Andie MacDowell Discusses Her Character Del’s Struggles with Change in ‘The Way Home’

Andie MacDowell, a talented actress known for her roles in many films and TV shows, shared her thoughts about her character, Del Landry, on the popular Hallmark Channel show The Way Home. The show focuses on the emotional journey of a family, and MacDowell’s character Del faces several challenges as her family members make important decisions. One of the most difficult moments for Del comes when her daughter Kat, played by Chyler Leigh, decides to move in with her boyfriend, Elliot. This decision deeply affects Del, and MacDowell explained that she could relate to her character’s feelings, drawing from her own experiences as a mother.

In a recent interview, MacDowell opened up about how Del’s reaction to Kat moving in with Elliot reminded her of her own experience as a mother. Del’s initial reaction to the news is one of surprise and disappointment, as she feels the distance between her and her daughter growing. MacDowell, a mother of three, knows how difficult it can be to let go of your children as they grow up and make their own decisions. “I know from experience, it’s hard to lose your kids like that,” she shared with PEOPLE magazine. “You are really attached to them. It’s hard to let your kids fly sometimes, you want them there.”

Andie MacDowell , Paris, January ,
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MacDowell has three children with her ex-husband Paul Qualley: Justin, who is 38 and lives a private life, and daughters Rainey and Margaret, both of whom are actresses. MacDowell expressed that she understood how Del feels about Kat’s decision, admitting that it was a painful experience for her as a mother. She explained that letting go of a child who is starting a new chapter in their life is a challenge for any parent, but especially for Del, who is already struggling with loneliness.

Despite the difficulty of the situation, MacDowell’s character Del does find some comfort in the fact that Kat will still be close by. Kat is not moving far away—just across the street—so Del will still be able to see her daughter regularly. And while Del may feel upset about Kat leaving, there is also a part of her that might secretly enjoy the idea of having more time alone with her granddaughter, Alice. “It’s interesting, because she could secretly go, ‘Go on. I get her all to myself,'” MacDowell explained, adding that Del could have reacted differently. “She could have said, ‘Okay, I get my granddaughter all to myself.’”

MacDowell’s comments reflect the complicated emotions that come with watching children grow up and make their own decisions. It’s not just about the physical distance; it’s also about the emotional changes that happen when children begin to lead their own lives. MacDowell also touched on the tension between Del and Kat, which is a key part of the show. The two women often argue, and MacDowell believes that these fights are partly because they are both strong-willed, independent women who are learning how to navigate their changing relationship.

“First I went back to the original idea, the original concept of what happened to them after Jacob disappeared and my inability to take care of her and all of that,” MacDowell said. “But I think it’s deeper than that. I think they fight because it’s two alpha women under the same roof. And I know what that feels like because I have daughters.” MacDowell went on to explain that there is a shift that happens when a mother has to let her daughter take charge, and this shift can be difficult for both parties. “There is a shift that you have to make when you let them be alpha. And that’s really hard. That is not an easy thing to do when you’ve been the alpha woman for a long time.”

The idea of letting go and allowing her daughter to take on a leadership role is something MacDowell has experienced in real life as well. As a mother of daughters, she understands how hard it can be to step back and give them space to grow. It’s a painful process, but it’s also part of the natural course of life.

Another reason for Del’s strong reaction to Kat’s decision is her fear of losing her daughter and granddaughter. MacDowell explained that Del had been lonely for a long time, which makes her even more afraid of being left behind. “She was so lonely for so long—and that’s why she’s so afraid Kat and Alice are going to disappear,” MacDowell said. This fear of abandonment is something many parents can relate to, as they watch their children move on to different stages in their lives.

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Despite these challenges, MacDowell enjoys working on The Way Home and values the connections she has made with the cast and crew. She expressed how much she appreciates the teamwork and creative energy that goes into making the show. “We’re like a bunch of kids. We just are. It’s so childlike, our job, and fun and creative. It’s a really good job,” she said. For MacDowell, working on this show has brought a sense of joy and excitement that she hasn’t taken for granted. At the age of 66, she is aware of how special it is to still feel that enthusiasm for her work, and she is eager to share that joy with her colleagues. “I get so excited when I’m walking onto set,” she said. “And it’s nice at my age and after all the time I’ve been doing this to have that feeling of joy. I’m very conscious of it, so I recognize it. I try to share it with everybody, and tell everybody how lucky we are.”

The Way Home continues to be a hit on the Hallmark Channel, with new episodes airing every Friday night. The series explores the complex dynamics of family relationships, and the challenges that come with letting go as children grow up. MacDowell’s portrayal of Del adds a layer of depth to the show, as her character navigates the bittersweet emotions of parenting and the struggle to let her children become independent. For MacDowell, the journey of playing Del has been a rewarding experience, allowing her to reflect on her own life as a mother and the challenges that come with raising children.

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