Andie MacDowell’s Emotional Reaction to Young Del in The Way Home

Andie MacDowell, a beloved actress, recently shared insights into the challenges and emotions she faced while seeing a younger version of her character, Del Landry, being developed for the show’s third season. During a panel discussion at *The People Interview: Hallmark’s The Way Home* event, MacDowell opened up about the complexities of portraying a character whose past is being fleshed out in such detail, and the importance of maintaining the integrity of her character. This article delves into MacDowell’s experience, her collaboration with the show’s writers and producers, and the advice she imparted to Julia Tomasone, the actress portraying young Del.

Andie MacDowell’s Protective Stance on Del Landry

Andie MacDowell, 66, has been a staple in the entertainment industry for decades, and her role as Del Landry in *The Way Home* has garnered significant attention. The character’s development has always been close to her heart, and seeing a younger version of Del being introduced brought about unexpected challenges. MacDowell expressed that the process of watching her character’s youth being detailed was *terrifying*.

Challenges of Portraying a Character’s Youth

MacDowell revealed that actress Julia Tomasone, 26, who plays the teenage version of Del, does a commendable job. However, the experience was daunting for MacDowell because it felt like her own development was being scrutinized. She explained that her character is essentially going back in time and uncovering aspects of her past that she had no prior knowledge of. This led to a mix of emotions as she navigated the portrayal of Del’s past, present, and future.

Collaboration with Writers and Producers

Understanding the significance of Del’s character, MacDowell took an active role in collaborating with the show’s writers and producers. She made several suggestions to ensure that the portrayal of young Del aligned with her vision of the character.

One of her primary concerns was that the initial writing made young Del seem *spoiled*, which did not resonate with her understanding of the character.

Ensuring Character Consistency

MacDowell emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in Del’s character, particularly her connection to the farm, which she felt was integral to Del’s identity.

She was relieved when the writers made the necessary changes, allowing her to feel more at ease with the direction the character was taking.

MacDowell highlighted that while the writers had control over her character’s history, she felt a deep connection to who Del is, and it was crucial for her to voice her concerns.

Advice to Julia Tomasone

As a seasoned actress, MacDowell shared valuable advice with Julia Tomasone, who portrays young Del.

She encouraged Tomasone to *listen to the show* and pay attention to the choices MacDowell made for Del’s accent.

MacDowell explained that she made a deliberate choice to differentiate between the two generations of Del by altering her voice.

Voice Modulation and Character Depth

For the present-day Del, MacDowell opted for a hoarser, tougher, and coarser voice, reflecting the character’s experiences of loss.

In contrast, she lightened her voice when portraying Del in the ’90s. This nuanced approach was aimed at making the character’s journey more believable.

MacDowell also mentioned that she requested the writers to make Del from the South to avoid having to work too hard on the accent, as she did not want Del to be an *overly southern character*.

Conclusion

Andie MacDowell’s dedication to her role as Del Landry in *The Way Home* is evident. She takes a proactive approach to character development and collaborates with the show’s creative team. Her insights and advice to Julia Tomasone highlight the importance of consistency and authenticity in portraying complex characters. As the series continues to explore Del’s past, present, and future, fans can look forward to a richer, more nuanced portrayal, thanks to MacDowell’s unwavering commitment to her character.

For more updates on *The Way Home* and other celebrity news, sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter. Catch new episodes of *The Way Home* on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel. Episodes are available the next day on Hallmark+ and Peacock.