Lawsuit Claims Hallmark Aimed to Replace Lacey Chabert and Other Older Stars

Hallmark Faces Age Discrimination Lawsuit Over Casting Practices

A former casting agent for Hallmark is taking the company to court, alleging age discrimination in its hiring practices. Penny Perry, who has worked with the Hallmark Channel for nearly a decade, filed her lawsuit on October 9, claiming that Lisa Hamilton Daly, Hallmark’s executive vice president of programming, expressed a desire to phase out established stars like Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete.

According to Perry’s filing, Hamilton Daly allegedly referred to Chabert, 42, and Robinson Peete, 60, as “old talent” who needed to be “replaced.” The lawsuit cites instances where Hamilton Daly reportedly remarked that Chabert was “getting older” and that it was necessary to find a replacement for her. As for Robinson Peete, Hamilton is said to have claimed that she had become “too expensive” and “too old” to continue in leading roles.

Lacey Chabert, a prominent figure for Hallmark since her debut in 2010, continues to be a fan favorite. She has expressed her deep appreciation for the network and the movies she has worked on, emphasizing their significance to her.

Perry, now 79, asserts that she was let go in April after receiving positive performance evaluations just months earlier. She claims that Hamilton Daly often told her she was “too long in the tooth” and pushed her out in favor of younger talent. Perry alleges that Hamilton Daly stated, “We need to bring in someone who knows more young talent,” highlighting the network’s focus on casting younger actresses.

Despite the lawsuit, Hallmark remains a beloved destination for holiday films and light-hearted romantic comedies, featuring a slew of women who have become icons on the network. Perry’s lawsuit arrives just as Hallmark prepares for its upcoming “Countdown to Christmas,” featuring 47 original films. Chabert is set to star in “The Christmas Quest,” premiering December 1, where she plays an archaeologist alongside Kristoffer Polaha, and she also serves as an executive producer.

Amid these changes and controversies, Chabert has reiterated her commitment to providing the best content for viewers. She encapsulated her relationship with Hallmark as a genuine partnership, stating that these movies go far beyond just acting jobs for her.

Perry’s claims not only shine a light on Hallmark’s internal dynamics but also on broader industry concerns regarding age discrimination within Hollywood. As the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve, the implications of this lawsuit could resonate throughout the industry.