Hallmark star Barbara Niven is bravely speaking out against rumors that have been circulating online about her being “unhappy.” The actress is reassuring concerned fans that the rumors are “false,” and she still loves what she does.
Niven is a beloved actress who has been working with Hallmark for over three decades now. Her most recent film for the network was “Sugar & Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery,” where she reprised her role as Delores Swensen. Ahead of the film’s premiere in March 2026, the actress, alongside her co-stars, confirmed that there will be another installment in the popular franchise coming out later this year.
Niven Sends a Message of Gratitude to Her Fans
GettyIn a recent post on her Facebook page, Niven wrote a message to her fans in order to clear up these rumors:
“Hi everyone! I wanted to take a moment to address some false rumors that have been circulating online. A few so-called “articles” have been claiming that I’m ‘unhappy’ or ‘hiding emotional exhaustion.’ I want to be very clear—none of that is true. I’ve never said anything like that, and these sites are simply making things up to generate clicks,” Niven wrote.
She continued, “I truly love what I do and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. Many of you have reached out to check in after seeing those posts, and I really appreciate your kindness and concern. Please know that I’m doing great, and those stories are nothing more than fabricated rumors. Thank you all for the continued support, it means the world to me.”
Fans reached out to Niven in the comment section of her post. One fan wrote, “We love you. I so enjoy you on Hallmark. The mother character you play is so much fun. I love the detective shows with you, Alison Sweeney and your daughters. I enjoy you and anything you’re in. You’re a wonderful actor. I’m 83 now. The shows are so enjoyable to watch. Your characters delightful. Since you decided to be a detective, it’s been fun. I wish there were more of them or that they were on every week.”
Niven replied directly to this fan, thanking them for their “kind words” and expressing how much they meant to her. She added, “I am so glad you like our shows. It’s an absolute blast to play Dolores and we all feel like family. Hope you like the next one too. Sending hugs.”
Niven Has Remained a Staple of Hallmark for Years
HallmarkNiven’s first role was in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “Promise” in 1986, appearing alongside James Garner and James Woods. On her official website, Niven wrote this sweet statement reminiscing about her role in the film:
“My very first movie was a Hallmark Hall of Fame that won an Emmy for Best TV MOW of the Year in 1986! And, would you believe it is now one of the most honored television movies of all time? They shot this amazing production in my home town of Portland, Oregon and I was so grateful to be cast as James Garner’s girlfriend. I got to make out with him over and over again and my mom was jealous (tee hee). This was my first big part in a major movie and it’s how I got my SAG card. Right after that I got the courage to make my big move to Hollywood. Notice my big 80s hair and silver stretch pants. Gee, I loved that decade!”
The actress was in Hallmark Channel’s first original primetime series, Debbie Macomber’s “Cedar Cove” as Peggy Beldon. She also played Megan O’Brien in the Hallmark Channel original primetime series “Chesapeake Shores” for the entire run of the series, which spanned six seasons.
She has been in all four installments of Hallmark Channel’s “Christmas in Evergreen” franchise as Carol Shaw and has appeared in every installment of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries’ “Crossword Mysteries” as Aunt Candace.
Niven has played Delores Swensen for years alongside Alison Sweeney, who plays the titular character in the “Hannah Swensen Mystery” franchise (formerly known as the “Murder She Baked” series). In a recent Instagram post, Niven wrote about how thankful she was for fans supporting the series following the premiere of “Sugar & Vice.”
“The only way we get to keep making these movies is because you watch,” she said in the caption of her post. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And thank you Hallmark Channel for supporting us through 11 years and 13 movies so far. We just completed another one last week, so there will be one more Hannah Swensen in 2026.”
Niven’s other notable Hallmark roles include “USS Christmas,” and “North to Home.”
