For this performer, a love of storytelling began in childhood, evolving from a dream of singing into a full-fledged passion for acting. Whether she’s exploring complex characters, starring in a beloved Hallmark series, or expressing emotions through music, her career is fueled by an unwavering dedication to artistic expression and meaningful connection.
Like many actors, her journey has been filled with both highs and lows—from thrilling auditions to the sting of rejection. Yet, staying inspired and learning from every experience remains essential. She shared, “At six years old, I told my dad I wanted to be a famous opera singer—something he found a bit unusual, but it was the spark that ignited my journey into the world of performing.”
This perspective comes from my interview with Devin Cecchetto, known for her role in The Way Home on the Hallmark Channel. Devin joined the show in season three, portraying the teenage and young adult timelines of Evelyn Goodwin.
She elaborated on her early passion for acting, saying, “It must have been because of my Nonna, who would babysit me, and we’d sing “Ave Maria” on repeat. At the time, I truly thought I’d pursue singing, but acting came into the picture through musical theater. I started with leading roles in school plays and eventually worked my way up to professional productions. I’ve always been an entertainer in some form. I love making the people around me happy! I’m a little dramatic by nature, and I’ve always worn my emotions on my sleeve. Sorry, not sorry! This profession chose me, and I’m incredibly passionate about studying people and their emotions—observing how we all move through life.”
The actress acknowledges the transformative role the show plays in aiding viewers’ healing, recognizing the powerful emotions it evokes and the deep impact it has on fans as they connect with the story and characters. She explains, “As I continue to learn and grow in life, I’ve come to realize that not everyone has the capacity to wear their emotions on their sleeves. I truly believe that working through a story or a character’s emotions can be incredibly healing for people. Watching someone else go through something similar to what they’ve experienced can be a powerful way to heal past wounds. Some characters I portray even teach me lessons. I’m grateful to be a vessel for others to feel and heal through the stories I help bring to life.”
The actress also shared from her personal experience the qualities one needs to strengthen or have courage in when navigating the industry. She emphasized, “Passion, persistence, presence, and love are essential qualities. Acting is an incredibly rewarding career, but it requires a lot of hard work! It’s crucial to maintain your passion for the craft because every actor’s journey is unique and individual. The audition process can be tough, and staying motivated when you don’t land a role can be challenging. You have to find a balance between wanting something so much and not letting the rejection break you. Loving what you do is vital. Jumping from character to character, set to set, continually meeting new people, and opening your heart each time—it’s exhausting, but truly beautiful! I wouldn’t want it any other way. As I continue to grow in this career, I’ve learned that being present is key. You are where you need to be, so take every moment in, embrace it, and share your love and passion. Never give up!’”
“This was my first experience joining a show that had already been established, which was so interesting. Coming into a show that had been running for two years prior brought a unique perspective. I love that Evelyn is a character everyone had heard of but didn’t truly know her story. First and foremost, she’s amazing, and I adore her magical spirit. But what I also love is how viewers get to dive deeper into her story and discover her truths. The set of The Way Home is such a special place—it feels warm and welcoming. It’s a show that’s deeply loved and watched, and I really connected with the story. In turn, I got to learn more about this character who had been talked about, but whose true story was kept a secret.”
She also shared her memories as a student at Sheridan College in Canada. When I asked about her favorite memory, she couldn’t choose just one. “There are way too many to count! That program was amazing! It offered so much, but one experience I will always hold close to my heart was pop class. In third year, every student had the opportunity to find their own voice and create their own pop set with a live band. We all performed at Buddies in Bad Times in downtown Toronto. It was such a unique experience. I got to create beautiful harmonies and even choreograph backup dances with my incredibly talented classmates. It was a very freeing experience because there was no script to follow—you had to be yourself!”
Devin Cecchetto is also an accomplished musician, and her role in The Way Home even sparked new creative inspiration. “My next single, “Ships in the Night”, is set to be released in the next couple of months. Playing Evelyn had such a profound impact on me—I wasn’t quite ready to let her go, and I truly believe that influenced the song’s creation.”
When discussing her musical goals, she shared, “I actually have another song on the way that leans more toward indie. At first, I considered going down the pop route, but I’ve learned to follow my intuition and write based on what I’m feeling in the moment. Life moves fast, and inspiration often strikes when I least expect it, compelling me to share something meaningful. I don’t like to rush the creative process—I let it unfold naturally when the time feels right.”
Reflecting on her recent releases, she explained, “Off My Mind” was a complete shedding of a past self—something I needed to process. Music is always therapeutic for me; it allows me to explore my emotions, then step back and see them from a new perspective. In doing so, I realize that not everything I write is purely personal—it can take on a broader meaning.”
Devin also recognizes the special bond that a series like The Way Home—and its network, The Hallmark Channel—can create, offering a unique opportunity to connect with fans. She shared, “Working with The Hallmark Channel is truly a unique experience. It’s such a welcoming community, both on set and through its fan base. Being part of a show that is so loved and intensely followed is amazing! I also love the fan theories—it’s so much fun to see how engaged and passionate the audience is.”
When asked about her future aspirations, Devin shared her enthusiastic perspective: “The sky’s the limit! I would love to play a superhero or a Disney princess. I’m also very interested in raw, heavy roles—or even comedy. I’m incredibly grateful for my training, as it has made me versatile and ready for anything. You say, “Jump,” and I’ll say, “How high?”
Thank you, Devin and team, for sharing your perspective with Social Lifestyle Magazine. Watching your role in The Way Home was truly inspirational and touching for many of us. We’re so excited to see your career continue to unfold and can’t wait to see where you go next!
The Way Home is available to watch in the United States on The Hallmark Channel and in Canada on the W Network. It is also available on select streaming services.
Photos by: Kevin Chow and Kimal Llyod
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