As a long-time fan of Hallmark movies, I find myself deeply saddened and disheartened by the recent allegations against one of the network’s executives. Lacey Chabert, a beloved actress who has graced our screens for decades, is just one example of the talented performers who may have been unjustly targeted due to their age.
For TV movie aficionados, the final months of any given year often bring great joy due to the abundance of upcoming Hallmark movies scheduled for the 2024 Christmas season. These films feature beloved stars like Lacey Chabert, Erin Krakow, Caroline Rhea, and others. However, a recent lawsuit alleges that a Hallmark executive voiced concerns about the network’s frequent casting choices growing too old, aiming to replace them with younger actors instead. This situation might leave Lacey Chabert pondering her feelings about such assertions.
During her interviews to publicize her upcoming Netflix film titled “Hot Frosty,” Lacey Chabert subtly mentioned the possibility of Lindsay Lohan’s movie “Falling for Christmas” fitting into the same cinematic universe. Instead of commenting directly on the ongoing lawsuit, she emphasized the significance of having diverse generations portrayed on television screens. In an interview with Variety, she shared her thoughts on this matter.
It seems crucial for us to be able to narrate all the chapters of our lives, as there’s a wealth of experiences I long to convey to my listeners.
It’s not surprising that ageism has been an ongoing issue in Hollywood, as it has long affected the entertainment industry. However, cable TV movies, which tend to attract older viewers, have generally been receptive to accomplished and experienced actors who are no longer young. This is one reason why the allegations mentioned in the lawsuit filing came as a surprise.
Chabert emphasized that her experiences as a mother have been instrumental in fueling her passion to produce more uplifting films, irrespective of her advancing years.
Currently, I am a mom, and the journey of nurturing my daughter is incredibly significant for me. My goal is to create characters that she, representing the younger generation, can aspire to and learn from. In everything I do, I strive to pour all of my genuine heart into it.
As a gaming enthusiast, it’s no secret that Hallmark romantic comedies aren’t typically considered the crème de la crème of television. However, I find it hard to believe that anyone within their network would think that swapping out the seasoned actresses for a 26-year-old in the “Haul Out the Holly” movies would significantly improve things. I get the logic behind nurturing fresh talent for future projects, but sacrificing the established stars who draw audiences seems like an unwise move to me.
What Hallmark’s Executive VP Of Programming Allegedy Said
In a lawsuit filed on October 9, 2024, Penny Perry, a casting director, alleges that Lisa Hamilton Daly, Hallmark’s executive VP of programming, expressed a preference for not hiring older actors. Perry asserts that Daly specifically mentioned Lacey Chabert (aged 42) and Holly Robinson Peete (aged 60) when making these remarks, implying they were not desired as cast members according to the suit’s statements.
- “Lacey’s getting older and we have to find someone like her to replace her as she gets older.”
- “No one wants [Holly Robinson Peete] because she’s too expensive and getting too old. She can’t play leading roles anymore.”
79-year-old Perry claims she was let go by Hallmark in April, following nearly a decade with the network, and just under three years since Lisa Hamilton Daly assumed the role of VP of programming. Prior to her dismissal, Perry alleges that Daly referred to her as “past one’s prime,” and stated that the network required a casting director with fresher ties to younger actresses who were thought to be more connected.
As of now, the outcome of the lawsuit remains undetermined, however, it’s a given fact that Lacey Chabert is set to return to Hallmark on Sunday, December 1, with the movie titled “The Christmas Quest“.
If you’re looking for more holiday entertainment beyond “Hot Frosty” and future releases, consider giving “Meet Me Next Christmas” a try. This highly-acclaimed series has captured hearts worldwide since its debut and can be streamed with a Netflix subscription.
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2024-11-18 00:07