Lacey Chabert, once known to millions as Gretchen Wieners from the cult classic Mean Girls, has cemented her status as the reigning queen of Hallmark Channel. As 2026 begins, Chabert is everywhere—on TV screens, in the hearts of holiday movie lovers, and on the set of yet another festive film. Her latest projects, routines, and reflections offer a rare glimpse into the life of an actress who has made a career out of spreading warmth and cheer, both on and off the screen.
Appearing on Good Morning America on January 2, 2026, Chabert spoke about her starring role in the new romantic comedy Lost in Paradise, which premieres on Hallmark Channel on January 3 at 8 p.m. ET and streams the next day on Hallmark+. The movie whisks viewers away to Fiji, where Chabert’s character, Sophia—a high-end fashion company founder—finds herself marooned on a deserted island with Max, a chef played by Ian Harding. Romance, naturally, blossoms as the two work together to survive. According to Parade, this sun-soaked adventure is designed to help viewers escape winter’s chill, if only for a couple of hours.
Chabert’s casting as Sophia is hardly surprising. With over 40 Hallmark movies to her name—including recent hits like She’s Making a List—she’s become the network’s go-to leading lady. Her co-star, Ian Harding, is no stranger to television audiences either, best known for his role on Pretty Little Liars and previous Hallmark films. The pairing promises charm and chemistry, and the exotic Fijian setting is sure to entice viewers longing for a tropical getaway during the coldest months of the year.
But Lost in Paradise is just one chapter in Chabert’s busy season. During her GMA interview, she also addressed the 21st anniversary of Mean Girls and the perennial debate over whether the film qualifies as a Christmas movie. “I feel like you’re going to get me in trouble with this, but I don’t think it’s a Christmas movie,” she admitted with a laugh. “Because I think it covers all of the holidays. It’s a whole school year.” Still, she couldn’t resist adding, “But I do feel like ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ was kind of foreshadowing my future.” Her playful answer nods to the now-iconic holiday-themed dance scene and her current reign as Hallmark’s holiday movie star.
Chabert’s connection to Christmas movies is deeper than nostalgia or typecasting. She’s proud of her work for Hallmark, particularly because it’s content she can share with her nine-year-old daughter, Julia. In an interview with People for their My Good Morning series, Chabert revealed, “It makes me happy to work on things my daughter can enjoy. She’s still in this age where she loves to cuddle and it is the best. That’s one of our favorite things to do: cuddle on the couch and watch a good movie and make snacks.” Julia, it turns out, is also a fan of the glamorous dresses her mother wears on screen—especially since, as Chabert jokes, “in real life I only wear black leggings. She’s not totally wrong!”
The mother-daughter bond is central to Chabert’s daily life. Her mornings start early, often with a prayer and a cup of coffee in a cherished Minnie Mouse mug from Disneyland. Breakfast is a family affair, with Chabert or her husband, David Nehdar, taking turns whipping up blueberry pancakes, cereal, or yogurt for Julia. The school commute is filled with music ranging from ABBA to Whitney Houston, and always ends with a ritual of encouragement. “I tell her how proud I am of her and how much I love her and I say, ‘The most important thing is not grades—obviously do your best—but it’s being kind to people.’”
After drop-off, Chabert enjoys a brisk walk—sometimes catching up with her sister or mother by phone—before diving into the day’s responsibilities. She’s streamlined her beauty routine, swapping the hour-and-a-half regimen of her pre-mom days for a quick, efficient seven-minute process. “It’s amazing what we can do as moms, isn’t it?” she quipped to People. Her approach to life is more relaxed now, focused on priorities and self-compassion rather than rigid schedules.
This year, Chabert is not just celebrating past successes but looking ahead to new milestones. She recently wrapped filming on Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, her first Christmas movie of 2026 for Hallmark Channel. Sharing her excitement on GMA, she said, “I am literally on my way to finish filming that movie, and that will be next Christmas for Hallmark Channel. And I’m just so excited about it.” The project, which she first announced during the Hallmark Christmas Experience: A Hometown Holiday Special, features Travis Van Winkle as her leading man, alongside a cast that includes Richard Kind, Christy Carlson Romano, Taegan Burns, and Asher Alexander, as reported by Variety.
For Chabert, filming at Disney World was a dream come true, blending her professional life with cherished childhood memories. “Younger me is in absolute awe that this is my life, and that I’ve had the chance to live out so many dreams,” she told Decider. She described an emotional moment during shooting: “When I walked out, and I was in my princess dress, when I saw the castle all lit up, I honestly started crying because it just touched my heart so deeply. Disney World is such a… and Disneyland, it has such special memories for me and my family. It’s not all the time in life that we get to be in touch with our inner child and feel like a kid again. And that’s the feeling I get when I’m there.”
Chabert’s ascent to Hallmark royalty has been characterized by versatility and a genuine connection with audiences. Beyond her holiday roles, she has hosted the feel-good reality series Celebrations with Lacey Chabert on Hallmark+, honoring individuals who make a difference in their communities. Her career spans voice acting in projects like Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny and Family Guy, and she’s even launched her own collection of holiday cards and décor.
With Lost in Paradise and Holiday Ever After on the horizon, Chabert shows no signs of slowing down. Her ability to balance family, career, and personal growth—while delighting audiences year after year—sets her apart in an industry often defined by fleeting trends. As the new year unfolds, fans can look forward to more heartwarming stories and, perhaps, a little bit of that Disney magic she cherishes so deeply.
