Hey there, friends. Let’s talk about Danica McKellar, the beloved actress who stole our hearts as Winnie Cooper in The Wonder Years. Recently, her longtime fans were left scratching their heads when she made the surprising decision to leave Hallmark and join GAC Family. But don’t worry, she didn’t just up and leave without a good reason. In fact, she opened up about the career decision and the thought process behind this big move. Let’s dive deeper into it.
When Exactly Did Danica McKellar Say Goodbye to Hallmark?
Back in October 2021, Danica inked a four-picture deal with GAC Family and GAC Living to act in and produce original films. Before this, she was a staple on Hallmark, starring in those heartwarming, feel-good flicks like Perfect Match, Crown for Christmas, and Wedding Bells. Now, you might be wondering why she chose to make such a bold move. Well, let’s break it down.
Here’s what Bill Abbott, the President and CEO of GAC Media, had to say about welcoming Danica to the GAC family: “Danica is a world-class talent who is among TV’s most beloved and enduring stars. Her creativity and passion are unmatched, and I’m thrilled to have her join our close-knit family.” Can you feel the excitement in his words? It’s clear that Danica’s arrival was a big deal for GAC.
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Why Did Danica McKellar Decide to Leave Hallmark?
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. In a candid interview with Us Weekly in June 2022, Danica addressed the questions swirling around her departure from Hallmark. She explained, “Part of it was because I had the opportunity to do a multi-picture deal, which I hadn’t done at Hallmark, and also not just multi-picture, but also really being a producer, really helping to develop these stories from the beginning.”
For Danica, this was more than just a job change. It was a chance to grow as a storyteller and take on new challenges. “And that’s really exciting for me as a storyteller. I love that. Plus, it was Bill Abbott who I adore, and a lot of the executives moved over there honestly. In some ways, [it] feels more like Hallmark than probably if I were still [at] Hallmark,” she added. Danica made it clear that the transition felt natural and that the people she worked with were the same, just in a different setting.
She went on to clarify, “So all producers are all the same. All the actors, of course, were the same too.” Danica’s move was about embracing new opportunities and expanding her creative horizons, not about leaving behind the familiar.
By late 2022, Danica’s first film with GAC Family, The Winter Palace, hit the screens. Her second film, Christmas at the Drive-In, also premiered on TV that same year. In October 2023, the TV star announced that her third film, Swing into Romance, was heading to cable. This movie features some fantastic performances by Dancing With the Stars pro Gleb Savchenko and actor David Haydn-Jones.
And if you’re curious about the story behind Swing into Romance, Danica shared on Instagram, “The story for this movie was first conceived by my amazing husband, Scott Sveslosky — you’ll see his name in the credits!” It’s always great to see family collaborations, isn’t it?
Who Else Made the Leap from Hallmark to GAC Family?
Turns out, Danica wasn’t the only one making the move. Other familiar faces like Jen Lilley, Jessica Lowndes, Trevor Donovan, and Candace Cameron Bure also joined GAC Family. It seems like a whole new chapter is unfolding for these talented actors, and we can’t wait to see what they bring to the table.
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