A former casting director for Hallmark has filed a lawsuit alleging that network executives engaged in ageist behavior, advocating for the replacement of established talent, including Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson-Peete. The lawsuit was initially reported by PEOPLE and details accusations against key executives at Hallmark Media, including Executive Vice President of Programming Lisa Hamilton Daly, Senior Vice President of Programming and Development Randy Pope, and Vice President of Human Resources Paul Hodgkinson.
In her complaint, 79-year-old Penny Perry claims she endured “ageist and ableist harassment” during her tenure at Hallmark. She is seeking a jury trial and damages, asserting that she was wrongfully terminated after being told by Hamilton Daly that she was “too long in the tooth” to continue her work at the company. Additionally, Perry alleges that her personal health conditions were mishandled by management.
According to the court documents, Hamilton Daly purportedly stated that the network needed to recruit new talent to replace its aging roster of leading ladies. Perry quoted Hamilton Daly as saying, “We need to bring in someone (other than you) who knows more young talent,” emphasizing that the current lineup was “aging out.” The executive is also accused of suggesting that the network’s holiday movie talent was becoming outdated, further identifying Chabert and Robinson-Peete as examples of “old talent” that should be replaced.
Perry claims Hamilton Daly’s comments included derogatory remarks about Chabert, asserting, “No one wants her because she’s too expensive and getting too old. She can’t play leading roles anymore.” The lawsuit alleges that Hamilton Daly remarked on the need to find a replacement for Chabert as she continues to age.
In response to the allegations, a representative for Hallmark Media issued a statement to Entertainment Weekly, saying, “Lacey and Holly have a home at Hallmark. We do not generally comment on pending litigation. And while we deny these outrageous allegations, we are not going to discuss an employment relationship in the media.”
As of now, representatives for Chabert and Robinson-Peete have not commented publicly on the lawsuit.
Chabert and Robinson-Peete are both well-established figures at Hallmark, having participated in numerous projects for the network. Chabert has consistently collaborated with Hallmark, serving as both a producer and star in various holiday films. She is currently involved in the production of her new reality series, “Celebrations With Lacey Chabert,” as well as the upcoming film “The Christmas Quest,” set for release in 2024.
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In addition to her Hallmark commitments, Chabert is also preparing for her upcoming Netflix Christmas movie titled “Hot Frosty.” Currently, she is in Canada filming yet another project for Hallmark, further highlighting her continued presence within the network.
The allegations made by Perry shed light on a broader conversation about ageism in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding women. Many in the industry have raised concerns about how aging talent is often sidelined in favor of younger performers, a pattern that can lead to a lack of diversity in roles available to seasoned actresses.
This lawsuit may prompt further scrutiny of Hallmark’s casting practices and policies, particularly as it relates to the treatment of older talent. The outcome of the case could have implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader industry standards regarding age and employment.
