5 Popular ’80s Actresses (And 1 Iconic Pop Star) Who Made Surprise Appearances in Hallmark Movies

The Hallmark Channel has launched many actresses to stardom — and given a variety of stars who started in earlier decades fun new roles. While you likely know that Full House stars like Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin and Lori Loughlin have been staples of the channel’s cozy romances, as has The Wonder Years child star Danica McKellar, there are some ’80s actresses you may have forgotten starred in Hallmark movies and shows.

Here’s a look at six of our favorite ’80s Hallmark stars, along with what they’ve said about their projects for the channel.

1. Marilu Henner

Her ’80s classics: Taxi (1978 to 1983), Johnny Dangerously (1984), Perfect (1985)

Her Hallmark projects: Love, Lights, Hanukkah! (2020), A Kiss Before Christmas (2021), A Kismet Christmas (2022), Aurora Teagarden Mysteries (various years)

What she’s said about Hallmark: “I think Hallmark is very good at picking a brand and a certain quality product that they can explore. You get to know the characters, and it does become kind of a little repertoire company for the actors . . . there’s always something a little quirky and interesting about them. But you know there’s going to be a happy ending because it’s Hallmark, of course.”

MUST-READ: Marilu Henner on Dating John Travolta, Tony Danza and Finally Finding the Love of Her Life

2. Andie MacDowell

Her ’80s classics: St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)

Her Hallmark projects: Cedar Cove (2013 to 2015), At Home in Mitford (2017), The Beach House (2018), The Way Home (2023 to present)

What she’s said about Hallmark: Discussing a skinny-dipping scene in The Way Home, MacDowell said, “I have on my underwear, but I thought it was pretty brave for Hallmark to do, or anybody, a 65-year-old woman. And I loved how I played it.”

MUST-READ: Our 10 Favorite Andie MacDowell Movies, Ranked

3. Holly Robinson Peete

Her ’80s classics: 21 Jump Street (1987 to 1991)

Her Hallmark projects: Angel of Christmas (2015), Christmas in Evergreen (2017), Meet the Peetes (2018 to 2019), A Family Christmas Gift (2019), The Christmas Doctor (2020), Our Christmas Journey (2021), The Journey Ahead (2022), Holiday Heritage (2022), Morning Show Mysteries (various years)

What she’s said about Hallmark: “Hallmark is one of the most unique and warm destinations on television, especially at Christmas, and I am so proud of the projects that we have done together these past years.”

MUST-READ: Holly Robinson Peete On The Struggle Many Women Won’t Talk About: “You Don’t Have to Be Ashamed”

4. Annie Potts

Her ’80s classics: Ghostbusters (1984), Pretty in Pink (1986), Designing Women (1986 to 1993)

Her Hallmark projects: Freshman Father (2010), The Music Teacher (2012)

What she’s said about Hallmark: “My time at Hallmark, they’ve been very good to me.”

MUST-READ: Annie Potts Gets Emotional Over the Final Season of ‘Young Sheldon’

5. Daphne Zuniga

Her ’80s classics: The Sure Thing (1985), Modern Girls (1986), Spaceballs (1987)

Her Hallmark projects: A Family Thanksgiving (2010), Signed, Sealed, Delivered (2013), When Duty Calls (2015)

What she’s said about Hallmark: “I’ve done my share of Lifetime and Hallmark, and I love that. I love that they’re interested in stories that are written by and for and to be viewed by women . . . because we are 51% of the population, by the way!”

6. Debbie Gibson

Her ’80s classics: Hit songs like “Shake Your Love,” “Only in My Dreams,” “Foolish Beat,” “Out of the Blue” and “Lost in Your Eyes”

Her Hallmark projects: Summer of Dreams (2016), Wedding of Dreams (2018)

What she’s said about Hallmark: “The Hallmark audience is the same audience that grew up with me, and I think they’re enjoying watching me play me, essentially, and I’ve been enjoying it as well.”