Neill Fearnley, best known as the director of “When Calls the Heart,” has passed away, leaving a significant legacy and net worth.
Key Takeaways
- The renowned director Neill Fearnley passed away on July 13 after a long battle with ALS.
- With an estimated net worth of $1-$5 million, Fearnley’s prolific career included directing 32 movies, over 250 hours of episodic television, and numerous pilots across various genres.
- Beyond his professional achievements, Fearnley was known for his generous heart, brilliant mind, and diverse personal interests.
The sad news was announced through “When Calls The Heart” official Instagram page, which stated,
It’s with a sad heart we say goodbye to our friend and consummate director, Neill Fearnley, who passed away on July 13 after a long battle with ALS. Neill was there for the first season of When Calls the Heart, directing episodes across the first 10 seasons and helped us create our story-telling world. He was a gift to Hope Valley and a gift to humanity. His generous heart and brilliant mind will be deeply missed.
Legacy Worth Millions
Neill Fearnley was a prolific television director with a career spanning several decades; hence, his net worth is estimated to be around $1-$5 million during his de*th.
According to Glassdoor, a director at Hallmark makes around $131K–$200K per year.
But, with Neill’s credits and experience, he must have been hefty.
He has directed around thirty-two movies, over two hundred and fifty hours of episodic television, and numerous pilots. Fearnley was a talented force who was equally humble.
The Liverpool, England, native started in Canada after graduating with a degree in Film and Television from Toronto Metropolitan University and being hired by a Vancouver television station.
Neill worked as a director and producer there on many programs, including a live two-hour variety show.
He also produced and directed dozens of commercials and hours of live television.
His work extended across various genres, from science fiction series like “Stargate: Atlantis” and “Earth: Final Conflict” to crime dramas like “Wiseguy” and “21 Jump Street.”
He directed episodes for various television series, including popular shows like “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour,” and “The Outer Limits.”
Fearnley also helmed numerous TV movies, particularly romance and holiday genres, such as “The Wedding March” and “Christmas in Canaan.”
He demonstrated versatility by directing episodes of long-running series like “The Beachcombers” and more recent productions.
Not only that, he also made a few acting cameos in films and series, making him an overall package.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Neill Fearnley is survived by his wife, Karen, and three children, a boy and two girls.
- He loved making French pastry, woodworking, and pen & ink drawing.
- Fearnley was nominated for Emmy Awards consecutively from 2012 to 2015.
