Why Heartland Actors Left the Show – And Where Are They Now?
Heartland has been home to many beloved characters over the years, but some of them have disappeared from the screen, leaving fans wondering why they left and what they’re doing now. Whether it was due to career changes, new opportunities, or personal reasons, each departure has impacted the show in its own way. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable exits and where these actors are today.
Cindy Busby (Ashley Stanton)
Ashley left Heartland in Season 4 when she decided to pursue law school, making a brief return in Season 7 before disappearing for good. While the exact reason for Cindy Busby’s departure is unknown, it was likely to explore other acting opportunities.
Since then, she has been active in the Hallmark movie scene, starring in films like Marrying Mr. Darcy and Follow Me to Daisy Hills. However, fans are buzzing about a possible return in Season 18, as a blonde woman seen dancing with Caleb in the trailer has sparked speculation that Ashley might be making a comeback.
Alicia Newton (Georgie Fleming-Morris)
Alicia Newton hasn’t officially left Heartland, but Georgie has been missing for the past two seasons. In Season 16, it was revealed that she had gone to Belgium for special training—a storyline that served as a cover for Alicia’s busy filming schedule.
Her biggest project has been Netflix’s hit show My Life with the Walter Boys. Outside of acting, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and hanging out with her beloved cat, Dave. Fans remain hopeful that Georgie will eventually return to Heartland.
Robert Cormier (Finn Cotter)
Finn Cotter’s storyline was abruptly cut short due to a tragic real-life event. Actor Robert Cormier passed away at the age of 33 after sustaining injuries from a fall.
According to Amber Marshall, the writers had big plans for Finn and Amy, potentially developing a new love story. Sadly, Robert’s unexpected passing changed everything, leaving fans and cast members mourning his loss. His final appearance in Heartland was in Season 16.
Jessica Amlee (Mallory Wells)
Mallory was a fan-favorite in the early seasons of Heartland, known for her nosy and talkative personality. However, in Season 7, she decided to leave for Paris with Jake, returning only briefly in Seasons 10, 16, and 17.
Jessica Amlee chose to step away from Heartland because she wanted to challenge herself with new roles. She has since appeared in projects like A Hundred Lies and The Runner. While her time on the show was “stable,” she wanted to explore different aspects of her acting career.
Kevin McGarry (Mitch Cutty)
Mitch was an important part of Heartland—especially in Lou’s love life—but after their breakup in Season 14, he disappeared from the show. The reason? Kevin McGarry landed a major role in Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart.
While he was still filming Heartland, he auditioned for Nathan Grant in When Calls the Heart and ended up becoming one of the main characters. With his commitments to the Hallmark series, Mitch’s storyline in Heartland was quietly wrapped up.
Graham Wardle (Ty Borden)
Ty Borden’s death in Season 14 remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in Heartland history. His passing from a blood clot was not the writers’ decision—it was Graham Wardle’s.
Wardle chose to leave because he wanted to pursue other creative endeavors. Since then, he has focused on his podcast, Time Has Come, where he explores personal growth and spiritual journeys. He has also published a poetry book with the same name.
Though he hasn’t acted in any movies or TV shows since leaving Heartland, he remains connected to fans through his projects.
Shawn Roberts (Sam Langston)
Sam was introduced as a neighbor and friend of the Bartlett-Fleming family, even working at Tim’s rodeo school. For a while, it seemed like he might become Amy’s new love interest, but that never happened.
Sam was last seen in Season 17, Episode 1, and there’s no indication that he’ll return for Season 18. Shawn Roberts has been working on several new projects, but most of them haven’t been released yet.
