Hallmark Lawsuit Claims Age Discrimination Against Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete.
A lawsuit filed by Penny Perry, a former casting director for Hallmark, alleges that the network is engaging in "disgusting and ageist behavior" towards its cast and crew. The suit, submitted on October 9 in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that Hallmark’s executive VP of programming, Lisa Hamilton Daly, expressed a desire to avoid casting "older talent," specifically mentioning established stars Holly Robinson Peete, 60, and Lacey Chabert, 42.
The Allegations
Casting director Penny Perry, 79, who worked at Hallmark for nearly a decade, accuses Hamilton Daly, along with Senior VP of Programming and Development Randy Pope and VP of Human Resources Paul Hodgkinson, of wrongful termination, age and disability discrimination, defamation, retaliation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit claims that Hamilton Daly believed Perry was "too old for her role" and sought to replace her in pursuit of "new talent."
According to the lawsuit, Hamilton Daly stated, “We need to bring in someone who knows more young talent,” referring to the aging leading ladies of Hallmark, which she claimed were “aging out.” She reportedly singled out Robinson Peete, 60, Chabert, 42, and Teri Hatcher, 59, as examples of "old talent" that should be “replaced.”
Hamilton Daly is quoted in the lawsuit as saying that Lacey Chabert was aging and that a suitable replacement needed to be found. Regarding Robinson Peete, she allegedly commented, "She’s too costly and getting on in years. She’s no longer fit for leading roles."
Hallmark's Response
In response to the allegations, Hallmark issued statements to Variety and Deadline, asserting that Lacey Chabert and Holly Robinson Peete are “valued members of the Hallmark family.” The network emphasized that it typically does not comment on ongoing legal matters but firmly rejected the claims as baseless, preferring to maintain confidentiality regarding its employment relationships.
Penny Perry's Career and Termination
Perry, who has a long career in casting since the 1970s, reported that she consistently received positive performance reviews, including one just before her unexpected termination in April. She claims that her dismissal was due to age discrimination, as she was replaced by a younger man. The lawsuit highlights that Hamilton Daly often remarked that Perry was “too long in the tooth.”
Perry describes the “vile and ageist conduct” as reflective of Hallmark’s broader approach towards pushing out older employees in their 60s and 70s. She alleges that she was sidelined from important meetings, relocated to a different floor, and had her casting duties transferred to an external consultant for certain projects. Moreover, the lawsuit claims that the studio failed to accommodate her medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis and vision impairment.
This lawsuit against Hallmark raises significant concerns about age discrimination and the treatment of older talent within the entertainment industry. As the case unfolds, it sheds light on the challenges faced by established actors and professionals in an industry often criticized for its focus on youth. The outcome of this legal battle could have broader implications for age-related practices in casting and employment within Hollywood.
Related: “Aren’t You Too Old for that?” - Age Discrimination in the Workplace
