Let’s be honest: We’ve all watched a few Hallmark Christmas movies. Maybe more than we can count. And if you’re a fan of these holiday favorites or the channel’s cozy mysteries, chances are you’ve seen Alison Sweeney light up the screen. With more than 30 Hallmark films to her name—including a charming mix of romantic comedies, mysteries and her standout role in the Hannah Swensen series—Sweeney has become a beloved face of the network. So what’s it really like to be a longtime star on one of cable’s most iconic networks?
Alison recently shared all these details and more in an exclusive interview with Reader’s Digest. From fun behind-the-scenes stories and what continues to excite her about the characters she plays to her personal wellness journey, she gave us a heartfelt inside look at her career.
Read on for the scoop from one of Hallmark’s most popular stars—and see why fans can’t get enough of Alison Sweeney.
This video interview took place on June 25, 2025, and has been edited for length and clarity.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more celebrity interviews, true stories, fun facts, humor and entertainment all week long.
Reader’s Digest: You’ve become such a recognizable face of Hallmark, especially with your role as Hannah Swensen. What continues to draw you to these characters and stories?
Alison Sweeney: I love the characters. I love the family dynamic, the actors, the cast and the crew that I work with on these projects. I have so much fun going into work every day, making these movies and reading the fan responses. It’s so inspiring to get to know them, see how they’re feeling and get that feedback. We’ve done 12 movies, and it’s a big part of my life.
Reader’s Digest: Last month, you released three new films: Barcelona with Love, To Barcelona, Forever and Pie to Die For. What excited you the most about playing these roles?
Alison Sweeney: Barcelona was such an exciting project to work on. I loved the idea of making it a female-driven story with two women as the leads in what was traditionally two men in [the classic play] Cyrano de Bergerac. Going to Spain was such a fun and exciting opportunity because I speak Spanish. It was an opportunity to show off my Spanish and include that in the story. Ultimately, their friendships are more important to them. They want each other to be happy, and they sacrifice for each other.
Reader’s Digest: With such a packed career and family life, how do you prioritize health, wellness and gut health? And how does your wellness journey relate to your partnership with Align Probiotics?
Alison Sweeney: One of the biggest things I learned from being part of The Biggest Loser was the importance of paying attention to your body. Your body is sending you signs, trying to tell you what’s not working. One of the things people are talking about a lot right now that we need to focus on is our gut health. Working with Align Probiotics has been great for me because I am a busy mom and an actress on set all day. I cannot run into problems. I can’t feel bloated while I’m trying to work.
Reader’s Digest: What’s your personal favorite Hallmark film?
Alison Sweeney: There are so many. I watch [Hallmark] all the time so I can support my friends. If I had a personal favorite, my friend Ashley and her sister Kim did a really cute movie called Sister Swap. It was so funny. It was a clever idea where they tell the story from both of their points of view. I loved watching them.
Reader’s Digest: Looking back at your journey from soap operas to Hallmark mysteries, what have you learned that still surprises you?
Alison Sweeney: Just that I’m someone who is driven. I love what I do, and I’m so grateful to be in an industry that is fun and that I love being a part of. But also, I am that total type A person where there is no conversation too small or too tiny that I’m not interested in paying attention to before it ends up on screen. I always start every meeting with a new production team by saying, “Don’t think you’re bothering me.” I want to hear every question. I want to be part of every decision. I think that’s the main thing that’s seen me through this career.
Rapid response with Alison Sweeney
For more fun tidbits about Alison, check out her answers below.
Reader’s Digest: Aisle seat or window?
Alison Sweeney: Window.
Reader’s Digest: Dogs or cats?
Alison Sweeney: Dogs.
Reader’s Digest: Mornings or nights?
Alison Sweeney: Mornings.
Reader’s Digest: Favorite comfort food?
Alison Sweeney: Popcorn.
Reader’s Digest: Would you rather time-travel to the past or future?
Alison Sweeney: I would rather travel to the past.
Reader’s Digest: If you weren’t an actress, what would you be doing?
Alison Sweeney: In a false reality, I’d love to be a detective.
Reader’s Digest: What advice would you give to your younger self if you could?
Alison Sweeney: Don’t worry so much. It’s all going to work out. You work hard, and people see that. So maybe don’t be so insecure about it. It’s happening.
*Editor’s note: Reader’s Digest does not endorse any specific products or services.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this interview with actress Alison Sweeney, Reader’s Digest Associate Editor Mariah Thomas tapped her experience as a celebrity interviewer, lifestyle writer and editor. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
The post EXCLUSIVE! Actress Alison Sweeney Shares Her Hallmark Obsession appeared first on Reader's Digest.
from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/o3tsMZ7
Comments
Post a Comment