Hallmark Party Brings Out The Stars #TCA

Hallmark Channel certainly knows how to throw a party (thank you Pam Slay). The network known for their family-focused original movies that feature popular stars of the past spared no expense as they gathered over 300 critics and talent at Pasadena’s prestigious Tournament House on Friday. The 18,500 square foot mansion was the winter home of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley and is now the official headquarters of the Tournament of Roses Association.

Marion Ross (Happy Days) and Shelly Hack (Charlie’s Angels) were upstairs touring when we walked through, marveling at the ornate details of the rooms and the history of the Rose Bowl matchups. Downstairs Luke Perry, Jennie Garth, Jane Seymour, Doris Roberts, Kellie Martin and a slew of others mingled with reporters and  friends.  Pictured below is a group shot of the talent in attendance.

1st Row: Danielle Panabaker, Cassi Thomson, Doris Roberts, Kiernan Shipka, Kellie Martin
2nd Row: Ethan Erickson, Jennie Garth, Luke Perry, Kelly Monaco, Markie Post, Michael Landon Jr., Sherry Stringfield, Marilu Henner, Roma Downey
3rd Row: Michelle Vicary, EVP, Programming, Laura Lee, SVP, Distribution, Susanne McAvoy, EVP, Marketing, Jack Coleman, Jane Seymour,

Bill Abbott, President and CEO, Simon Kassianides, Kayla Ewell, Thad Luckinbill
4th Row: Marvin Dorson, SVP, Creative Services, Ed Georger, EVP, Ad Sales and General Manager of Hallmark Movie Channel, Charlie Stanford, EVP, Business Affairs and General Counsel, Joe Lando, Katie Flynn, Rob Estes, Annie Howell, SVP, Communications and Media Relations, Barbara Fisher, SVP, Original Programming
Photo:   Copyright 2011 Crown Media Holdings, Inc./Alexx Henry

Hallmark followed up the cocktail party with a lavish dinner, where stars were seated with critics, and the success of the network was celebrated in its “Celebrate & Connect” gala. Hallmark’s got a rich lineup of originals in 2011, including the Jan. 29th western “Goodnight For Justice,” starring Luke Perry and executive produced by his “90210” alum Jason Priestly. The movie is a good set up for a potential franchise series.

Pictured: Luke Perry and Jennie Garth
Kellie Martin, Kiernan Spipka, Simon Kassianides

Also in attendance were the cast for Hallmak’s Feb. 5 premiere of “Smooch,” which includes Kellie Martin, Kiernan Shipka (who you’ll recognize from her role as Sally Draper on “Mad Men”) and Simon Kassianides. The film is described as an updated, loosely-based, live-action homage to the Brothers Grimm short story, “The Frog King,” where a hapless prince is turned into a froby by a witch’s cruel charm. He needs to convince a princess to take him home and treat him like a king – enter Kiernan Shipka, who delightfully told critics “I’m not allowed to watch the show,” of her famed “Mad Men” role.

The Hallmark party ended later than planned and guests were treated to a swag bag that included champagne.


All Photos:   ©2011 Crown Media Holdings, Inc./Alexx Henry

3 Comments

  1. Maybe next time Patty! The winter TCA press tour is always in mid-January – there’s usually a small crowd of fans that sit outside the hotel snapping pictures of their favorite stars as they arrive for network panels, always an option. Good news is there’s plenty more Hallmark Original films to fill your evenings in 2011!

  2. I was home all day Sat getting ready, doing all my chores so that I could relaxe and watch Prudence with Jane and Joe. Gee, I would have loved to have attended the party, being I am a fan and all. lol
    Maybe next time? You have my email. All kidding aside, I really enjoyed Prudence, but I wish Joe would have at least ran through the house wearing his buckskins and tomahawk, now that would have been funny! Please make some more Dr. Quinn, TV today sucks, too many reality shows, and I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way; we need better shows to entertain us, and Dr Quinn did just that, along with the Hallmark Channel making their own movies. Thank you!

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