Hallmark Media executive Lisa Hamilton Daly allegedly instructed a former employee not to cast “old people” for Hallmark roles, stating that “our leading ladies are aging out,” according to a lawsuit filed by Penny Perry, a 79-year-old casting director.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges wrongful termination of Perry from Hallmark due to her age, despite receiving excellent performance reviews.
The big picture: The complaint describes her termination as ageist and ableist harassment.
- Hallmark denied the allegations, stating that they consistently cast diverse actors of all age groups, including actors from various generations.
Go deeper: Specific claims in the lawsuit mention conversations where Hamilton Daly discussed replacing talents like Lacey Chabert, a 42-year-old actress known for Christmas-themed movies, and Holly Robinson Peete, a 60-year-old actress, as they were deemed “too old” or “too expensive” for leading roles.
- Hallmark countered the claims in a statement to the Associated Press, stating that both Chabert and Robinson Peete are valued at the network but refrained from further discussing the employment relationship due to the pending litigation.
- The lawsuit also details personal harassment claims, with Perry allegedly facing ageist and ableist harassment from Hamilton Daly and mockery from senior vice president Randy Pope about her multiple sclerosis symptoms.
