Michelle Morgan Reflects on Two Decades as Lou Fleming on CBC’s Heartland

For nearly two decades, Heartland fans have watched Michelle Morgan bring Lou Fleming to life — the strong-willed, big-hearted sister who anchors the Bartlett-Fleming clan. Lou’s confidence, her flaws, her growth — all of it has unfolded alongside Michelle’s own evolution as an actor, director, and mother.

How It Started

“When I joined Heartland, I barely knew how to ride,” Michelle laughs. “I’ve learned everything from the wranglers and trainers on set. Horses are fascinating — like people, each one has its own personality.”

Her current on-screen partner is a calm bay mare named Venus. “They change the horses often,” she explains. “The ones we use have to be steady — lights, cameras, flags waving — it’s a lot. I used to want a horse with more ‘go,’ but now I appreciate the calm ones. They keep us safe.”

After more than ten years on the show, Michelle says the crew feels like family. “We’ve grown up together. The dinner scenes are the best — we’re all supposed to be serious, and then Gabe [Hogan] and I start doing bad Cockney accents. The crew can’t stop laughing.”

The Life They Built

Over the years, Michelle has given Lou quiet layers the audience never sees. “I like to imagine her secrets,” she says. “If I told you what they were, they wouldn’t be secrets anymore.”

There’s overlap between the two — both are mothers, both care deeply about family — but Michelle’s own life has more rhythm and range. “Lou’s all business. I love surfing, yoga, hiking, music… she doesn’t make time for those things.”

Her favorite memories are tied to the land itself. “Episode 409 — Local Hero — we herded cattle right into Hudson’s town square. That was pure joy.” The hardest? “The breakup scenes in season nine. Those were emotionally brutal.”

Asked what she’d tell her younger self, she grins: “Buy a house in downtown Vancouver.” Then, after a beat, “And enjoy the ride. Don’t stress about what’s next.”

As for what’s coming, she stays coy. “I’ve got a few projects on the go — can’t say much yet. But when I can, Horse Canada will be the first to know.”

Sources: Horse Canada interview, CBC Heartland archives