Hallmark favorite Alison Sweeney is opening up about helping bring the newest installment of the beloved “Hannah Swensen Mysteries” franchise to life.
While speaking on “ORIGINAL with Yetta” in an interview published May 5, Sweeney reflected on her journey with Hallmark, producing, and the creative passion behind the fan-favorite mystery series.
GettyIn addition to starring in the movie, Sweeney also serves as executive producer on the long-running “Hannah Swensen Mysteries” franchise, which has become a favorite among Hallmark mystery fans.
The upcoming film marks the fourth installment in the series, continuing Sweeney’s growing role both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
For the actress, the project became more than just another Hallmark movie. It blended family, career, and a dream she says began when she was still a little girl.
Alison Sweeney Says Producing Was Her Childhood Dream
While reflecting on her long relationship with Hallmark, Sweeney explained that her first movie with the network came during a break from filming “Days of Our Lives.”
“You’ve done so much, and how did Hallmark now become part of your resume?” she was asked during the interview.
“When I was at Days of Our Lives, I had the opportunity to do my first Hallmark movie while we were on hiatus at Days and I just loved it,” Sweeney recalled.
“They were great to me. I just, you know, as an actor, I just got cast in a movie, and I did it, and it was super fun, and I had a great experience.”
HallmarkBut after working with the network, Sweeney said something clicked emotionally and creatively.
“And then I really thought about actually this, this is my childhood dream.”
Alison Sweeney Reveals the Unexpected Story Behind Her First Production
Sweeney shared that becoming a producer was something she dreamed about long before she became a television star.
“When I was little, I told my dad I wanted to grow up and be a producer,” she said.
The actress explained that her journey into producing began in an unexpected Hollywood fashion after someone handed her a script during a live performance.
“I was, you know, like the most Hollywood story ever,” she joked.
According to Sweeney, a woman approached her and encouraged her to read a script she had brought along. “And this woman came up to me and handed me a script and said, will you just read it?” Sweeney remembered.
The actress said she immediately connected with the story.
“I sat in my bedroom laughing out loud. I thought it was so cute and so fun.”
Alison Sweeney Took a Chance on Herself With Hallmark
After falling in love with the script, Sweeney decided to trust both her instincts and the dream she had carried since childhood.
“So I took it to Hallmark after my great experience working for them,” she explained. “And I said, I’d like to produce this movie.”
At the time, the actress admitted she had little experience working behind the scenes, but something about the project felt deeply personal and worth taking a chance on.
“And I knew nothing about producing or, but I knew I had a good script,” she shared.
Looking back, Sweeney said the moment felt like reconnecting with the little girl who once imagined a future in which she would create stories of her own.
“And you remembered what you said when you were a little girl, probably,” the interviewer noted.
“Yeah,” Sweeney responded. “So that’s how it went down. And that’s how it started.”
Years later, Sweeney has grown into one of Hallmark’s most beloved stars, building a career that extends far beyond acting.
Along the way, she has stepped into producing, continued telling heartfelt stories, and now even shares special on-screen moments with her family, making the journey feel even more meaningful.
“Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery” premieres May 16 on Hallmark Channel.
