Kristoffer Polaha reflects on a pivotal time in his career as he celebrates the 10th anniversary of his first Hallmark movie, “Dater’s Handbook,” which starred Meghan Markle. The actor is experiencing a significant moment in his career, as he prepares for the premiere of his 21st Hallmark film, “Missing the Boat,” set to air on January 31.
Polaha recently shared insights about his journey on Instagram, noting how quickly a decade has passed since he filmed “Dater’s Handbook.” He described the experience as rapid and rewarding, likening it to opening a series of gifts that kept bringing joy. “Ten years went by in a flash, and it’s been an incredible ride,” he reflected.
On set, Polaha admitted he initially had low expectations for the filming process, anticipating a challenging environment. However, he found unexpected enjoyment and camaraderie during filming. He recounted a memorable incident where he helped guide the director through a challenging scene at a diner. Markle’s supportive words during this moment sparked his interest in directing, which he had not considered seriously before. “She spoke life into that for me,” he recalled, marking a turning point in his career aspirations.
Now, after years of short films, Polaha is set to make his directorial debut with “Mimics,” a romantic horror-comedy featuring a struggling comedian discovering a sentient ventriloquist dummy. He emphasized the leap of faith it took to pursue this new role, attributing part of his newfound confidence to Markle’s encouragement.
As Polaha celebrates landmark achievements, including the upcoming “Missing the Boat” premiere and “Mimics” hitting theaters on February 13, he is also busy with new projects, including a role alongside Jon Hamm and Giovanni Ribisi in the upcoming series “American Hostage.” He expressed excitement about being part of such a high-caliber cast.
Polaha acknowledges this flourishing phase in his career as a realization of his dreams, stating, “I’m making these dreams come true, inviting myself to the table, and doing it on my own terms.” “Missing the Boat” is set to premiere on Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET on January 31, while “Dater’s Handbook” is available to stream on Hallmark+ and “Mimics” will be in theaters nationwide on February 13.