly Ladd and Williams, from whom he has heard many engaging stories and anecdotes. The series also introduces Metcalfe’s on-screen parents mid-season, further enriching the familial dynamics. Metcalfe describes the show as a blend of Parenthood and Nashville, emphasizing its focus on relationships and character development, elements he believes audiences crave in the current television landscape.
Themes of Family, Healing, and Second Chances
A central theme of Chesapeake Shores is the paramount importance of family, even within dysfunctional dynamics. The show explores the process of healing old wounds, letting go of past pain and resentment, and the idea that it is “never too late to start over.” Metcalfe notes that Abby’s hesitation to rekindle her relationship with Trace is understandable due to her responsibilities as a mother, but his character aims to help her realize that personal happiness and love are still attainable.
Metcalfe’s Musical Aspirations
Music plays a significant role in Chesapeake Shores, and Metcalfe has been actively involved in songwriting and performing. He contributed two original songs to the series, “When It’s Real” and “Begin Again,” and also recorded another track used in the first eight episodes. This experience has fueled his long-held desire to release an album of original material, an endeavor he is currently focused on.
The Hallmark Universe and Authentic Storytelling
Metcalfe has worked with the Hallmark Channel on three occasions, including Fairfield Road over ten years ago. He praises Hallmark for its supportive environment and consistent quality. He particularly appreciates the layered complexity of the characters in Chesapeake Shores, finding them more realistic and relatable than those in some other Hallmark productions. He states, “The O’Brien family is dysfunctional and the Riley family is dysfunctional, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t keep trying to work on those relationships because that’s real and that’s real life.” This commitment to authentic storytelling, mirroring real-life challenges, makes the show compelling.
Looking Ahead in Season One
The first season of Chesapeake Shores promises further intrigue, with a woman from Trace’s past arriving and complicating his relationship with Abby. This development also inspires him to create new music, including a duet titled “Lean.”
New episodes of Chesapeake Shores air Sundays at 9/8c on the Hallmark Channel.
**Photos Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographers/Marcel Williams/Brendan Meadows/Ricardo Hubbs**