Back in the day, actress Lacey Chabert was the one fans would stop on the street, recognizing her from her iconic roles in the TV series "Party of Five" or her unforgettable performance in the teenage comedy classic "Mean Girls." But over the last decade, it's her work on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries that has fans eagerly seeking selfies with the star.
Hallmark Magic: Lacey Chabert's 25th Movie Milestone
"I just wrapped up my 25th movie with Hallmark," shares Lacey, 38, in an exclusive chat with Closer Weekly, now available on newsstands. "I genuinely adore making these movies. Fans often tell me they appreciate how these films provide an uplifting and positive escape for a couple of hours. In a year like this, that kind of positivity is more important than ever." Lacey’s charm and talent have clearly struck a chord with audiences, making her a beloved figure in the world of heartwarming cinema.
Reuniting with Brennan Elliott in "Crossword Mysteries: Terminal Descent"
Lacey, who is married to businessman David Nehdar and is a proud mom to their 4-year-old daughter Julia, will reprise her role as Tess Harper in the latest installment of the "Crossword Mysteries" series, "Terminal Descent." This film, set to premiere on February 14 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, marks her fourth time stepping into Tess's shoes. Fans of the series will be thrilled to see her reunite with Brennan Elliott, who plays Detective Logan. Lacey shared her excitement, saying, "This is our ninth film together. In this new movie, our characters' friendship deepens, and there's even the possibility of them becoming more than just friends. It's a dynamic that adds a whole new layer to the story."
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A Journey Through Acting: From Broadway to Hollywood
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
As a young girl, Lacey was all about singing, dancing, and making people laugh. Whether it was performing in school plays or singing in church, she was drawn to the spotlight. When her family moved to New York when she was just 7, Lacey began auditioning and quickly found herself landing commercials. It wasn't long before she was cast as young Cosette in the Broadway production of Les Misérables. Reflecting on her early years, Lacey said, "Some of my fondest memories are from that time. Being part of such a supportive cast and performing in front of a live audience every night was an unforgettable experience."
Q: Would you ever consider returning to Broadway?
When asked if she'd ever step back onto the Broadway stage, Lacey's response was filled with enthusiasm. "Oh, absolutely! Just thinking about it gives me butterflies. If the right opportunity came along, I would jump at the chance."
Looking Back: The Legacy of "Party of Five"
For six seasons, Lacey played the lovable Claudia on "Party of Five." When asked about her time on the show, she spoke with heartfelt nostalgia. "The cast of 'Party of Five' is like family to me," she said. "Even though we don't see each other as often as we'd like, they'll always hold a special place in my heart. Looking back, I realize how much of who I am today was shaped by the people I met and worked with during that time. It was truly a magical experience."
Q: Do you have a favorite episode?
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Picking a favorite episode from the show's 144 installments is no easy task, but Lacey revealed that the intervention episode stands out. "It was such an emotionally charged episode," she explained. "Claudia played a crucial role in helping Bailey realize he needed help. The intensity of that episode made me feel like I was part of something truly special."
From "Mean Girls" to Hallmark: A Career Evolved
Q: Did you ever imagine "Mean Girls" would become a classic?
Though Lacey couldn't have predicted the enduring popularity of "Mean Girls," she knew they were making something special. "Working with Tina Fey and Mark Waters was an incredible experience. Everyone on set was so talented, and we couldn't stop laughing during scenes. It's amazing that we're still talking about it 17 years later!"
Life as a Mom: Julia's Influence on Lacey's Life
Becoming a mom has been a transformative experience for Lacey. "Julia has taught me so much about myself," she said with a smile. "She's full of energy and passion, and she's put everything in perspective for me. Every decision I make now is centered around her well-being. She's truly my heart and soul."
Q: What do you and Julia enjoy doing together?
Julia's love for arts and crafts has inspired Lacey to dive back into her own childhood hobbies. "We love doing iron-ons on T-shirts — though I have to admit, I burn most of them!" she laughed. "We also make friendship bracelets, paint rocks, and do all sorts of fun activities. It's like reliving my childhood through her eyes. At 4 years old, everything is magical to her. She wakes up excited every day, and that's something we could all learn from."
Post-Pandemic Plans and Career Aspirations
Q: What are you most looking forward to after the pandemic?
For Lacey, the answer is simple: travel. "I can't wait to hit the road and explore new places," she said. "Disneyland is another big one for us. It's been a family tradition to take pictures in the same spot every time we visit, watching Julia grow up in those photos. Disneyland will always be my happy place, and I'm thrilled to share that joy with my family."
Q: What else do you hope to accomplish in your career?
Lacey's career aspirations extend beyond acting. "I'd love to play a character from the South one day, reflecting my Mississippi roots," she shared. "Directing is also something I'm passionate about. Telling stories from behind the camera is a dream I hope to fulfill someday."
Life Lessons: Keeping What Matters Close
Q: What's the most important lesson you've learned in life?
For Lacey, the answer is rooted in love and faith. "The most important thing for me is to focus on what truly matters: my faith in God and my family. As long as the people around me know they're loved and we're all healthy, everything else can be handled. Stress and challenges come and go, but love and family are the constants that keep me grounded."
— Reporting by Katie Bruno
For more on this story, pick up the latest issue of Closer magazine, on newsstands now.
