Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Crossword Mysteries’ Romaine Waite

There’s no mystery surrounding Romaine Waite. The gifted actor is one of Hollywood’s fast-rising leading men and one to keep your eye on. His growing résumé includes projects like Shadowhunters, The Mist, Star Trek: Discovery, and the popular Hallmark franchise Crossword Mysteries. Pop Culturalist spoke with Romaine about Crossword Mysteries and learned whether another installment is on the way.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Romaine: It was a small indie film. At the time, I wasn’t actively pursuing a career in entertainment. I had taken drama in high school and done a few plays, but acting as a career had never crossed my mind. Needless to say, I went for the audition simply because it was a new experience for me. Little did I know this would be the catalyst for my journey. Moral of the story: always be open to new experiences. You never know where they’ll lead.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence in your career?
Romaine: There are various situations and people that have influenced me. If I had to pinpoint one, it would be my father.

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Romaine: How to act. Honestly, I feel like I’m still trying to figure it out. With each role, I’m learning new techniques that I wish I had for the previous role. However, I do feel that this is the process for any creative field. I now understand that it’s about constant growth and exploration.

PC: Tell us about the Crossword Mysteries, your character, and what drew you to this franchise.
Romaine: The series follows Logan [Brennan Elliott] and Tess [Lacey Chabert] as they try to solve murders with traditional and nontraditional methods. I join the series for the second and third installment as Detective Winston Sams. He’s a rookie detective and eager to prove himself to his partner Logan O’Connor [Brennan]. In the script, this character is really sharp. He’s focused on finding inconsistent elements in each case and making them available to his partner for further investigation.

I was given the freedom to bring Winston to life in my own way, which involved understanding all the unique tactics forensic investigators use to solve crimes. The series is grounded and somewhat gritty, different from what you might expect from Hallmark. So far it has been a fun experience playing this character. The universe seems to be sending me a lot of roles that focus on crime and mystery. I don’t mind at all.

PC: There have been rumors that we may get a fourth installment. If you could write a storyline for Winston, what would it be and why?
Romaine: I think it’s always interesting to see what a character like this does outside of his career. Definitely exploring his love life and/or past would be ideal. Perhaps diving into why he decided to get involved in law enforcement. Maybe he had a traumatic experience that put him on this path. These would be great avenues to explore for me as an actor while providing more insight for the audience.

PC: What has being a part of the Hallmark family meant for you and your career?
Romaine: I like what Hallmark Channel provides to its viewers. It’s clean family entertainment, and it’s a great feeling to be a part of that. Not to mention, the Hallmark Mysteries fanbase is very interactive. It’s a nice bonus, when the audience is already engaged. My only hope is that I can add something unique to an already amazing series.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead to the end of 2019 into 2020?
Romaine: I’ll be screening my short film 36 Hammond Drive at a few festivals. This was my first time writing and directing—I’m very excited to share it. Early next year, I will be in a Lifetime channel biopic. It’s about the prominent American gospel group the Clark Sisters. I’ll be playing the husband of one of the sisters. The film is executive-produced by Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, and Missy Elliott—directed by the lovely Cristine Swanson.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Romaine: Let’s Make A Deal

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Romaine: Fievel Goes West

PC: Favorite book?
Romaine: The Women of Brewster Place

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Romaine: The Iceman Cometh

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Romaine: James Blake

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Romaine: The OA

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Romaine: Chiwetel Ejiofor

PC: Hidden talent?
Romaine: Graphic arts

To keep up with Romaine, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch Crossword Mysteries on the Hallmark Channel.