Hallmark Channel Star History Surprises: From Meghan Markle To Bradley Cooper!

Hallmark Channel fans may think they know all the stars past and present. But taking time to do a deep dive into the history of the network reveals some surprises. For instance, did you know that Meghan Markle appeared on the Hallmark channel before becoming the Duchess of Sussex?

Find out which now-famous actors and actresses got their start on the Hallmark channel. And get ready to make a list of old Hallmark movies to put on your must-watch list! Prepare to go down the Hallmark channel history rabbit hole below.

Hallmark Channel – Stars Who Might Surprise You!

What do A Star Is Born Bradley Cooper and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle have in common? Both the actor and duchess once appeared on the Hallmark channel. And the two rank on the list of other now-famous folks who began their careers on the streaming service, noted Us magazine.

For instance, TV viewers today know Mandy Moore from This Is Us. But like Christopher Lloyd, Chad Michael Murray, and Carrie Fisher, Mandy once starred in a Hallmark movie. And Moore recalls that film, Christmas in Conway, with affection.

“I love that this story is watching the journey of this couple and this sort of everlasting love. To me, being such a romantic, the [movie shows the] ultimate gesture,” gushed Mandy. “You can’t help but fall in love with that gesture. And having to play the role of a nurse, obviously, it’s her job to keep it together. It’s been hard,” added the actress. “Because I’m usually the one who’s like, ‘OK, this is when I’m going to cry.’ And I don’t even think about it.”

Hallmark Channel – Reunited Jason Priestley And Luke Perry

Luke Perry and Jason Priestley reunited for Good Night for Justice. And Luke, who passed away at age 52, praised Jason as the director of the film. “Jason and I have always gotten along really well,” shared Perry before his death. “But we don’t always agree. You agree to disagree and you’re professional and you move on from it.” And Jason called the experience “absolutely phenomenal!”

Other now-famous stars who got started on the Hallmark channel include Bradley Cooper in The Last Cowboy. And Carrie Fisher starred in It’s Christmas, Carol! less than five years before her death. Prior to Good Girls, Mae Whitman turned into a Hallmark star on A Season for Miracles.

But what about Meghan Markle? The Duchess of Sussex actually earned a hashtag, #Hallmarkies, for her role in a Hallmark film! And titled The Dater’s Handbook, the movie remains as a headliner on Hallmark’s site. However, the website description in some ways sounds like a foreshadowing of her marriage to Prince Harry.

For instance, the movie describes Meghan’s character of Cassandra as possessing “a recurring habit of picking the wrong type of guy.” (Sorry, Prince Harry!) And so Cassandra seeks help from a relationship expert. But can the character pick the right man when her choices involve “reliable George (Jonathan Scarfe) and fun-loving Robert (Kristoffer Polaha)”?

Tell us what you think. Do you feel surprised at the list of famous stars who began on the Hallmark channel? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more Hallmark channel news!