Lacey Chabert: A Journey of Transformation Beyond Hallmark Films

Lacey Chabert’s journey as a child actor culminated in 1994 when she secured a major role as Claudia Salinger in the Fox drama “Party of Five.” Amy Lippman, the show’s co-executive producer, shared with the Los Angeles Times that Chabert’s unique charm set her apart during auditions across the country. “She just had this sparkle,” Lippman remembered.

Landing this role brought Chabert newfound fame, portraying the youngest sibling in a family facing tragedy. In a 1996 interview with “Access Hollywood,” she expressed how much her life had changed, noting, “People kind of know who you are when you walk down the street. It’s kind of weird.” Her mother remarked on Chabert’s maturity, stating, “Sometimes it feels like she’s a much older person in the body of a 12-year-old.” However, Chabert was thoroughly enjoying her rise to stardom.

Years later, she reflected on her past, stating she was just a young girl in love with playing her character. “I was just a little girl, and I loved pretending to be this character,” she shared with “Access Hollywood,” expressing her gratitude for the opportunities that came from “Party of Five.”

During her time on “Party of Five,” Lacey Chabert shared her aspirations to act in films. “I want to do movies,” she expressed, although uncertain of her future feelings toward acting. She soon got her wish, making her cinematic debut in the 1998 film “Lost in Space,” where she worked alongside renowned actors Gary Oldman and William Hurt. “I was pretty intimidated at first,” she admitted in an interview with People, but she quickly grew excited about future projects.

Chabert starred in numerous films following that, including “Not Another Teen Movie” (2001), “The Scoundrel’s Wife” (2002), and “Daddy Day Care” (2003). However, her most memorable performance remains as Gretchen Wieners in the iconic 2004 comedy “Mean Girls.” Reflecting on the film, Chabert remarked to “Access Hollywood” that its cultural impact was unexpected yet significant, stating, “You never know how it’s going to be received and if it’ll resonate with people.”

While she was flourishing in “Party of Five,” Lacey Chabert also found herself cast in another hit series, voicing Meg Griffin in the animated comedy “Family Guy,” which premiered in 1999. Chabert provided the voice for Meg during the entirety of the show’s first season, after which Mila Kunis took over the role.

In a 2006 interview with GameSpy, Chabert clarified that her exit was not due to any firing but simply because of scheduling conflicts, stating, “I actually left the show of my own accord because I was in school and doing ‘Party of Five.'” She had no hard feelings towards Kunis, whom she referred to as a great actress.

Seth MacFarlane, the show’s creator, confirmed there was no controversy behind her departure, explaining that there was a contract misunderstanding and Chabert had not intended to commit long-term. MacFarlane highlighted that everything was amicable, with no tension surrounding the transition.

In 2013, Lacey Chabert married David Nehdar, and by 2016, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Julia Mimi Bella Nehdar. Throughout her pregnancy, Chabert kept fans updated through a blog for People, discussing preparations for her new arrival, focusing primarily on setting up the nursery.

In an Instagram post, she mentioned collaborating with various brands that provided products for her nursery in exchange for exposure. “Thanks so much for following along as we prepare for this new chapter,” she expressed. “The countdown is on!”

Chabert revealed in a December 2015 blog entry (per People) that she was grateful to have the guidance of interior designer Vanessa Antonelli, admitting, “I wasn’t blessed with the interior-design gene.” She humorously reflected that, left to her own devices, the nursery would have been excessively pink.

Lacey Chabert’s journey with the Hallmark Channel began in 2010 with the film “Elevator Girl.” She later starred in several holiday films, including “Matchmaker Santa” and “A Royal Christmas.” One of the notable films was “A Christmas Melody,” released in 2015, which marked Mariah Carey’s directorial debut.

Chabert praised Carey, saying, “She was amazing,” while promoting the film on “The Real.” She joyfully recounted receiving the film offer on her birthday, shortly after Carey left her a voicemail singing “Happy Birthday.” The film premiered to great success, attracting nearly 4 million viewers, making it the most-watched program on cable that day.

Despite her successes, Lacey Chabert endured significant sorrow when her older sister, Wendy, passed away unexpectedly in 2021. She announced this tragic news on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt tribute along with a photo of her sister from high school.

Chabert expressed her grief, saying, “Our hearts are shattered, and we will forever adore you.” The sudden passing left her devastated, and she later mentioned that she often reached for her phone to call her sister, realizing with heartbreak that she couldn’t.

In 2023, she shared during a podcast episode of Lawrence Zarian’s “You Are Beautiful” that Wendy had died from an unforeseen heart attack.

Lacey Chabert, known for her work in Hallmark films, has recently embraced her entrepreneurial spirit by debuting a clothing line. Collaborating with the Home Shopping Network (HSN), she introduced The Lacey Chabert Collection, which includes cozy loungewear and matching outfits for mothers and their daughters. In a 2022 press release, Chabert shared her passion for family time, stating, “I hope my collection inspires others to celebrate precious moments with loved ones.”

In an interview with E! News, she expressed her long-standing desire to create a clothing line and emphasized that partnering with HSN felt like a perfect fit. “It’s a dream come true to collaborate with HSN,” she noted, adding that she has been a fan of the network for years.

In 2024, Chabert announced on Instagram that she would expand her collection to include pieces such as denim jackets and knit lace dresses.

Lacey Chabert has become a beloved figure on the Hallmark Channel, featuring in nearly 40 films over the years. Unlike some stars who transitioned to other networks, she solidified her presence by entering into a multi-picture deal with Crown Media, the parent company of Hallmark.

In February 2022, it was announced by Deadline that she had signed a two-year agreement, which allowed her to not only star in upcoming films but also take on production and content development roles for Hallmark. “Lacey’s talent, warmth, and creativity resonate with audiences, making her one of our standout stars,” said Crown Media executive Lisa Hamilton Daly.

Even though “Mean Girls” was released in 2004, it remains a cultural phenomenon. Nearly two decades later, Lacey Chabert revived her role as Gretchen Wieners in a humorous series of commercials for Walmart, promoting their Black Friday sales while giving fans a glimpse into the character’s adult life.

The commercials not only provided a nostalgic trip for fans but included Chabert’s former co-stars Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried, with all three characters now being mothers. Chabert described the experience of reuniting with her co-stars as special, stating, “It was wonderful to catch up and relive our unique experiences together.”

Hallmark Channel is well-known for its charming romantic comedies and festive movies featuring career women returning to their roots and rekindling past relationships. In 2024, Hallmark launched “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert,” a new unscripted series that allows Chabert to host extravagant surprises for deserving individuals.

In addition to her work with Hallmark, Chabert will also star in a Christmas-themed romantic comedy for Netflix, set to launch during the 2024 holiday season. The storyline follows Cathy, who, after losing her husband, breathes life into a snowman, leading to a magical and heartwarming romance right before Christmas.