Actress Julia Reilly talks about starring in “County Rescue” on Great American Family. This is the network’s first original series.
The synopsis is: In “County Rescue,” Dani (Julia Reilly) and the other EMTs in training are courageous, everyday heroes. But with only one opening for three trainees, Dani’s faith in herself is tested each and every call.
Dani believes her calling is to save lives. Now, she has to prove it.
How is your experience in “County Rescue” on Great American Family?
My experience on “County Rescue” has been amazing. So much of that has to do with this cast. They are truly my second family. We’ve been through so much together, and I’m constantly inspired by their talents, professionalism, and hearts of gold.
We have so much fun making this show, and I know I’ll look back at this time in my life and have made some of my greatest memories with this cast and crew.
What do you like most about your character?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite thing about Dani. I adore her and relate to her on many levels. However, I really admire Dani’s hope and dedication to her faith. Even when she faces challenges, her hope remains in the Lord.
While that doesn’t always appear to be steadfast for her, because we are all human and life presents obstacles, she always finds her way back to cling to the hope that His plan for her life is greater than her own. And because of this hope, she lives her life in light and love.
How does it feel to be a part of the Great American Family network?
It is such a joy to be a part of the Great American Family network. I’m grateful and proud to work with them in making content that is positive, inspiring, and full of messages of hope.
I love that people of all ages can watch this show and find something or someone to relate to in this story. Bill Abbott and the entire team at Great American Media are so lovely and really great at what they do.
I’m inspired by all the work they put in to bring this kind of content to their viewers.
What’s it like having Lauren Swickard as the head writer of Season 2?
I love Lauren Swickard. She is such a gem. Not only is she immensely talented, but she puts her all into everything she does – from this show, to her family, to all her other projects.
I learned a lot working with Lauren and am so grateful to have found a lifelong friendship with her. She is passionate about the projects she chooses to take on and has so much love in her heart for this entire cast and crew.
She is such a special person and working with her was a blessing.
How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
That’s a great question. I have a love/hate relationship with the digital age. Oftentimes, I wish I could live in a world without social media and just have a flip phone.
I think people have a harder time staying present with how prevalent technology and social media are in our lives.
However, there is beauty in it too. It is helpful on a work front, and in my case, very cool that I can promote “County Rescue” and other projects online. It’s also lovely to stay connected on social media with friends and family I don’t see as much as I’d like.
In terms of streaming, this has allowed more projects to be made and more stories to be told.
As an artist, that is definitely a gift as opportunities don’t feel as few and far between anymore. We all have the ability to make and share our own projects as well which is so awesome!
What do your plans for the future include?
My plan is to take it day by day and see what doors open! I would love for those plans to include more acting projects that allow me to grow as an artist.
In the meantime, I’m trying to stay present which can be very difficult in this industry, but as silly as it sounds, my dog really helps me in that area. He doesn’t worry about anything in the future, he just lives in the moment.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors?
My advice for younger actors is to enjoy the journey- the highs and the lows. And also, don’t compare yourself to anyone else. In the end, all of our paths will look completely different, and that’s the beauty of life and humanity.
Stay patient and persistent, and if you really have the love and passion for this, the opportunities meant for you will come along. However, don’t just sit back.
Take acting classes if you can, film scenes with your friends (you can do this on your phone), and make sure you’re having fun while you’re doing it. The last thing I want to add is to make sure you have a life outside of acting.
Life is so much more than the work we do- it’s about the people we love and get to be on this journey with. So find other hobbies, hang out with your friends, call your grandma, and tell the special people in your life that you love them.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
I love this question too, and success definitely looks different for everyone. For myself, I think what truly brings me the feeling of ‘success’ is a life with my faith at the forefront, and having people in my life to love and spend time with. Those things are so fulfilling.
Some specific things I find beautiful- a family dinner, laughing with friends, a walk with my dog, or a phone call with a friend I haven’t caught up with in a while.
Of course, I also have other career dreams and goals I would love to accomplish as well!
What would you like to tell our readers about “County Rescue”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
“County Rescue” is truly a show for everyone- it has a little bit of everything in it! I really want people to walk away from watching this show with a sense of hope.
Life can be hard, and we see that play out through the characters’ journeys in this show, but we can all cling to hope through trials and tribulations.
Hope that tomorrow will be better, hope that our next “yes” as an actor will come from our next audition, and ultimately, hope in God’s plans for our lives.
I’ll leave you with this — Isaiah 40:31 NIV reads, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
To learn more about Julia Reilly, follow her on Instagram.
