Event Horizon Home Theater Review on Home Theater Geeks 457

Jonathan Bennett is making headlines with his push for greater LGBTQ+ representation on Hallmark. Best known for his role as Aaron Samuels in the iconic teen film Mean Girls, Bennett is now taking on exciting new challenges that reflect his authentic self. This fall, he stars in Hallmark’s The Groomsmen trilogy, where he plays Danny, a gay athlete who supports his straight friends as they navigate their wedding plans, all while secretly yearning for his own happy ending.

In The Groomsmen: Second Chances, Danny faces a dilemma reminiscent of My Best Friend’s Wedding, becoming the best man for his longtime friend Zack, played by Alexander Lincoln, who is set to marry in Greece. Unknown to Zack, Danny has been hiding his feelings for him, adding layers to the romantic comedy.

Bennett, who co-created and co-produced the trilogy, draws from his personal experiences. Having been married to television personality Jaymes Vaughan, Bennett reflects on the friendships that shape our lives. He emphasizes the importance of having friends who can uplift and challenge each other, especially within the context of male camaraderie in the romantic comedy genre.

Bennett made history with Hallmark in 2020 when he starred in The Christmas House, which featured the network’s first LGBTQ+ storyline. The new film, Second Chances, is also notable for showcasing a gay wedding as a central plot point. As a seasoned Hallmark actor, Bennett is committed to infusing these stories with authenticity while also bringing a fresh perspective to LGBTQ+ narratives.

Bennett’s role as Danny also serves as an inspiration, particularly given the limited visibility of openly LGBTQ+ athletes in sports. By portraying Danny as a professional baseball player, Bennett aims to convey messages of hope and representation to his audience.

In addition to his acting endeavors, Bennett is the host of Finding Mr. Christmas, a competition series featuring ten actors vying for a leading role in an upcoming Christmas movie. He envisions the show capturing the festive spirit similar to the early days of American Idol, where families gather around the television and root for their favorites.

Bennett also recently achieved a personal milestone by making his Broadway debut in the musical Spamalot. Looking ahead to 2025, he is keen on either returning to the stage or making his directorial debut with a feature film. Meanwhile, he and Vaughan continue to be advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility, sharing their loving journey with over a million followers on social media.

Bennett feels honored to showcase his marriage publicly, aiming to provide representation for those who may not have seen love stories like theirs before. He believes that by sharing their experiences, they can inspire others exploring their own identities.