Exclusive Interview
Hallmark Fave Brooke D’Orsay Dishes on ‘Following Yonder Star’ Love Story & Her ‘My Fair Lady’ Moment
Brooke D’Orsay is no stranger to Hallmark movies, but things get a little meta in one of her latest films for the network, Following Yonder Star. In the movie, D’Orsay plays Abby, an actress trying to break the mold of the Christmas matriarch Gabriella that she’s been playing on TV for the past decade and a half. When Abby has a very public meltdown after learning her ex is moving on, and she will be forced to spend Christmas alone, she heads to Vermont to hide out for the holidays.
Of course, trying to escape Christmas in a small town in Vermont is nearly impossible. Abby is swept away by the Christmas cheer and helping widower Nick (John Brotherton) direct the local church Christmas pageant. There’s magic in the air as Abby starts to find her place in this idyllic town, and Nick realizes that his heart might be open to love again after all.
Following Yonder Star is definitely for the Hallmark fan who doesn’t mind keeping a box of tissues nearby while they watch. It definitely goes for the heartstrings but also delivers on the Hallmark promise to uplift you during the holiday season. Swooon caught up with D’Orsay via e-mail to discuss the movie, playing it meta, and why Following Yonder Star is the Hallmark universe she most wants to return to.
You’ve done several Hallmark movies at this point. What do you look for when a new script comes across your desk, and what stood out to you about Abby in Following Yonder Star?
Brooke D’Orsay: I’m always attracted to stories with heart and humor. I love Hallmark movies for their positivity, and the fact that the intention behind these movies is to provide viewers with a couple hours of joy. I definitely feel that same joy when I read a script for the first time. By the end, I’m always crying happy tears.
Abby is an actress who struggles to separate her onscreen persona from her actual life. How relatable was that struggle for you, and does it get even more difficult around the holidays?
D’Orsay: I really felt for Abby when I first read the script. She’s a kind celebrity who, after receiving some unexpected news, has a very human and very public moment. The world knows her as her character Gabriella — a sweet, perfect, super mom — and in one fell swoop, that illusion is shattered. I think with iPhones/cameras being so readily available, Abby’s plight is relatable to everyone. We all have tough, emotional moments in life, and for it to be recorded and broadcast to the world? Oof!
Nick is kind of a walking disaster at first and seems to be the opposite of what Abby is looking for in a low-key Christmas. What is it about him that starts to melt the ice walls around her heart that she’s developed when she comes to Vermont?
D’Orsay: Nick is so sweet, and you’re right — he’s a walking disaster at first! He’s tripping over his words, bumping into things, saying dorky things, it’s hilarious. Abby warms up to him pretty quickly though. That first night when she comes down for dinner, she sees his awkwardness for what it is — a desire to connect. Nick’s sense of humor disarms Abby almost immediately, making way for the two of them to begin opening up to each other. He then does something that makes her feel instantly safe and protected — it’s a total gentleman move that I can’t wait for the fans to see!
Hallmark Media / Steven Ackerman
Please tell me everything about the My Fair Lady dress. How many versions of it were there? What was the first fitting like? Did you get to take it home?
D’Orsay: I love that you appreciate the My Fair Lady dress! Charl [Boettger], our brilliant costume designer would be so happy. The gown was actually built in stages. During the fitting, it was just a simple silhouette. They added layers to it everyday — whether it be lace, trim, beading, embroidery — it just kept evolving and getting more and more beautiful as the days when on. When it was finally time to wear it, I felt like a kid in a candy store. It was so beautiful!
Abby was a much better person than I would have been when she was telling off Mia. At what point do you think that Abby truly accepted herself to be able to give that speech?
D’Orsay: Having to stand up for yourself can be tough at times — and Abby nails it. It’s definitely a defining moment for her. Earlier in the story, Abby receives some guidance from Clara about accepting herself, and it’s those very words which help her gain clarity and strength around the issue. I think Nick is also a pillar of support for her, allowing her to stand a little taller in life’s hard moments.
What do you hope viewers take away from Abby and Nick’s love story?
D’Orsay: Abby and Nick are a wonderful match. They’re both struggling to find their equilibrium, and through faith, hope, and asking for guidance, they’re able to find the strength to stay the course. It’s this very willingness to find and follow the light that brings them home.
What other magical Gabriella skills did you imagine Abby has from playing the character for so long?
D’Orsay: Our hilarious director, Jeff Beesley, was having a blast coming up with new skills for Abby. By the end of the shoot it was running gag that Abby had learned all of her skills from her time as Gabriella. Gabriella definitely had all the answers, and if I could personally ask her one thing it would be: How do you unshrink a wool sweater?
If you could make a sequel for any Hallmark holiday movie that you’ve been in so far, including this one, which would it be and why?
D’Orsay: Oh, good question and I would have to say this one, Following Yonder Star. I think when you see the movie you won’t be ready for Abby and Nick’s love story to end. It’s clear they’re a match made in heaven.
Following Yonder Star, December 21, Hallmark, On Demand, Hallmark+
