12 Hallmark Actors You Forgot Were Major Stars in the 1990s

12 Hallmark Actors You Forgot Were Major Stars in the 1990s

Hallmark Channel movies have become a cozy staple of television, especially during the holidays.

But did you know that many of your favorite Hallmark stars were actually huge celebrities back in the 1990s?

Before they found their home in heartwarming rom-coms, these actors starred in some of the biggest TV shows and movies of that decade.

Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and rediscover the impressive careers these beloved stars had before Hallmark came calling.

1. Cameron Mathison

Soap opera fans went wild when Cameron Mathison joined All My Children in 1997 as the charming Ryan Lavery.

His good looks and acting chops made him an instant daytime television sensation.

He earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations during his run on the show, proving he was more than just a pretty face.

Beyond acting, Cameron became a familiar presence on morning television as a correspondent for Good Morning America.

His transition to Hallmark felt natural, where his wholesome appeal perfectly matched the network’s brand.

He’s now a staple in Hallmark’s lineup, starring in numerous movies and even hosting their annual Christmas special.

2. Danica McKellar

Winnie Cooper wasn’t just a character—she was the girl next door that an entire generation fell in love with.

Danica McKellar brought sweetness and depth to Kevin Arnold’s on-again, off-again girlfriend throughout The Wonder Years’ beloved run.

Her chemistry with Fred Savage made their relationship one of TV’s most memorable teenage romances.

What many fans don’t know is that Danica is also a brilliant mathematician who’s written several books encouraging young people, especially girls, to embrace math.

She graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in mathematics.

Now she balances her love of numbers with regular appearances in Hallmark movies, proving brains and beauty go hand-in-hand.

3. Andrew Walker

Before becoming Hallmark’s go-to leading man, Andrew Walker had a memorable stint on Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

He played Cliff, one of Sabrina’s college boyfriends during the show’s later seasons in the late ’90s.

His Canadian charm and boy-next-door looks made him a fan favorite during his time in the magical sitcom.

Andrew’s path to Hallmark stardom wasn’t immediate, but once he arrived, he became indispensable.

He’s starred in dozens of Hallmark movies, often playing the perfect romantic lead who wins over both the on-screen heroine and viewers at home.

His chemistry with various co-stars has made him one of the network’s most requested actors for new projects.

4. Kristy Swanson

Long before Sarah Michelle Gellar made Buffy a cultural phenomenon on television, Kristy Swanson was the original Buffy in the 1992 film.

Her portrayal of the cheerleader-turned-vampire-hunter introduced audiences to the character who would become an icon.

The movie was a moderate success and developed a cult following that paved the way for the TV series.

Throughout the ’90s, Kristy appeared in various films and TV shows, maintaining steady work in Hollywood.

Her transition to Hallmark movies came later in her career, where she found a welcoming home for her talents.

While she may not make as many Hallmark films as some others on this list, her ’90s credentials are undeniable.

5. Lacey Chabert

Remember the brainy middle child from Party of Five?

Lacey Chabert captured hearts throughout the ’90s as Claudia Salinger, the violin-playing genius navigating family drama after her parents’ tragic death.

The show ran for six seasons and made her a household name among teen audiences.

After Party of Five wrapped, Lacey continued building her career with memorable roles in films like Mean Girls.

However, she found her true calling at Hallmark Channel, where she’s become royalty.

She’s starred in over 30 Hallmark movies, making her one of the network’s most bankable stars and a Christmas movie tradition for millions of viewers.

6. Paul Greene

Paul Greene’s connection to the ’90s might surprise you—he worked behind the scenes and had small roles connected to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise.

While not a household name back then, he was building his entertainment industry experience during that iconic era of children’s television.

His big break came much later when he landed the role of Dr. Carson Shepherd on Hallmark’s hit series When Calls the Heart.

The period drama showcased his leading man qualities and opened doors to numerous other Hallmark projects.

Paul has become a fan favorite, known for his warm performances and genuine connection with viewers who tune in for wholesome family entertainment each week.

7. Alicia Witt

With her distinctive red hair and sharp wit, Alicia Witt made waves in the ’90s on the sitcom Cybill, playing Zoey Woodbine alongside Cybill Shepherd.

Her comedic timing and natural charisma earned her recognition and opened doors throughout Hollywood.

She also appeared in the cult horror film Urban Legend, cementing her status as a versatile actress.

Alicia brought dramatic depth to everything she touched, from Twin Peaks to various film roles.

Her musical talents as a pianist and singer added another dimension to her artistic profile.

When she began appearing in Hallmark movies, she brought that same intelligence and emotional authenticity, proving that quality acting transcends genre boundaries.

8. Lori Loughlin

Aunt Becky was everyone’s favorite cool aunt on Full House, one of the ’90s most beloved family sitcoms.

Lori Loughlin brought warmth and humor to the role throughout the show’s run, becoming a defining presence in ’90s pop culture.

Her character’s romance with Uncle Jesse and her role as a mother figure made her relatable to multiple generations of viewers.

After Full House ended, Lori maintained a steady acting career before becoming a Hallmark Channel fixture.

She starred in the long-running Garage Sale Mystery series and appeared in numerous other Hallmark movies.

Though recent legal troubles interrupted her career, her impact on both ’90s television and Hallmark’s success remains significant in entertainment history.

9. Rachael Leigh Cook

Take off those glasses and let down that ponytail—Rachael Leigh Cook was the ultimate ’90s teen movie queen.

She’s All That made her a star in 1999, and her transformation scene became one of the decade’s most iconic movie moments.

She also appeared in other ’90s hits and became the face of the famous “This is your brain on drugs” PSA campaign.

After dominating teen cinema, Rachael continued working steadily in film and television.

Her eventual move to Hallmark surprised some fans who remembered her edgier roles, but she embraced the wholesome content with enthusiasm.

She’s brought her trademark intelligence and authenticity to multiple Hallmark projects, proving her versatility as an actress across different genres and decades.

10. Victor Webster

Victor Webster built his reputation in the ’90s through soap operas and action-packed science fiction shows.

His chiseled features and athletic build made him perfect for the genre, landing roles that showcased both his physical prowess and acting abilities.

Days of Our Lives introduced him to daytime audiences who quickly became devoted fans.

His transition from action hero to romantic lead might seem surprising, but Victor proved he had range.

Hallmark movies gave him the opportunity to show his softer side while still maintaining that masculine appeal.

He’s become a regular fixture in Hallmark’s lineup, particularly in their mystery movie series where he can blend romance with a bit of adventure and intrigue.

11. Nikki DeLoach

Before Hallmark, Nikki DeLoach was chasing pop stardom as a member of Innosense, a girl group that toured with Britney Spears and *NSYNC in the late ’90s.

The group was signed to Justin Timberlake’s management and represented the bubblegum pop era perfectly.

Nikki also appeared on MTV shows, making her a recognizable face among the teen demographic.

When her music career wound down, Nikki pivoted to acting with impressive success.

She appeared in various TV shows before finding her niche at Hallmark Channel.

Her girl-next-door appeal and genuine warmth translate beautifully to Hallmark’s romantic movies.

She’s become one of the network’s most prolific stars, appearing in multiple films each year.

12. Ryan Paevey

Ryan Paevey’s career took off a bit later than others on this list, but his classic good looks embody that timeless ’90s heartthrob aesthetic.

He gained fame playing Nathan West on General Hospital, a role that showcased the kind of romantic leading man qualities that dominated ’90s television.

His modeling background also connects to that era’s emphasis on all-American attractiveness.

Hallmark quickly recognized Ryan’s appeal and cast him in several movies, including the popular Unleashing Mr. Darcy.

His laid-back California vibe and natural charisma made him an instant fan favorite.

Though he’s stepped back from acting recently to pursue other interests, his Hallmark movies remain beloved by viewers who appreciate his effortless charm.