Hallmark Locks Down Taylor Cole as Christmas-Movie Arms Race Escalates
Hallmark Channel’s parent company — in the wake of GAC Family noisily snatching away Christmas-movie queen Candace Cameron Bure — has announced that it has signed Taylor Cole to an exclusive multi-picture overall deal, as the TV-Movie Universe’s odd little “arms race” carries on.
“We are thrilled to have Taylor on board to star in multiple movies for Hallmark,” said Crown Media Family Networks programming EVP Lisa Hamilton Daly said in a statement. “She brings so much joy and positivity to the Hallmark family and we look forward to continuing our work with her to create heartfelt stories that will touch our viewers.”
“I am beyond excited for what is in store next,” said Cole, whose most recent Hallmark offerings include Making Spirits Bright, One Winter Proposal and One Perfect Wedding. “Being able to continue creating such amazing stories is something that I hold near and dear to me. I am forever grateful for the work I get to do with Hallmark.”
Crown Media Family Networks in recent weeks has also inked multi-picture deals with Andrew Walker, Lacey Chabert, Holly Robinson-Peete, Brennan Elliott and Heather Hemmens — all while rising rival GAC Family has lured away Bure, Danica McKellar and Lori Loughlin (via the relocated When the Heart Calls offshoot, When Hope Calls).
Cole’s previous non-Hallmark TV credits include Salvation, The Originals, Impastor, Supernatural, CSI: Miami, The Glades and The Event.
I have no skin in this game since these movies aren’t my thing, but every time I see one of these headlines, it boggles my mind that a network calls itself GAC. It sounds like a vomit noise.
You say G A C. It’s initials.
It stands for Great American Country. They used to play country music videos back in the day.
Very happy about this… Taylor is lovely and a good actress. Now please announce Ryan Paevey and Tyler Hynes contracts next, Hallmark! I’m not the least bit worried about Paul Campbell or Kimberly Susted going anywhere. Their values and commitment to the LGBTQI+ community have been well documented. ⚘⚘⚘
I was worried Ryan was going to join his good friend Jen Lilly over on GAC but thankfully he’s filming a new Hallmark romcom now….
GAC can have Tyler Hines. I can’t forgive him for how his character treated Katy on Letterkenny. Where is Niall Matter landing? Hopefully, Hallmark.
I wish they used Kimberly more in lead roles; she’s had a few, but too often she’s the “best friend” or another character. Great actress.
Erin Cahill and Ashley Williams are two more I hope Hallmark locks down.
Erin is filming her latest Hallmark movie right now so that’s encouraging news! Adorable Ashley Williams won’t be leaving, either, since her highly respected husband, Neal Dodson, has development deals with Hallmark. Dodson produced last weekend’s wonderful Love Classified. Also, both Ashley and her sister are on record as wanting more relevant and inclusive programming.
Ugh1 I was hoping she, Ali Leibert and Lacy Chabert would follow Jen Lilly to Gac, and Hallmark would be rid of them.
Ali Liebert identifies as queer, so I highly doubt she’d go into business with GAC.
In the Canadian series Family Law, Ali Liebert plays the same sex partner of one of the main characters.
Can they hire Holly Marie Combs please! I miss seeing her on TV
My provider doesn’t even carry GAC. I will miss those actors, but I am sure money talks! Hope Hallmark will keep the others and hire new ones, especially new men! We need more variety!
get the Frndly app. It has built in DVR and is a conglomerate of a bunch of family friendly channnels that might not be ready for their own dedicated app. Oh and that isnt a mispelling on the app name that is the correct spelling.
coooooool can hallmark now make good programming for the year 2022 and not for 1600s purtians. thanks
What do you have against 1600s Puritans? LOL!
You have no idea what those 1600s Puritans got up to; ever read The Scarlet letter?
I’m just REALLY sad. The Aurora Teagarden series is my absolute favorite series, and I was SO looking forward to more episodes. How sad!
Congrats Taylor!!! I know you will be a much better and deserving actress!
Taylor Cole is one of my favorite Hallmark mainstays so this is good news for this viewer (also happy about Andrew Walker, another fave). Now they just need to get deals for Brendan Penny and Bethany Joy Lenz.
I’d like to see some of the characters develop some maturity. I know the network wants them to look young and inexperienced in life and love but after awhile that gets old. You don’t have to be brash but you can certainly exhibit maturity and strength. Which I assume all of them have because they have negotiated successful contracts. Candace Cameron Bure is in her mid 40s, she looks great, but she looks 40ish. Can’t it be okay to play roles of mature, smart women and not always a new bride considering starting a family. Same with Chabret, everytime she does that giggle and lowers her head, I just shake my head. Please write some good roles for these women so they don’t have to pretend be 5 years out of college.
I think Hallmark is almost exclusively targeting the 21 to 35 demographic. That audience won’t tune in to middle aged leads playing middle aged romancers. Too often that would require that the leads were either divorced or widowed. I’m sick of the leading lady returning to her hometown and reuniting with her former love. Fresh ideas are needed.
I really am upset with both Danica and Candace and any others that leave Hallmark. They are not really dedicated actors. I do not have GAC and that is bad. Thank you to those actors who have stayed with Hallmark. Best movie station ON TV. Best of luck to those who stay with Hallmark. Also hope some have to come back to Hallmark. Really think this is crazy.
So looking forward to GAC and Lori Loughlin as well as the rest of the Stars new to GAC. I loved the Aurora Teagarden series and I look forward to seeing what Candice does in the future. Good for GAC for giving us another choice in programming!
Love Taylor Cole in the Ruby Herring movies! Plus I enjoy all of her movies