Jodie Sweetin on Her New Hallmark Movie “Love Under the Rainbow"

Jodie Sweetin makes a welcome return to Hallmark Channel this weekend starring opposite David Haydn-Jones (Bridal Wave) in the premiere of the original movie Love Under the Rainbow.  While no stranger to the Hallmark family, the movie marks a special career “hallmark” for the beloved actress.  “This is my third Hallmark movie and my first non-Christmas movie for them,” she explained during an exclusive interview with MediaVillage.  “It’s just a straight rainbow-bright romance!  I do get different options for scripts from Hallmark, but with this one I loved the character, and the fact that she’s a teacher was something I related to as in college I got my degree in elementary education.”

In the film Sweetin plays Lucy Taylor, a character who doubts she will ever find true love.  That’s until an unfortunate coffee mishap brings widower Jack Evans (David Haydn-Jones, pictured at top with Sweetin) into her life.  Soon Lucy and Jack can’t seem to stop bumping into one another, especially after his daughter Sophie (Dakota Guppy, pictured below with Haydn-Jones and Sweetin) enrolls in Lucy’s class.  As their encounters become more frequent, a mutual attraction develops.  Jack, though, can’t overcome his fear of loss and allowing himself to love again – a definite roadblock to the happiness Jack and Lucy long for.

“I thought the script was so sweet and most importantly I loved the connection between the Lucy and Sophie characters,” Sweetin shared.  “It was the first movie I've done in which a young character played an integral part, not just of the story but also the relationship [and] bringing the two characters together.  It was something I hadn't done for Hallmark, in that I have a relationship with one of the kids in it.”

After growing up on-screen, the Full House and Fuller House star has a unique appreciation of working with young actors.  “I do have a different understanding of what it's like to be a kid on a set,” she revealed.  “I just get it.  Adult actors don't understand what it's like balancing school and work and I certainly remember how it felt when everyone else was having fun and hanging out, and I had to go to class.  I remember that being the worst.  It brings a different level of understanding having experienced it.  Like when they need a break and are afraid to ask.  I do step in as I remember what it feels like having to just go along.”

 

Steve Gidlow

Steve Gidlow, a long-time columnist for MediaVillage ("Behind the Scenes in Hollywood"), has written about television and pop culture since 1994, beginning in Australia.  Since moving to Hollywood in 1997, Steve has focused on celebrity interv… read more