A former Hallmark casting agent has recently filed an age discrimination lawsuit against the network, alleging that executive Lisa Hamilton Daly wanted to stop casting “old people” like Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete in their films. The lawsuit, submitted by Penny Perry in the Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that Hamilton Daly, Hallmark’s executive VP of programming, specifically mentioned Chabert, 42, and Robinson Peete, 60, as examples of “old talent” that should be replaced.
According to documents obtained by Variety, Hamilton Daly allegedly stated that Chabert is “getting older and we have to find someone like her to replace her as she gets older.” Similarly, Hamilton Daly is accused of saying that “No one wants” Robinson Peete because she is “too expensive and getting too old” and can no longer play leading roles.
Perry, 79, who had been working with Hallmark Channel for nine years, claims that she was fired in April despite receiving a positive performance evaluation just two months prior. She alleges that Hamilton Daly frequently criticized her age, referring to her as “too long in the tooth,” and expressed a desire to bring in “new talent” while pushing out older employees.
The lawsuit further states that Hamilton Daly mentioned the need to hire someone who is familiar with young talent, as she believed that the network’s leading ladies were “aging out.” Hallmark, Chabert, and Robinson Peete have yet to comment on the allegations.
Perry’s extensive casting credits include popular films such as Cocoon, Ordinary People, and The Jerk, as well as numerous Hallmark holiday films like A Biltmore Christmas and Holiday Hotline. Hamilton Daly, who joined Hallmark in 2021, has been accused of marginalizing Perry by moving her office to a different floor, excluding her from meetings, and ultimately replacing her with a younger male colleague after terminating her employment.
As Hallmark gears up to release its “Countdown to Christmas” lineup featuring 47 new original movies, Chabert is set to star alongside Kristoffer Polaha in The Christmas Quest, premiering on December 1. The film follows the journey of an archaeologist and her ex-husband as they search for treasure in Iceland. Chabert, who is also an executive producer on the movie, expressed her dedication to Hallmark productions, emphasizing her commitment to delivering quality content to the audience.
Despite the legal turmoil surrounding Hallmark’s casting practices, fans can look forward to a festive season filled with heartwarming stories and familiar faces on the beloved network. The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the serene landscape. As the day came to a close, a new chapter began for the small town of Willow Creek.
In the heart of the town, a group of young entrepreneurs were preparing to open their new business – a cozy cafĂ© called “Sunset Brews.” The cafĂ© was a dream come true for the group, who had spent months planning and preparing for this moment.
The café was located in a historic building that had been lovingly restored by the group. The interior was a mix of modern and rustic decor, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and cozy armchairs. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, enticing passersby to step inside and experience the warmth and charm of the café.
As the doors opened for the first time, the town’s residents poured in, eager to support the new business. The group of entrepreneurs greeted each customer with a smile, eager to share their passion for good coffee and community.
The menu at Sunset Brews featured a variety of specialty coffee drinks, homemade pastries, and light lunch options. The café quickly became a popular spot for locals to gather, socialize, and relax after a long day.
In addition to serving delicious food and drinks, Sunset Brews also hosted events and workshops for the community. From live music nights to coffee tasting sessions, the café became a hub of activity and creativity for the town.
As the weeks passed, Sunset Brews continued to thrive, becoming a beloved fixture in the town of Willow Creek. The group of entrepreneurs were grateful for the support of the community and felt fulfilled knowing that they had created a space where people could come together and connect.
As the sun set on another day in Willow Creek, the lights of Sunset Brews glowed warmly, inviting all who passed by to step inside and experience the magic of this charming café. And so, a new chapter began for the small town, filled with coffee, community, and endless possibilities.
