Actresses Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete have found themselves named in a recent age discrimination lawsuit against Hallmark. This legal action was initiated by Penny Perry, a 79-year-old casting director who was reportedly dismissed from her role at Hallmark “without ceremony”in April 2024, after dedicating nine years to the organization.
According to Variety, the lawsuit specifically implicates Lisa Hamilton Daly, Hallmark’s executive vice president of programming. Perry alleges that Daly instructed her team not to cast “older individuals”as they did not align with her envisioned image for the network.
Moreover, Perry’s complaint claims that Daly made targeted remarks regarding Chabert, stating:
“As Lacey ages, we need to find someone similar to take her place.”
While Daly has yet to address the allegations publicly, let’s take a moment to explore 10 of Lacey Chabert’s most beloved Hallmark films throughout the years.
Note: The following list reflects the author’s personal preferences.
My Secret Valentine, Christmas in Rome, and 8 other Hallmark films featuring Lacey Chabert
1) The Color of Rain (2014)
The Color of Rain tells a heartfelt tale of Gina, portrayed by Lacey Chabert, who endures the loss of her husband, Matt, to cancer during the holiday season. As she navigates single motherhood with her two sons, Gina meets Michael at a school event, discovering that he is also grieving the recent death of his wife. Together, these solitary parents find comfort in one another while prioritizing their children.
2) A Christmas Melody (2015)
Debuting on December 19, 2015, A Christmas Melody was directed by and features Mariah Carey alongside Chabert, who plays the role of Kristen. Kristen is a clothing designer and a divorced mother who relocates to her Ohio hometown after her Manhattan boutique closes down. As mother and daughter try to adapt to their new life, Emily finds support in her high school music teacher, Danny, who has a crush on Kristen.
3) Moonlight in Vermont (2017)
Released on April 8, 2017, Moonlight in Vermont features Fiona (played by Lacey Chabert) returning to her family’s inn in Vermont following a breakup. During a party, she runs into her ex-boyfriend, Nate (Jesse Moss), who is now dating someone new. To evoke jealousy, Fiona pretends to romance Derek (Carlo Marks), the inn’s head chef.
4) My Secret Valentine (2018)
My Secret Valentine narrates the tale of Chloe, who resists selling her family’s winery to an eager buyer named Seth. Ultimately, she begins to act on secret messages left by an unknown admirer—who turns out to be Seth himself—leading her to unexpected romance.
5) Love on Safari (2018)
In Love on Safari, Kira, a web designer (played by Lacey Chabert), unexpectedly inherits a wildlife reserve in Africa. Faced with the choice of abandoning her life in Chicago, Kira’s heart may also lead her toward Tom, a ranger at the reserve.
6) Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe (2018)
This contemporary adaptation of the classic tale sees Darcy Fitzwilliam (Lacey Chabert), a businesswoman, return home for the holidays. While organizing a charity event with her old friend Luke at his restaurant, Darcy rediscovers the importance of family and develops feelings for Luke.
7) Love, Romance and Chocolate (2019)
In Love, Romance, and Chocolate, Lacey Chabert portrays Emma, who faces heartbreak on the verge of Valentine’s Day when her boyfriend dumps her. Choosing to venture to Belgium alone, she encounters Luc, a Belgian chocolatier, leading to unexpected romance as they create chocolates for a royal wedding.
8) Christmas in Rome (2019)
Christmas in Rome showcases Angela (played by Lacey Chabert), an American tour guide, who faces unemployment around Christmas. She meets Oliver, an American businessman seeking a local guide, and as he considers acquiring an Italian ceramics firm, romantic feelings blossom between them.
9) Sweet Carolina (2021)
Titled after Lacey Chabert’s character, Sweet Carolina revolves around Carolina, a marketing executive burdened by tragedy as she becomes the guardian of her young nephew and niece. While managing her new responsibilities, Carolina rekindles a connection with her high school sweetheart, Cooper.
10) Haul Out the Holly (2022)
Haul Out the Holly features Holly (played by Lacey Chabert), who decides to surprise her parents for Christmas only to find they are away. Opting to stay behind, she faces pressure from a relentless Homeowners Association to participate in holiday celebrations, leading her to discover joy in the festivities.
In contrast to Hamilton’s silence, Hallmark has released a statement addressing the lawsuit, assuring that Lacey and Holly “will always have a place at Hallmark”while denying the “baseless claims”made.
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