Italia Ricci Gets Serious About Motherhood, Her Quarantine Life Saver and Her Favorite Hot Sauce

You may recognize Italia Ricci from her turns as April Carver, a young journalist diagnosed with cancer in Chasing Life, as Siobhan Smythe/Silver Banshee in Supergirl or as Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to the President Emily Rhodes on Designated Survivor.

Ricci has also starred in several Hallmark movies including Rome in Love opposite Peter Porte and Love in Winterland opposite Jack Turner and Chad Michael Murray. Next, she'll star in the upcoming Hallmark Channel Spring Fling movie, Don't Go Breaking My Heart with Ryan Paevey, which premieres on Saturday, March 27 at 9 p.m. ET.

Ricci sat down with Parade.com to talk about parenthood (she's the mom to son, Robert), pizza, and hot sauce.

Miranda is an avid rock climber. Are you an avid rock climber or did you have to learn for this film? What's your favorite sport/hobby?

I actually used to climb competitively in high school and a little bit into college. I worked at a climbing gym so I was kind of there all the time. I ended up getting pretty good and was featured in a local newspaper for placing second in all of Ontario, Canada for women at one point. That was a million years ago but I was excited to try it again on this movie. Let me tell you, it is NOT like riding a bike.

Is there anything you learned about dating and/or relationships from Miranda and this film? Any advice to us singletons out there?

I’ve been in a relationship for almost 13 years now so I didn’t absorb too much dating advice. But I think what I took from Miranda overall is that the advice you are giving other people might actually be the advice you should be taking yourself.

You were pregnant during filming of Rome in Love, a new mom during filming of Love in Winterland, and I suspect a seasoned pro by the time you filmed Don't Go Breaking My Heart. How has parenthood changed the way you approach filming and choosing projects?

I don't know about a seasoned pro. Every time I think I’ve nailed parenting, I end up getting a massive curveball. Being a parent has shifted my priorities in the way that it makes me much more aware of the content I’m committing to and how long it will keep me away from my family.

Related: If You Can’t Afford a Trip to Italy, Hallmark’s New Rome In Love Will Take You There

What did you do to stay sane during the pandemic?

What did I do to stay sane through the pandemic? Drank a lot of wine. Kidding, but not really. I think having a baby is kind of like being in quarantine anyway so it wasn’t really too much of an adjustment for us. It’s getting a little tricky now that he’s a toddler and should probably have some friends.

You and your husband Robbie Amell recently became American citizens. Tell me one thing you like about Canada and one thing you like about the USA.

I like that the United States has In-N-Out burger. I like that Canada has Harvey's.

Your previous co-star, Jack Turner, is in another spring fling movie this season—tell us something fans might not know about him?

I love Jack! I think fans might not know that he is one of the funniest people on the planet. I think I almost peed my pants numerous times while filming with him.

Tell me something about Ryan Paevey that fans might not know.

Ryan Paevey is a force. The man does EVERYTHING. On top of acting, he makes the most beautiful jewelry BY HAND. My wrap gift from him was this beautiful silver necklace with an aquamarine gemstone charm. He’s so impressive.

Related: Take a Look Back at Ryan Paevy’s Marrying Mr. Darcy

Pizza seems to be a favorite food of yours. What do you top yours with? And how do you feel about pineapple on pizza?

Pizza is amazing. I’m currently into pouring Pepper North’s "Momento De Muerte" hot sauce on everything, so I can’t wait to put that on pizza. And pineapple? Hard yes.

What book are you currently reading? What is your all time favorite book?

I’m currently reading a few child development books. I just finished Between Two Kingdoms which is a memoir by Suleika Jaouad and it was freaking fantastic. It’s been a few weeks and I still think about it daily. I don't really have a favorite book because they all ignite a different flame and the ones I love stick with me differently.

What's your go-to song to sing in the shower?

I don't really sing in the shower, I’d rather listen to a true-crime podcast. But if I had to pick, my go-to would be "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" because I used to sing it in the shower every day to my belly when I was pregnant.

What do you reach for when you're at craft services
Breakfast burritos. Hands down. They’re my favorite thing about going to work at ungodly hours. And I bring my own hot sauce. Mmmm.

Enjoy a Parade.com exclusive clip from Ricci's latest film, Don't Go Breaking My Heart below.

Don't Go Breaking My Heart premieres Saturday, March 27 at 9 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel.

Next, you can now sip Hallmark Channel wine while you watch!