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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,697
Registered: ‎05-09-2010

HALLMARK LAWSUIT

[ Edited ]

So apparently the Hallmark Channel is being sued for age discrimination. Allegedly the higher ups said that Lacey Chabert (42) and Holly Robinson Peete (60) were getting too old to play those parts and they want to look for younger actors.

 

Personally, I don't find anything wrong with that.  Producers and Directors have a right to find the actor that fits that part.  If they think they are too old, I don't think they have an obligation to continue to use the same actors over and over again.  Give some younger women and men a shot at those parts.

 

What do you all think?

Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. Margaret Mead
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,372
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I saw this in the news yesterday and what struck me was reading Robinson-Peete was already 60.  I think if the movie calls for a certain age then yes hire them but if you have longtime fan favorites you can continue writing movies for that age bracket as well.  

"Grandma finds Christmas Love Again."

"Live frugally, but love extravagantly."
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,170
Registered: ‎06-19-2010

I never watch Hallmark movies so it doesn't really matter to me.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,520
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

The role should be played by an actor who best represents the age of the character as written.  Perhaps the writers could develop roles written for mature actors?

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,201
Registered: ‎06-02-2010

Is Hallmark doing the same for male actors? 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,617
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

I don't watch Hallmark, so the question for me is do these two people play the same characters each time or are they different characters.  I could see how replacing actors playing the same character, like in a series, might have a point.  But, if each show is a stand-alone show with all new characters, I just don't see how they have a case.  

 

I've seen where even seasoned actors have to try out for parts, so why would these people think they are entitled to be cast?  

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,839
Registered: ‎06-29-2016

Re: HALLMARK LAWSUIT

[ Edited ]

Neither Lacey nor Holly filed the suit.  They are not parties in the litigation.

 

It's basically a Wrongful Termination suit, with age discrimination as one of the causes of action. 

 

It was filed by a former Hallmark casting director who cited the two actresses as examples used by executives as being "too old."

 

Other actresses referenced in the suit include Terri Hatcher,  Kelly Martin and Alison Sweeney.

 

Four male actors are also noted.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,928
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

if they think they're too old then I guess I'm a freaken fossil!

Valued Contributor
Posts: 941
Registered: ‎08-30-2010

I watch the movie for who is in it.

Lately if I do not know at least someone in the movie I usually do not watch.

To me it is not the age but the person in the movie.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,159
Registered: ‎01-02-2011

Re: HALLMARK LAWSUIT

[ Edited ]

I prefer when an actor fits the role, including age.

 

Are these two in a series then?  I don't watch Hallmark anymore.