Mary McDonnell can't get enough of Hallmark: 'It's a real support for women' (Exclusive)

Mary McDonnell is stepping into the Hallmark world for the very first time with the holiday series Twelve Dates 'Til Christmas, starring alongside Mae Whitman, Nathaniel Parker, and Jane Seymour.

The Dances with Wolves actress, 73, shared her growing passion for Hallmark Christmas movies, calling them "wonderful" and reflecting on the joy of reuniting with Whitman nearly three decades after portraying mother and daughter in Independence Day. "She is just a gem, an absolute gem," McDonnell said of Whitman, "so I'm thrilled."

McDonnell admits that Hallmark wasn't always a part of her holiday routine. "Sometimes I would watch, sometimes not," she explained. However, in recent years, that has changed dramatically. "I've completely fallen for them," she confessed while on set in Ireland for Twelve Dates 'Til Christmas.

She recounted a memorable conversation with her agent, Jonathan Power, who called one December afternoon. When he asked what she was doing, she admitted, "I'm watching a Hallmark Christmas movie." Their discussion quickly turned to the possibility of her starring in one, and her answer was an enthusiastic "Of course."

McDonnell highlighted the positive impact of Hallmark films. "Now that I understand how incredible they are, I see how they uplift everyone, especially women," she said. "Romance is delicate, and in today's world, it's something we risk losing. Seeing it portrayed beautifully and innocently over and over makes it feel possible again, and I think that's wonderful."

In Twelve Dates 'Til Christmas, McDonnell plays Delilah, the adventurous mother of Kate (Whitman) and ex-wife of Mac (Parker). Delilah, a globe-trotting American, unexpectedly visits Kate's hometown in Blexford, England, around the holidays, disrupting both Kate and Mac's plans.

McDonnell was drawn to the role not only because of her fondness for Hallmark movies but also due to the chance to work with Whitman again. Reflecting on their reunion, she said, "Even though we hadnt seen each other in so long, it felt like no time had passed. She is just a gem, an absolute gem, and Im thrilled."

The first two episodes of Twelve Dates 'Til Christmas will air Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. ET on the Hallmark Channel.

Author: Maya Henderson