As any devoted Hallmark Channel fan or star can attest, Hallmark is a family — onscreen and off. So it was hard to say goodbye to numerous Hallmark alums in 2025, from beloved actors whose movies brought us joy to crew members and loved ones who were part of the magic behind the scenes.
Actress Paula Shaw Joined the Hallmark Channel Family in 2012
HallmarkHollywood veteran and beloved Hallmark star Paula Shaw died in her sleep on September 10 at age 84, per The Hollywood Reporter. After moving from the Bronx to Los Angeles in the 1970s, she appeared as a character actor on many TV series, from “Barney Miller” to “Three’s Company” to “21 Jump Street.” Shaw was also iconic among horror fans, having starred in 2003’s “Freddy vs. Jason” as Jason’s mother, Pamela Voorhees.
But in her later years, Shaw found a home at Hallmark, starting with 2012’s “Hitched For the Holidays” and, in 2013, landing the role of Andie MacDowell’s mom in the Hallmark series “Cedar Cove.” Shaw became known for her roles as a wise, spunky, and loving grandma in many Hallmark movies, including 2017’s “Coming Home for Christmas,” 2022’s “Wedding of a Lifetime,” and her final role in 2023’s “Round and Round.”
One of her standout roles was as Grandma Vivian in the hit 2021 movie “It Was Always You,” starring Erin Krakow and Tyler Hynes. After Shaw’s death, Hynes told EntertainmentNow he learned of Shaw’s passing just as he was ready to cast her in a movie he’d been developing since they first worked together, as she helped inspire the yet-to-be-released film.
“I loved her dearly,” Hynes told EntertainmentNow, smiling as he recalled, “When we made that movie together, she pulled me aside and accosted me and told me aggressively that we must do a movie together. And she was 100% right. And it was that moment, she was the first, that planted that seed in my mind.”
Hollywood Legend Diane Ladd Was the Matriarch of Hallmark Channel’s ‘Chesapeake Shores’
HallmarkGolden Globe-winning actress Diane Ladd died on November 3 at age 89. Tributes began pouring in as soon as Ladd’s daughter, actress Laura Dern, announced her death.
Ladd appeared on all six seasons of Hallmark’s “Chesapeake Shores” from 2016 to 2022, playing beloved family matriarch Nell O’Brien, mother to the late Treat Williams’ character, Mick O’Brien. Many of Ladd’s co-stars paid tribute to the actress, including Meghan Ory, who called her a “true icon.”
Barbara Niven, who played Ladd’s daughter-in-law and forged a tight bond with her on-set, shared a heartbreaking tribute to her dear friend, noting that it was “one of the hardest posts I’ve ever had to write.”
“Maybe that’s because if I write it down, it is more real,” the “Hannah Swensen Mysteries” star wrote. “Diane Ladd passed away this past week, and I still can’t wrap my mind around it. Heaven gained an angel, but the world lost one of its brightest lights.”
‘When Calls The Heart’ Crew Member Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Pelletier Appeared in Multiple Episodes
On May 2, 2025, “When Calls The Heart” production manager Mike Magnusson announced via social media that the show was mourning the death of Nathaniel “Nate” Pelletier, a beloved member of the show’s transportation department. Pelletier cared for and drove the set’s old-fashioned wagons and vehicles, and appeared on multiple episodes of the show as a taxi driver, per IMDb.
Pelletier died suddenly on April 11 at age 53, per his obituary, which noted that he died “alone at home in Langley BC” and is survived by his “greatest love,” daughter Myhrsades (Murray) Jones as well as his brothers and parents.
“His second greatest love was his work and work-family,” Pelletier’s obituary read, noting that he “touched many lives with his generosity and extraordinary work ethic.”
Multiple cast members left comments on Magnusson’s post, including Johannah Newmarch, who plays Molly Sullivan on the series. She wrote, “Thank you for your bright and kind spirit dearest Nate. I so enjoyed our warm friendship and your loss is devastating to our WCTH family. Holding you tenderly in my heart and praying you journey in light and love. ✨🙏❤️”
Soap Star Drake Hogestyn Starred in Classic Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie
Drake Hogestyn, who starred on “Days of Our Lives” for decades, died in late September at age 70 of pancreatic cancer, his family shared in a statement, noting that “after putting in an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
Hogestyn also starred in the 2020 Hallmark film “Christmas Tree Lane” with Andrew Walker and Alicia Witt, playing Witt’s dad, Benjamin Reilly. As they were promoting the movie, she called Hogestyn a “dear, sweet human.”
Brennan Elliott Lost His Warrior Wife, Camilla Row
Although Camilla Row never appeared in any movies, she was definitely part of the Hallmark family, married to one of the network’s biggest stars, Brennan Elliott. After an eight-year battle with gastric cancer, Row died on March 22, Elliott announced via social media.
Sharing a photo of Row, looking vibrant and healthy next to the ocean, Elliott shared, “There is no easy way to say this but I know my wife @camilla_row would have wanted me to thank every person from all over the world who prayed for her over the last 8 years she suffered immeasurably trying to survive and live with #stage4gastriccancer.”
A former psychologist, Row became a fierce advocate for gastric cancer patients during her health journey, urging politicians to fund research, providing support to fellow patients, and trying to build awareness. She was also a loving mom to her and Elliott’s kids — Liam and Luna.
Thank you for posting – was sad but important and “honoring” to read. I LOVE Paula Shaw – just watched 2 movies with her this week – she was so versatile and love her eery time. I had no idea she had passed away – condolences to her family. She’ll be watched in prior movies and SO MISSED in new ones! May her memory be for a blessing.
Brennan Elliot’s wife – no words, as a (currently) cancer survivor, I was crushed to learn of her struggle, their struggle as a family and ultimate loss of her beauty in their lives. Sympathy and hope for the family in their new normal. Brennan is a class act and have been watching him last 2 days… a lot!
Diane Ladd – an acting icon to be sure. I adore (still) watching her especially in Chesapeake Shores, and still miss Trent Williams terribly! Put all those episodes on again in reruns soon, please! Drake – really good actor, was indeed part of the Hallmark family and I was so sad when he died. Didn’t know anything about Nathaniel (Nate) but G-d rest his soul and sending love and empathy to fans and families alike. May Christmas be manageable and all the joy they all brought to so many ever shine brightly.
Drake Hogestyn actually died in September 2024. His character, John Black of Days of Our Lives, died in 2025.