Kelsey Grammer is gearing up to embrace the festive spirit with a brand-new Christmas film.
The 70-year-old actor exudes the charm of a devoted father in a recently revealed poster for Karen Kingsbury’s The Christmas Ring, which was exclusively shared with Us Weekly. Set to grace the big screen on November 6, the movie is an adaptation of Kingsbury’s bestselling novel of the same name and brought to life by Fathom Entertainment.
Grammer discussed with Us that stepping into the shoes of Howard Miller, the father to Benjamin Hollingsworth’s character Ben, was a straightforward choice. Howard, a widower and antique shop owner, stumbles upon a life-altering discovery.
“One of my primary criteria is, ‘Have I played this role before?’” Grammer informed. “I haven’t portrayed anyone quite like Howard—a man who runs an antique store, has raised his son alone, and lost his wife many years back. It’s a sweet narrative about a widower harboring a secret desire, while still feeling connected to his late wife. Ultimately, it’s about a touching father-son reconciliation where a dad has the opportunity to say, ‘I’m sorry.’”
Within the storyline of The Christmas Ring, Ben aids Vanessa, portrayed by Jana Kramer, a widow from military service, in the search for a cherished family artifact. Romance blooms between them, but not without a little nudge from Howard along the way.
While Grammer finds common ground with Howard, he is quick to point out that their paths of fatherhood diverge significantly.
As a father of seven, Grammer’s experience ranges from his oldest daughter, Spencer, 41, whom he shares with ex-wife Doreen Alderman, to the younger children he has with his current wife, Kayte Walsh, with whom he has three children: daughter Faith, 12, and sons Gabriel, 10, and James, 8. Adding to this vibrant household is a daughter, Mason, 23, and son Jude, 20, from his marriage to Camille Meyer, who is currently pregnant with their eighth child.
The multifaceted journey of fatherhood over the years has brought Grammer joy, albeit with its complexities. “Kelsey Grammer, the father, has seen mixed reviews throughout the years,” he confessed. “As my older children come and go, we oscillate between closeness and distance. That’s just part and parcel of the child-rearing experience—at least in my case. Occasionally, I wish we could all just stay together and be eternally close and happy. But then again, you’re meant to guide them out of the nest, equipping them for their future. I think I’ve done that with a degree of success.”
Grammer is actively parenting his youngest brood, who are enthusiastic fans of his cinematic works. Each phase of his fatherhood journey, he asserts, has imparted valuable lessons about love.
“I currently have a lively clan at home that we’re continually growing with,” Grammer stated. “I’m genuinely thrilled about all my roles as ‘dad.’ Each has evolved differently over the past four decades. It’s a testament to the power of love. While this tale in The Christmas Ring isn’t a direct reflection of my personal life, it certainly emphasizes heartwarming connections.”
Grammer embraces the essence of the holiday season, declaring it his preferred time of year. He cherishes family Christmas customs that “encompass Christ,” which typically include sharing “the story of Jesus with our children” and providing “a gentle lesson in the Bible.”
Additionally, he fondly recounts the family tradition of erecting “an impressive tree” each year.
“We always strive to find the tallest tree during the holidays. As we decorate together, that shared moment is what truly matters,” Grammer reflected, expressing his hope that The Christmas Ring will “remind audiences of the inherent beauty in love and the importance of connecting with those we hold dear.”
“Ultimately, nothing surpasses the notion that the most loving decision is often the right one,” he concluded.
Mark your calendars, as tickets for Karen Kingsbury’s The Christmas Ring will be on sale starting October 1. The novel that inspired the film will also hit the shelves on October 21.
