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Kristin Booth has built a career in choosing roles that are daring and unconventional. Whether it is playing Ethel Kennedy in the History Channel’s mini-series The Kennedys to her Award-winning work in 2007’s controversial film YPF, Kristin is definitely not one to settle on what many may consider a typical role.

Her next role is on the new Hallmark series Signed, Sealed, Delivered which was created by Martha Williamson, the person behind the long running hit Touched By An Angel. The series premieres this Sunday, April 20 (8pm ET/7pm CT). Kristin plays Shane McInerney, a technophile who brings 21st century sensibility to the group.

The busy actress was kind enough to talk with the Pop Culture Principle during a break while filming Signed, Sealed, Delivered. She discusses her role on the show, the importance of love and faith and why there is a place in today’s television landscape for this show.

Pop Culture Principle – What was it about the script for Signed, Sealed, Delivered that made you want to be part of the project?

Kristin Booth – Well, there are a couple of things. Certainly the fact that Martha Williamson was behind it, because she has such an amazing track record with Touched By An Angel. When I read the pilot, the writing was so good, and the characters are so well developed and interesting and funny. The other thing that really appealed to me was the type of show it is. Although I really love a lot of cable television that is on TV right now, not a lot of it is really family friendly when you really look at it. I have a two year-old daughter right now and when she is ten or twelve years old, this is something that I would be really proud to show her. Those are the two biggest reasons, but also Eric Mabius coming on board to play Oliver. I was very blessed and fortunate to be cast as Shane.

Pop Culture Principle – Can you tell us what Signed, Sealed, Delivered is about?

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Kristin Booth – In a way, it’s a little bit of a love letter to the US Post Office. We are a group of postal detectives in a sense that we find the rightful owners of dead letters. Letters that are either misaddressed or the address is for some reason obscured or destroyed. We find these homeless letters and find their rightful homes. In doing so, we bring people together with lost loves, and sometimes we even save lives. What I love the most about the show is that it’s a real blend of drama and comedy, and it’s very touching: funny and sweet all at the same time.

Pop Culture Principle – With the age of email and social media, basing the show around letters from the United States Postal Service is a pretty interesting idea. Do you think this gives the show a more personal feel?

Kristin Booth – Definitely. There is a quote from the two-hour movie that was the pilot that says, “It’s the last chance for the written word.” There is something to be said about someone sitting down and writing a letter to someone and sticking a stamp on it. There’s a face that goes along with that, that the letter will arrive to its destination. There is something so romantic about that; it is lost in the twenty-first century with emails, texts, abbreviations, and the loss of cursive in school, and so on. Another thing I love about the show is that there is nostalgia to it, and it would be great if this show sparked a reinvigoration of people writing letters again. It’s very different to hold something in your hand that someone you care about or know actually touched themselves as well.

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Pop Culture Principle – Can you tell us a bit about your character Shane McInerney?

Kristin Booth – Shane is the technophile of the group. She’s the voice of reason. She is very much a twenty-first century gal who is up to date on all the technical advancements with computers, tablets, and iPhones. She comes into this world where it’s almost like going back in time, and brings with her a spark of newness. She also challenges Oliver and his team to rethink things a little bit. Not to give up what they have established and what they love and adore, but to sort of tweak it a little bit and open their eyes to the fact that the twenty-first century isn’t all that bad.

Pop Culture Principle – One of the great dynamics on the show is between your character and Eric Mabius’ character. There is a definite push-and-pull aspect to the relationship. What is it like playing that relationship with Eric Mabius?

Kristin Booth – It is fantastic! Eric is great to work with and he’s a consummate professional. He really raises the bar and challenges me as an actor, which I really love. The characters are so well written and so much fun to play; it’s like the old days of Moonlighting with Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepard. I loved the back and forth between the two of them, and Eric and I have a lot of fun portraying our characters.

Pop Culture Principle –Themes play a big part in the series. Two that are apparent from the beginning are love and faith. How important are themes to the series?

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Kristin Booth – I think they are intrinsic to the series. We tap into something in the human psyche that is there for everyone no matter how busy everyone gets, no matter how technical that our world gets. You cannot deny that people still have a heart and still have things and people they want to believe in. This show is about that. It’s about that faith in humanity, and the faith that love will conquer all in some sense. I think without the faith and the love, this show wouldn’t have the charm that it does.

Pop Culture Principle – The series also has some great guest stars coming up with Valerie Harper and Della Reese. What was it like working with those television legends?

Kristin Booth – There are really no words to describe it. I am working with people who have worked for decades in this industry, and have forged a path for others and coined phrases. It’s amazing! We have been so blessed because everyone—no matter how iconic—who has come on the show, is just a wonderful person and such a treat to work with. We have a lot of fun working on the set and there is a real supportive dynamic. People come on our show and we welcome them with open arms. We are so excited and happy to have all of our guest stars.

Pop Culture Principle – With the popularity of dark shows like Hannibal, Criminal Minds and The Killing, do you think that it’s time for more positive shows like Signed, Sealed, Delivered?

Kristin Booth – I think there is a need for shows like ours right now. I am not saying we don’t love and want those shows, because they are fantastic and there is a need for them, but I think there is a lack of what Signed, Sealed, Delivered can offer to their audience. You can sit down with your entire family and share an experience, go on a journey with them, and you don’t have to worry about what’s going to be shown.

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Pop Culture Principle – What would you like the audience to take away from the show after watching it?

Kristin Booth – I would like them to take away just a sense of joy and adventure.

Pop Culture Principle – What can the fans look forward during the first season of the series?

Kristin Booth – Well for the first season, they can expect more amazing guest stars. They can expect to see the relationships of our core cast—Oliver, Shane, Rita and Norman—develop and flourish. It’s not going to be without bumps in the road because that is the way life is, but it also makes for great television.

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