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.”

Read on for more about Hallmark!

These 5 Romantic Hallmark Movies Will Take You on an Instant Italian Vacation

6 Hallmark Dance Movies Filled With Hot Choreo and Steamy Romance

Dive Head First Into Fall With Hallmark's 'Fall into Love' Lineup