Some actresses are known for being Hallmark’s leading ladies — starring in multiple films a year. On the other hand, there are those that aren’t mainly known for being a part of the TV movies but surprisingly have been in Hallmark movies before — doing one or two in the course of their entire career.Related:5 Hallmark Christmas Movies That Deserve Your Full AttentionThe network showcases a lot of talent — producing tons of television content, and seasonal movies every year. Hallmark has a pretty close-knit circle of actors featured regularly in the channel’s projects, except for when these actresses broke in to lead a movie or few.
Julie Gonzalo
Starred in:Pumpkin Pie Wars, Falling for Vermont, The Sweetest Heart, Flip That Romance, Jingle Bell Bride, Cut Color Murder
Julie Gonzalomoved from Argentina to the United States with her family when she was just 7/8 years old. Initially hesitant in the move, the Argentinian actress soon came to call Miami her second home. Gonzalo started her career as a model and later became interested in acting — taking theater classes. Throughout the years the actress has participated in some pretty high profile projects — best known for her roles inA Cinderella Story,Christmas with the Kranks,Veronica Mars,Eli Stone,Dallas, andSupergirl.
Rachel Skarsten
Starred in:Marry Me at Christmas, Timeless Love
Rachel Skarstendanced for the Royal Academy of Dance for twelve years, only when she suffered an ankle injury was she forced to give up dancing. But that unfortunate incident didn’t waver Skarsten — turning to sports, playing hockey for the Leaside Wildcats, and winning the Toronto City Championships in 2002. At the age of 16, she was discovered by Producer Brian Robins and cast as Dinah Lance/Black Canary for theBirds of Preyseries. Skarsten came to prominence when she starred inLost Girl,Reign, and most recentlyBatwoman.
Mallory Jansen
Starred in:On the 12th Date of Christmas, Her Pen Pal
Mallory Jansenstudied with some of the most prestigious acting, analysis, analysis, and method teachers in the world during her time in New York — at some of the most renowned school such as Stella Alder and T. Schreiber Studios. Soon after returning home, the Australian actress scored roles — most notably inNever Tear Us Apartas Helena Christensen — making her a household name in the Australian TV industry and catapulting a flutter of interest for the actress in Los Angeles. Jansen has received critical acclaim for her starring roles as Madalena inGalavant, and in the fourth season ofMarvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Bridget Regan
Starred in:Magic Stocking, Christmas Getaway
Growing up,Bridget Reganparticipated in plays at her local theater — attended UNCSA to pursue a professional career in acting, stating “I don’t remember not wanting to (be an actor), to be honest… I just always wanted to be an actor” Regan got her big break when she was cast as the female lead of Kahlan Amnell inLegend of the Seeker, alongside Craig Horner. She went on to star as Rose Solano (aka Sin Rostro) inJane the Virgin, Dottie Underwood inMarvel’s Agent Carter, Sasha Cooper inThe Last Ship, and most recently Pamela Isley in season three ofBatwoman.
Winona Ryder
Starred in:When Love Is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story
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Winona Ryderhad an interest in acting at a young age, taking lessons at the American Conservatory Theater. The actress has won numerous awards and nominations for her performances throughout the years — the role that garnered attention in the early years of her career was her performance inTim Burton’sBeetlejuice. Ryder has been part of quite an impressive list of projects, with many of the roles being quite iconic even til today — starring inHeathers,Edward Scissorhands,Little Woman,Girl Interrupted, andStranger Things.
Katie McGrath
Starred in:A Princess for Christmas
Katie McGrathdidn’t intend on making a career in the world of acting —getting a job as a wardrobe assistant on the series The Tudors, and being persuaded by some of the staff to give acting a try. The Irish actress’s breakout role came when she starred inMerlinas Morgana Pendragon, alongside Colin Morgan. McGrath went on to star inDracula,Slasher, andSupergirl— recently cast as the Adjudicator in theJohn Wickprequel,Continental.
Meghan Markle
Starred in:When Sparks Fly, Dater’s Handbook
Duchess of Sussex,Meghan Markle, grew up in Hollywood — subsequently graduating from Northwest University with a double major in theater and international studies. Markle started her career participating in minor roles until she was cast as Rachel Zane inSuits— during her time in the role, she made sure that the character she portrayed gave unique perspectives that people could relate with, breaking the racial and gender “glass ceiling.” The Duchess of Sussex was also the founder and editor-in-chief of the lifestyle website, The Tig, from, 2014 to 2017.
Meghan Ory
Starred in:The Memory Book, Dashing Through the Snow, Chesapeake Shores(TV show)
Meghan Orystarted her career in theater at a young age — not allowed to audition for tv and film projects until she was able to pay for her own headshots — making her film debut inThe Darklingsin 1999. The Canadian actress is best known for her roles Red Riding Hood/Ruby inOnce Upon A Time, Riley Neal in the short-lived dramaIntelligence, and Abby O’Brien inChesapeake Shores. Ory also went on to write a series of teen novels, inspired by her own high school experiences — described asMean GirlsmeetsUgly Betty.
Adelaide Kane
Starred in:A Midnight Kiss
Adelaide Kanehad been acting since she was around 6 years old — gaining recognition in her breakout role inNeighbors(1985) as Lolly Allen. At the age of 19, Kane moved from Australia to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. The Australian has amassed quite the resume — most known starring roles being Mary, Queen of Scots inReign, and Drizella inOnce Upon A Time— having starred alongside Alycia Debnam-Carey, David Boreanaz, and Robert Carlyle.
Minka Kelly
Starred in:Away and Back, The Beach House
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The only child of Aerosmith guitarist Rick Dufay —Minka Kellyis no novice to the industry. The American actress initially wanted to become a model, but after working as a receptionist at a surgeon’s office, she decided to pursue a career as a surgeon’s assistant — while continuing to audition for film and tv roles. Kelly made her acting debut as an extra in the short filmThe Turbo Charged Prelude for 2 Fast 2 Furious— her best-known roles being inThe Roommate,Charlie’s Angels(2011),Titans, and most recently inEuphoria.
