There's no denying the level of loyalty fans of Nashville have for the country music-themed show.
After being canceled on their original network, viewers rallied to bring Rayna, Juliette, Scarlett, and the rest of the beloved country crooning characters back to their screens with a move to CMT.
But how much do you really know about the cast and crew behind the dramatic series? It was heartbreaking to say goodbye to Connie Britton when she decided to leave the show — but that's nothing compared to the real life struggles more than a few of her costars endured throughout their lives.
I always thought I recognized Charles Esten but never quite put my finger on where I had seen him before. I'm so glad #9 finally cleared that up for me!
Take a look to learn more about the actors and the show that stays true to its real Nashville roots.
And don't forget to SHARE all the fascinating facts with your friends on Facebook!
1. Clare Bowen Watched Movies To Hone Her American Accent
The Australian actress revealed in an interview with the Paley Center for Media that she relied on classic southern films like Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias to perfect the Tennessee twang.
She also admitted to sometimes slipping into the accent without realizing it after filming stopped.
2. Hayden Panettiere Applauded Charles Esten's Audition
While talking with Entertainment Weekly about his audition, Charles explained how he met Hayden after his audition for the role of Deacon.
The actress apparently listened to him perform with her ear to the door and gave him a round of applause when he walked out of the room. He then joked that they would see each other again soon on set — and they did!
3. The Writers Keep Storylines Close To Their Chest
When asked about the future of Deacon and Rayna's relationship back in 2013, Charles explained at the Paley Center panel that the actors often don't know what their characters have in store until they start filming. This helps them stay "in the moment."
4. The Bluebird Café Set Is An Exact Replica Of The Real Deal
The small café, known for helping legends like Garth Brooks and Keith Urban get recognition early in their careers, plays just as big a role in the fictional singers' lives on the show.
Folks visiting the real life Bluebird will notice how detailed the recreation in the series is and might recognize owner Amy Kurland occasionally playing the café's hostess on the show.
5. Maisy Stella Was Terrified She'd Mess Up On Set
During an interview with her sister, Lennon, for AOL's BUILD Series, the younger Stella sibling admitted that she was so worried of making a mistake early on in the series that she Googled, "Do people get mad when you mess up a line?"
Considering she was only 9 years old when the show premiered, it's totally understandable why she felt a little overwhelmed.
6. Season One Paid Homage To Hank Williams
All of the episode titles for the first season, apart from the pilot, were also titles of the country legend's classic songs.
7. They Wrote In Hayden's Real-Life Pregnancy
When Juliette realized she was pregnant with Avery's daughter in season 3, the actress was able to show off her own very real baby bump onscreen.
They also wrote about Juliette suffering form postpartum depression, something Hayden revealed she struggled with in real life as well, according to reports from UsWeekly.
8. Clare Is A Cancer Survivor
On her personal Facebook page, the actress shared her heartbreaking story of being diagnosed at just 4 years old with end-stage nephroblastoma, while explaining her drastic hair transformation. She was lucky enough to survive an extremely risky treatment for the disease and eventually got better.
Clare explained further, "I was really inspired when I heard a story about a little girl who said she couldn't be a princess because she didn't have long hair, and I wanted her, and others like her to know that's not what makes a princess, or a warrior, or a superhero. It's not what makes you beautiful either. It's your insides that count… even if you happen to be missing half of them."
9. Charles Got His Start In Comedy
If you thought Deacon looked familiar but couldn't quite place him, that's probably because he was being so serious, compared to Charles' original claim to fame on the improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Charles went by Chip Esten at the time and was also able to show off his musical talents for certain bits.
10. All Of The Record Labels Are References To Real Nashville Locations
Rayna's record company Highway 65 takes its name from the actual interstate that goes through the center of the city.
Edgewood Records is a nod to the neighborhood found close to the famous Music Row in Nashville.
11. The Creator Wrote Thelma & Louise
Callie Khouri also earned an Academy Award for the classic film's screenplay.
Her husband is also legendary music producer T Bone Burnett and won his own Oscar for the song "The Weary Kind" in 2009's Crazy Heart.
12. Lennon Went To Prom With Charles' Real Son
It might seem a bit strange considering the actors play each other's father and daughter on the show, but Charles' actual son Chase Puskar brought Lennon along as his date to the Brentwood High School prom in Nashville in 2016.
Judging from the big smiles in the photo above, they didn't feel too awkward about the fictional family crossover.
Were you surprised by any of these facts about the country music show?
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