Lacey Chabert has more than earned her title as the “Queen of Hallmark” after starring in more than 40 projects for the network over the years, but what is she really like when the cameras aren’t rolling? Her “Paris Is Always a Good Idea” co-stars recently opened up about their experience working alongside the beloved actress, and their answers make it easy to see why she’s become such a fan favorite both on and off-screen.
As fans finish watching the six-episode limited series, stars Julien Marlon Samani (Sebastian Villeret), Rebecca Hanssen (Annabelle Martin), and Barbara Niven (Sherrie) had plenty of sweet things to say about Chabert, who leads the cast as Chelsea Martin. From her approach to the fast-paced world of Hallmark productions to the qualities that make her such a memorable co-star, their stories offer a fun glimpse at the woman behind the title.
Samani Had No Idea Who Chabert Was Prior to Filming ‘Paris Is Always a Good Idea’
Getty“I didn’t know Lacey was attached until a day before our shooting schedule. And also, unfortunately, I didn’t know who Lacey was,” Samani admitted in a recent interview with Just Jared. The French actor explained that he never watched the 2004 teen comedy “Mean Girls” when he was growing up, where so many know Chabert for playing the iconic Gretchen Wieners.
He continued, “She is the nicest person I think I’ve ever met. She is so sweet, to the point where at first, I was like, ‘There’s no way somebody is that nice.’ But she actually is. It was a joy to work with her.”
Samani told the outlet that Chabert is “super professional” with the way she always shows up on time and knows her lines, all while being kind to everybody. “Hallmark is very fast-paced. You get a couple of takes and then you move on. She just nails it and she handles the stress very well,” he said. “She’s the Hallmark queen for a reason.”
Chabert & Hanssen’s On-Screen Sisterhood Was Matched by a Genuine Off-Screen Bond
Getty“Paris Is Always a Good Idea” is Hanssen’s first project with Hallmark, which made her feel like a “newbie to the Hallmark scene,” but Chabert was there to put her worries at ease.
“She is genuinely the most lovely person. She is the sweetest thing. There was no acting required to be like, ‘I love you as my sister!’ None!” Hanssen told the outlet. “She’s such an open book. The way that she is perceived on social media, that is just her. She is sweet, fun-loving, family-oriented, loves her job.”
Hanssen added that Chabert loves shopping, and her joy in things became “infectious.”
“And so she took such joy in the culture and really interesting craftsmanship and it’s infectious,” Hanssen said. “it’s just lovely seeing her joy.”
Niven Says Her & Chabert Are ‘Kindred Spirits‘
Getty“I knew I already loved her, but when I saw that she brought six suitcases with her to a location in Spain, as did I, and we each had to buy another one before we left, now I know we’re kindred spirits,” Niven told the outlet.
This isn’t the first time Niven has praised her longtime co-star. While filming the series in Spain, Niven took a moment to reflect on how grateful she is to be doing what she loves.
“We’ve been working nights, so today I slept in and took my coffee out here to the balcony. Still pinching myself that I am here in Spain, doing what I love,” Niven wrote in the caption of her May 1 Instagram post. “I hope you have an extraordinary day too, wherever you are in the world. You are loved and you are blessed. 🙏❤️”
Chabert replied in the comments, “I’m so thankful we’re working on this together. Love you!”
“You are one of the most beautiful human beings I’ve ever met, both inside and out,” Niven wrote back. “It is an honor and a blessing to be doing this with you. Huge hugs and see you next week! 🤗❤️”
Recently, Niven even said that Chabert delivered her best work yet with “Paris Is Always a Good Idea.”
“You know, what’s so special is that the acting is impeccable. Absolutely impeccable on this show,” the interviewer said of the Hallmark+ series, adding, “I’ve been watching some of the clips, and I can’t believe how drawn I am into this.”
“I know. Lacey, I think this is her best work ever,” Niven responded.
Jenn McKinlay, Author of the Novel ‘Paris Is Always a Good Idea,’ Praises Chabert for Bringing Chelsea to Life
“No spoilers from the set but mad respect for how hard this cast and crew are working to create the adaptation of my novel Paris is Always a Good Idea into a streaming series for @hallmarkplus. I spent my set visit in awe of their hard work and artistry!” McKinlay wrote in the caption of her May 13 Instagram post.
McKinlay went on to thank Chabert for leading the series. “Also, @thereallacey is truly just the nicest person and I’m so grateful that she’s using her incredible talent to bring Chelsea to life.”
Chabert responded to McKinlay in the comments, writing, “So wonderful to finally meet you!!! It meant so much to have you there ❤️” The author wrote back, “Same! I loved every second of watching the process and you were so welcoming! I appreciate you and the cast and crew so much! 🩷”
