For many years, the Hallmark channel was synonymous with a very specific brand of romantic storytelling: wholesome, family-friendly narratives often set in picturesque small towns, predominantly featuring heterosexual couples.
This traditional image, while beloved by a dedicated audience, often overlooked the rich diversity of modern relationships and identities. However, in recent times, the network has embarked on a significant journey towards greater inclusivity, gradually embracing a broader spectrum of voices and stories.
This evolution has seen a welcome increase in LGBTQ+ representation, both in front of and behind the camera, with a growing number of openly gay and queer actors gracing the channel's beloved movies and series. Their presence not only reflects changing societal norms but also offers a powerful message of acceptance and visibility to millions of viewers.
This shift is particularly meaningful within the context of Hallmark's traditionally conservative programming.
By featuring openly LGBTQ+ individuals in prominent roles, the network is not just diversifying its talent pool; it is actively shaping a more inclusive narrative for romantic comedies and holiday films, challenging long-held stereotypes, and allowing a wider audience to see themselves reflected on screen.
This article delves into the lives and careers of several openly LGBTQ+ actors who have become integral to the Hallmark family, highlighting their contributions and the impact of their visibility on both the network and its global audience.
Pioneering voices: openly gay actors making their mark
Jonathan Bennett: from plastics to heartwarming leads
One of the most recognizable faces among Hallmark's openly gay actors is Jonathan Bennett.
While widely known for his iconic role as Aaron Samuels in the cult classic "Mean Girls," Bennett has carved out a significant niche for himself within the Hallmark universe. His journey to becoming a network staple, however, wasn't always straightforward.
He revealed in an interview with Too Fab that during his "Mean Girls" days, he was openly gay among his friends but had been advised to keep his sexuality private from the public eye. This illustrates a common challenge faced by many actors in Hollywood, particularly in earlier eras.
Bennett's embrace of his authentic self coincided with Hallmark's push for more inclusive storytelling.
He made history by starring in "The Christmas house" in 2020, which featured the network's first leading gay couple. This groundbreaking film, followed by its sequel "The Christmas house 2: deck those halls" in 2021, marked a pivotal moment for Hallmark, signaling a clear commitment to representing LGBTQ+ relationships.
Beyond these milestone movies, Bennett has continued to be a regular presence on the channel, delighting audiences with his charm and versatility in various roles. His marriage to television host Jaymes Vaughan has also been publicly celebrated, further solidifying his role as a prominent and proud openly gay figure within the entertainment industry.
Bennett's journey from being advised to stay in the closet to becoming a celebrated openly gay lead on a major family-oriented network is a testament to the power of authenticity and the changing landscape of media representation.
Luke Macfarlane: a long-standing talent embracing his truth
Another actor who has been a long-standing and beloved presence on the Hallmark channel is Luke Macfarlane.
Before becoming a Hallmark regular, Macfarlane garnered critical attention for his roles in acclaimed series such as "Over there" and "Brothers and sisters." His career has been marked by a diverse range of performances, showcasing his depth as an actor.
Macfarlane publicly came out as gay in 2008, a decision he later reflected on with Page Six in September 2023, stating, "I came out almost 17 years ago and I never thought it would actually get me a job but it turned out that it did." This sentiment highlights the evolving perceptions within the industry, where authenticity can now be seen as an asset rather than a barrier.
In November 2023, he took on a particularly significant role in "Notes of autumn," where he starred as Leo, a gay author who finds love with a small-town hunk named Matt. This specific role further cemented his status as an actor who not only features prominently in Hallmark's general programming but also actively participates in its push for more explicit LGBTQ+ narratives.
Macfarlane's calm and consistent presence, coupled with his commitment to being open about his identity, has made him a quiet but powerful advocate for representation on the network.
Ali Liebert: a queer trailblazer on Hallmark
The third Hallmark star who has made significant waves for her sexuality and advocacy is Ali Liebert, who openly identifies as queer.
Liebert's career has been multifaceted, with her role in "Bomb girls" being a significant turning point, both personally and professionally. As she has shared, "And then Bomb girls really was the final thing," indicating how that project might have empowered her further in her journey.
Since coming out, Liebert has continued to cultivate a successful career in film and television, with her roles on the Hallmark channel consistently earning rave reviews from fans.
While she has predominantly taken on straight characters in many of her Hallmark appearances, she made history in 2023. She starred in the network's first lesbian-led Christmas film, "Friends and family Christmas," a pivotal moment that truly showcased Hallmark's expanding commitment to queer love stories.
This film was a landmark achievement, providing much-needed visibility for lesbian relationships within the network's iconic holiday programming. Liebert's work not only entertains but also inspires, proving that diverse stories resonate deeply with audiences.
Donia Kash: embracing non-binary identity on screen
Adding another layer of vital representation to the Hallmark channel is Donia Kash, a non-binary actor who brings a unique perspective to their roles.
Kash's debut on the network was met with enthusiasm, and they have since gone on to star in more Hallmark films. Among these, the 2023 film "Hearts in the game" stands out, which they described as their most prominent network role to date. While the source text doesn't specify if their character in "Hearts in the game" was explicitly non-binary or queer, Kash's visible presence as an openly non-binary actor is in itself a significant step forward for the network.
Their participation broadens the scope of representation, allowing for discussions around gender identity and expression in a space traditionally focused on cisgender, heterosexual narratives. Kash's inclusion underscores Hallmark's evolving understanding of diversity beyond just sexual orientation, embracing the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities.
George Krissa: new faces, new narratives
Rounding out the list of prominent openly LGBTQ+ actors making a significant impact is George Krissa.
He made his Hallmark channel debut in 2023 with "Road trip romance," quickly endearing himself to the audience. At the time of the film's release, Krissa openly praised the network for its increasing queer inclusion during an interview on CBC. He eloquently articulated the importance of this shift, stating, "And it's really special to be part of it."
While Krissa has yet to share extensive details about his personal coming out journey, the talented actor has remained an open book about his long-term relationship with his partner, Bri Waters, often sharing glimpses of their life together on social media.
His openness about his relationship, coupled with his enthusiastic support for Hallmark's inclusive direction, positions him as a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility. Krissa's presence symbolizes a newer generation of actors joining the Hallmark family, bringing their authentic selves to a platform that is increasingly welcoming of diverse stories and identities.
Expanding the rainbow: other notable LGBTQ+ presences
Beyond these trailblazers, the Hallmark channel's embrace of LGBTQ+ talent extends to several other actors who contribute to the network's diverse tapestry.
Their involvement, whether in explicitly queer roles or as openly LGBTQ+ individuals playing straight characters, collectively pushes the boundaries of representation.
Humberly Gonzalez: a versatile talent
Humberly Gonzalez is another actor who has graced the Hallmark channel with her presence in films such as "Romance in the air" and "The sweetest heart." While specific LGBTQ+ roles on Hallmark might not be her primary contribution, her general involvement as a visible actor, known for her diverse work including queer characters in other productions like "Workin' moms," signifies a broader acceptance of talent regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Her inclusion in Hallmark productions speaks to the network's expanding casting choices, favoring talent and performance while implicitly accepting the actor's full identity.
Jake Foy: an openly gay presence in continuing series
Jake Foy has become a notable figure on the Hallmark channel, particularly with his role in "When calls the heart," one of the network's longest-running and most beloved series.
Foy is openly gay and married to Nicolas Tabone. His character, Arthur Gilchrist, on "When calls the heart" has been portrayed as openly gay, marking a significant step for the series and for Hallmark as a whole. Integrating an openly gay character into a long-standing, family-friendly drama like "When calls the heart" demonstrates a deeper, more sustained commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion beyond standalone movies, making representation a continuous part of the narrative fabric.
Juan Pablo Di Pace: international flair and authenticity
Known for his roles in "Mamma Mia!" and "Fuller house," Juan Pablo Di Pace has also starred in Hallmark films like "A Christmas carousel." Di Pace is openly gay and has spoken eloquently about his journey and the importance of authenticity in his career.
While his Hallmark roles may not have always been explicitly queer, his presence as an openly gay actor within the network's programming contributes to the growing visibility and normalization of LGBTQ+ individuals in mainstream media. His international background and diverse acting portfolio further enrich the Hallmark talent pool.
Kyle Dean Massey: broadway star bringing charm
Broadway veteran Kyle Dean Massey has also found a home on the Hallmark channel, appearing in films such as "A merry Christmas match" and "Holiday for heroes." Massey is openly gay and married to fellow actor Taylor Frey, who has also appeared in Hallmark productions.
Despite often playing heterosexual romantic leads in his Hallmark movies, Massey's openness about his identity outside of his roles helps to demystify and normalize being gay in Hollywood. His presence contributes to the subtle but powerful message that LGBTQ+ actors are just as capable and desirable in all types of roles, including the traditionally romantic ones that Hallmark is famous for.
Brad Harder: a consistent presence
Canadian actor Brad Harder has been a familiar face in various Hallmark productions, including the "Mystery 101" series on Hallmark movies & mysteries.
Harder is openly gay, and his consistent work across different Hallmark franchises reinforces the idea that the network is actively engaging with and featuring a diverse range of talent. Like many others, his contributions, whether in lead or supporting roles, help to paint a more inclusive picture of the entertainment world.
The impact of evolving representation on Hallmark
The increasing number of openly LGBTQ+ actors on the Hallmark channel signifies more than just a casting trend; it represents a fundamental shift in the network's brand identity and its understanding of its audience.
This evolution is driven by several factors:
- Changing audience expectations: viewers, particularly younger generations, increasingly demand to see diverse experiences and identities reflected in their entertainment. Networks that fail to adapt risk losing relevance.
- Societal progress: as LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance grow globally, mainstream media has a responsibility to mirror these changes, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
- Authenticity in storytelling: including LGBTQ+ actors, and specifically LGBTQ+ storylines, allows for more authentic and relatable narratives, enriching the emotional depth of the films.
- Market expansion: by embracing diversity, Hallmark can tap into new demographics and expand its viewership, ensuring its continued success in a competitive media landscape.
This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond just casting; it's also about telling stories that resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences.
The introduction of gay-led and lesbian-led Christmas films, for instance, has been met with widespread praise, demonstrating a clear appetite for these narratives. These films not only provide heartwarming entertainment but also validate the experiences of countless individuals who have historically been excluded from such feel-good media.
The visibility of openly gay actors playing diverse roles, both straight and gay, sends a powerful message that talent and love know no boundaries.
Looking ahead: the future of inclusivity
While significant progress has been made, the journey towards full and equitable representation is ongoing.
The Hallmark channel, by actively featuring and celebrating its openly LGBTQ+ talent, is setting an important precedent within the family-friendly entertainment genre. The presence of actors like Jonathan Bennett, Luke Macfarlane, Ali Liebert, Donia Kash, George Krissa, and many others not only enriches the quality of its programming but also serves as a beacon of hope and acceptance for viewers everywhere.
The commitment to showcasing diverse love stories and characters, supported by an increasing number of openly LGBTQ+ actors, signals a promising future for the network.
It encourages other media outlets to follow suit, proving that embracing inclusivity is not just socially responsible but also good for business and essential for creating content that truly reflects the multifaceted world we live in. As the Hallmark channel continues to evolve, its growing rainbow of stars will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain, fostering a more understanding and compassionate viewing experience for all.