Famous Actors You Didn’t Know Starred in Hallmark Movies
Hallmark Channel movies often bring comforting predictability, featuring beloved regulars like Lacey Chabert, Andrew Walker, and Ryan Paevey, who consistently deliver heartwarming romance. Viewers tune in expecting these familiar faces. However, sprinkled among the network’s extensive library are appearances by surprisingly high-profile celebrities, adding an unexpected twist to the typical feel-good formula. Discovering Hallmark Movies With Famous Actors you might not associate with the channel is part of the fun.
From music legends and respected dramatic actors to figures who later achieved global recognition in different arenas, several major stars have graced Hallmark productions, often in memorable Christmas films or touching dramas. These appearances showcase a different side of their careers and add unique appeal to the network’s offerings.
Dolly Parton
Country music icon Dolly Parton is no stranger to acting or holiday specials, with projects like Mountain Magic Christmas and Christmas of Many Colors on her resume. In 2019, she brought her star power to the Hallmark Channel in Christmas at Dollywood, a movie centered around her famous Tennessee theme park.
Dolly Parton with Danica McKellar and Niall Matter in Hallmark's Christmas at Dollywood
While the film starred Hallmark veterans Danica McKellar and Niall Matter as event planners falling in love while organizing a Christmas celebration at Dollywood, Parton herself made special appearances, adding authentic charm to the romcom.
Zachary Levi
Known for his roles as the tech-savvy spy in Chuck and the titular superhero in Shazam, Zachary Levi took a detour into heartfelt drama with the 2013 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Remember Sunday. Originally premiering on ABC, the film later aired on the Hallmark Channel.
Zachary Levi looking thoughtful in a scene from the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Remember Sunday
Paired with Gilmore Girls alumna Alexis Bledel, Levi played Gus, a man with short-term memory loss who falls for Bledel’s character, Molly. Their relationship faces the unique challenge of starting fresh each day, echoing themes seen in films like 50 First Dates.
Meghan Markle
Years before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was building her acting career in Hollywood. Following minor roles and a stint on Deal or No Deal, she landed leading roles in Hallmark movies, including the 2016 romcom Dater’s Handbook.
Meghan Markle smiling as her character Cass in the Hallmark romcom Dater's Handbook
Markle portrayed Cass, a woman who attempts to change her personality based on a dating guide to find Mr. Right, only to realize the perfect man might have been there all along. This role showcased her charm in the romantic comedy genre.
Skeet Ulrich
Skeet Ulrich is widely recognized for his roles in the Scream franchise and the teen drama Riverdale. However, fans might be surprised to learn he starred in the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame film The Magic of Ordinary Days, which debuted on CBS in 2005.
Skeet Ulrich as Ray Singleton in the Hallmark Hall of Fame film The Magic of Ordinary Days
Based on Ann Howard Creel’s novel, the movie features Keri Russell as a young, unwed pregnant woman in an arranged marriage with Ulrich’s character, a farmer, during World War II. Despite their differences, they form an unexpected bond and family.
Patti LaBelle
The legendary Grammy Award-winning singer Patti LaBelle, famous for hits like “Lady Marmalade,” also boasts a considerable acting portfolio. This includes a key role in the 2018 Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film Christmas Everlasting.
Patti LaBelle as Mrs. Swinson in the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film Christmas Everlasting
Starring Tatyana Ali as Lucy, a lawyer returning home after her sister’s death during the holidays, the film features LaBelle as the warm and welcoming Mrs. Swinson, a figure connecting Lucy to her past and the community she left behind.
LeAnn Rimes
Multi-platinum recording artist and The Masked Singer winner LeAnn Rimes has also dabbled in acting. Beyond guest spots on shows like Days of Our Lives, she took the lead role in the 2018 Hallmark Christmas movie It’s Christmas, Eve.
LeAnn Rimes as Eve in her starring role for Hallmark's It's Christmas, Eve
Rimes played Eve, a school superintendent who finds her passion for music reignited after meeting the single father of a student, who works in the school’s financially struggling music department. Rimes also contributed music to the film’s soundtrack.
Henry Winkler
Iconic actor Henry Winkler, beloved as Fonzie from Happy Days and known to later generations from Scream and Barry, brought his charm to Hallmark in the 2008 Christmas film The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Henry Winkler as Uncle Ralph smiling warmly in the Hallmark Christmas movie The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Winkler played Uncle Ralph, a cheerful relative whose holiday visit shakes up his niece Jen’s business-focused approach to Christmas. He introduces her to Morgan, a festive stranger who helps her rediscover the joy of the season.
Ben Savage
For many, Ben Savage remains Cory Matthews from the classic sitcom Boy Meets World. After reprising his role in the sequel series Girl Meets World, Savage ventured into the world of Hallmark, starring in one of the network’s early Hanukkah-themed movies.
Ben Savage as David alongside Mia Kirshner in the Hallmark Hanukkah movie Love, Lights, Hanukkah!
Premiering in 2020, Love, Lights, Hanukkah! featured Savage as David. His character befriends the protagonist, who discovers newfound Jewish relatives just before the holidays, leading to a shared exploration of different family traditions during the Festival of Lights.
Mariah Carey
Music superstar Mariah Carey, often dubbed the Queen of Christmas, collaborated with Hallmark’s own Queen of Christmas, Lacey Chabert, for the 2015 film A Christmas Melody. The movie also marked Carey’s directorial debut for a feature film.
Mariah Carey directing and appearing in her Hallmark movie A Christmas Melody
Carey cast Chabert, reportedly her favorite Mean Girls actress, in the lead role of Kristin. Carey herself played Melissa McKean-Atkinson, a PTA president reminiscent of a “mean girl.” The film emphasizes the power of music during Christmas, culminating in a performance of Carey’s holiday song “Oh Santa.”
Christopher Lloyd
Acclaimed actor Christopher Lloyd, whose career spans decades with iconic roles in Back to the Future, Taxi, and The Addams Family, has also lent his talents to Hallmark Channel productions in recent years.
Christopher Lloyd as the magical train conductor in Hallmark's Next Stop, Christmas
He first appeared in the 2015 movie Just in Time for Christmas as Grandpa Bob. Lloyd returned in 2021 for Next Stop, Christmas, playing a magical train conductor who helps the protagonist revisit her past, reuniting on screen with his Back to the Future co-star Lea Thompson.
Conclusion
While Hallmark Channel is renowned for its consistent stable of stars, the network occasionally features surprisingly famous actors in its movies. From music legends like Dolly Parton and Patti LaBelle to screen icons like Henry Winkler and Christopher Lloyd, and even future royalty like Meghan Markle, these appearances add an extra layer of interest and prove that you never know which familiar face might pop up in a heartwarming Hallmark story. Exploring these Hallmark Movies With Famous Actors reveals the diverse talent that has contributed to the channel’s feel-good entertainment.
