In the heartfelt television series Going Home, Cynthia Geary shines as Charley Copeland, a compassionate nurse working in a Seattle hospice. Her portrayal brings depth and authenticity to a role that resonates deeply with audiences.
This project is one that Cynthia is genuinely passionate about. "People might think the subject matter sounds heavy, but it's actually incredibly uplifting," Cynthia shared with Closer. "While it's fiction, we drew from real-life experiences of patients and nurses at a hospice in Spokane, Washington, to craft these beautiful, hopeful stories. It’s all about celebrating life, even in the face of challenges."
Of course, fans who adored her as Shelly Tambo, the quirky waitress in the 1990s hit TV series Northern Exposure, will recognize her unmistakable charm. Now 57, Cynthia has led a multifaceted life since then—marrying, raising two daughters, and even diving into a career in business. Yet, an unexpected twist brought her back to her true passion: performing.
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And she couldn’t be prouder of the example she’s setting for her children. "My daughters, who are 16 and 21, tell me how proud they are of me," she beams. "That means the world to me. It’s been an incredible journey."
What Draws Cynthia to the Character of Charley?
When asked what excites her most about playing Charley Copeland in Going Home, Cynthia lights up. "I adore messy, complex characters, and Charley fits that description perfectly," she explains. "She has a rich backstory that unfolds gradually throughout the series. Each episode reveals a little more about her, keeping both the audience and me on our toes. It's such a rewarding role because there's so much depth to explore."
Her Journey to Understanding Hospice
Before stepping into Charley's shoes, Cynthia admits she had little knowledge of hospice care. "To be honest, I didn’t know much about it when I started the show," she confesses. "So, I visited the very hospice in Spokane that inspired the series. It was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was so peaceful, and meeting the staff and patients was truly eye-opening. It deepened my appreciation for the work they do and informed my portrayal of Charley."
A Childhood Rooted in Love and Tradition
Growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, Cynthia treasures the memories of her childhood. "I had the most incredible upbringing," she recalls fondly. "As the youngest of four siblings, I was surrounded by love and laughter. My mom made sure we started every day with a hot breakfast together at the table. And no matter how busy life got, we always gathered for dinner as a family. Sundays were special too—we’d head over to my grandmother’s for lunch. Looking back, I realize how lucky I was to have such amazing parents."
The Early Spark of Acting
Cynthia’s love for performing was evident from a young age. "I shared a room with my older sister, who’s six-and-a-half years older than me," she laughs. "She used to complain because I’d wake up singing every morning. By the time I was six, I was belting out the entire score of The Sound of Music at 6:30 AM! Eventually, my parents gave her her own room just to escape my singing."
Family Support in Pursuing Acting
When it came to pursuing acting professionally, Cynthia's parents were supportive—but cautious. "They agreed to let me attend summer school at UCLA, where I quickly enrolled in acting classes with a renowned teacher," she recalls. "By the end of the summer, I called them and said, 'I can’t come home.' Thankfully, they were understanding and insisted I finish college first. That decision paid off when I landed a life-changing opportunity while waiting tables."
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That opportunity came in the form of a fortuitous encounter. "I served a manager and her husband one day without realizing who they were," she shares. "Turns out, she ended up signing me and helped me secure an audition for Northern Exposure. The rest, as they say, is history."
Reconnecting with the Northern Exposure Cast
Despite the years that have passed, Cynthia remains close to her fellow cast members. "We keep in touch, though we don’t see each other often," she admits. "It’s not like Friends, where everyone stays connected constantly. Our lives have taken different paths, but we still celebrate each other’s successes. If someone’s working on something new, I’ll send them a quick text to show my support."
Focusing on Family in the Pacific Northwest
After moving to the Pacific Northwest to start her family, Cynthia reflects on her decision to prioritize family over career. "Family has always been my top priority," she emphasizes. "When I decided to get married and have children, it felt like the right choice. Sure, my career took a backseat for a while, but I wouldn’t trade those years for anything. I was deeply involved in my kids’ lives—joining the PTA, volunteering in their classrooms, knowing all their friends and their parents. It was an incredibly fulfilling chapter of my life."
Reinventing Herself After Divorce
In 2018, after 24 years of marriage, Cynthia faced one of the toughest challenges of her life: divorce. "It was shocking and incredibly difficult," she acknowledges. "But it also gave me the courage to return to acting and rediscover my passion. That pain and experience have added layers to my performances, especially in roles like Charley, where understanding loss is crucial."
Finding Positivity Amidst Change
When asked how she coped with such a major life change, Cynthia credits gratitude. "I started keeping a gratitude journal," she explains. "Every morning, I’d write down everything I was thankful for, no matter how big or small. It shifted my mindset from ‘Why me?’ to ‘What opportunities lie ahead?’ Gratitude became my anchor during that time."
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Cynthia’s journey through adversity has taught her valuable lessons. "Life is full of surprises, and while I couldn’t control what happened, I chose to see it as a chance to grow," she reflects. "I surrounded myself with supportive friends and family who believed in me. Today, I’m in a wonderful relationship with someone my kids adore, and I couldn’t be happier."
As for the future, Cynthia is excited about what lies ahead. "Change is inevitable, and I’m open to whatever comes next," she says. "My daughter just graduated magna cum laude from USC film school, and I’d love to collaborate with her someday. Theater is another passion I’d like to explore further. And hey, who knows? Maybe a Northern Exposure reunion is in the cards!"
