Mean Girls star Jonathan Bennett is set to star in Hallmark’s first LGBTQ-themed holiday movie, The Christmas House, the network announced Wednesday (September 23, 2020).
About two months ago, the Hallmark Channel announced that its 2020 holiday movie selection would include LGBTQ storylines, characters and actors. Now, the television cable channel is making good on its promise.
The Christmas House will be the third Hallmark Channel original movie starring Bennett, a 39-year-old openly gay actor and television host. He’ll be joined by One Tree Hill actor Robert Buckley, who will play his husband, Ana Ayora (Captain Marvel) and NYPD Blue star Sharon Lawrence.
“Our holiday table is bigger and more welcoming than ever,” said Michelle Vicary, EVP, programming for Hallmark in a statement. “Our movies are rooted in warmth and positivity, meaningful connections, family gatherings, and seasonal traditions — a winning formula we hope will bring our millions of viewers much-needed levity and holiday cheer at the end of a tough year.”
According to TVLine, this is the plot for the film:
Working through some difficult decisions, Mitchell family matriarch Phylis (Lawrence) and patriarch Bill (Williams), have summoned their two grown sons – TV star, Mike Mitchell (Buckley) and Brandon Mitchell (Bennett) – home for the holidays. It is their hope that bringing the family together to recreate the Christmas house, will help them find resolution and make a memorable holiday for the entire family and community. As Brandon and his husband Jake (Harder) make the trip home, they are anxiously awaiting a call about the adoption of their first child. Meanwhile, Mike reconnects with Andi (Ayora), his high school sweetheart.
Congrats to Jonathan, he's one of the most hardworking guys in show business!
