I think most humans would agree things have been a little bit depressing in the world lately. I’m not going to get into politics in this post but let’s just say it has been an intense time for our country. And when I get stressed and need a break from all this madness I look to escapist entertainment and my favorite escapism is on the Hallmark Channel.

In fact, recently my friend Amber and I started a podcast all about the Hallmark movies called The Hallmarkies. We did our first episode reviewing the August films dubbed Summer Nights. We are still working out some kinks but I’m proud with how it turned out.

Anyway, in honor of the new podcast I thought it would be fun to talk about my favorite Hallmark movie stars. These are all actors who seem to relish being in a Hallmark movie and they have such great chemistry with their costars which makes them really shine.

(There are a lot of favorites like Candace Cameron Bure and Alicia Witt who are great but didn’t make my person favorites)

I have 6 men and 6 women on this list:

My Favorite Hallmark Actreses

6. Arielle Kebbel-

Arielle has only been in 2 Hallmark movies but she should really be in more- especially if she is going to star Andrew Walker. In both films (A Bride for Christmas and Bridal Wave), she is super likable and funny and has terrific chemistry with Walker.

5. Danica McKellar

Starring in at least 5 Hallmark movies Danica is perfect for these types of films. She is bright, happy and the girl next door. I particularly like A Crown for Christmas with its Cinderella-like story

4. Jen Lilley

Coming from soap opera background isn’t always a good fit for Hallmark but it worked out great for Jen Lilley. She was recently in Eat Play Love which I really enjoyed and I also love her in A Dash of Love. She’s very grounded and easy to relate to.

3. Autumn Reeser

Autumn is in a word- adorable. She is in some of my favorite Hallmark movies including Country Wedding, Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Valentine Ever After. She is charismatic and sincere even in silly plots like Midnight Masquerade. She’s just great.

2. Rachel Boston

Rachel is probably the prettiest of the actresses I am mentioning but she’s also luminous and great in her roles. I think I’ve liked all the Rachel Boston movies I’ve seen on Hallmark. Most recently I saw Ring by Spring which I thought was great.

1. Lacey Chabert

The former Mean Girl, Lacey Chabert, has become one of the Hallmark staples and I love her. Whether it’s her Cinderella movie, A Royal Christmas, or sparring off with Brennan Elliott in All of My Heart, she is a delight!

My Favorite Hallmark Actors

I do love Dale Midkiff from the Love Comes Softly series but I decided to cover that series at another time

6. Eric Mabius

I really liked Eric on Ugly Betty but he’s also great in the Hallmark movies How to Fall in Love and Signed, Sealed and Delivered. He can be nerdy and quiet while always a gentleman

5. Cameron Mathison

I felt like I almost had to put Cameron Mathison because he is in so many of these films. You can tell his background is in soap operas because he has no problem selling the most corny lines ever. He’s handsome and is a great Hallmark leading man

4. Brennan Elliott

Brennan has actually been in 2 of my favorite Hallmark movies. I love him in The Nanny Express and with Lacey Chabert in All of My Heart. He plays a great single Dad and you feel for him right away. They are even making a All of My Heart 2 this Fall!

3. Andrew Walker

If you want charming nobody is better than Andrew Walker. He has great chemistry with Arielle Kebbel and all of his leading ladies. I like him with Taylor Cole in Appetite for Love, which is a super fun valentines movie.

2. Jesse Metcalfe-

If I was just going on pure handsomeness than I would pick Jesse Metcalfe as my favorite Hallmark man. He is super charismatic and pretty as a country boy in the Chesapeake Shores series and A Country Wedding with Autumn Reeser. Plus, he can sing and looks great in a cowboy hat. Win, win.

1. Paul Campbell-

Speaking of charming the current king of Hallmark movies is the charm machine Paul Campbell. He is handsome but in a very accesible way. He feels like someone you could actually meet and fall in love with, which is what makes him work in these movies. Hallmark movies are all about showcasing the women and he does that for his co-stars. He’s just great!

 

So there you have it! My favorite Hallmark leading men and women. Who are your favorites and are you looking forward to the Christmas Hallmark season? Let me know in the comments!