Brennan Elliott has long been one of the main faces of the Hallmark Channel. The Canadian-born actor genuinely seems like one of the nicest guys on the planet, which doesn't hurt when you're in the business of making warm and fuzzy TV fare. Anytime you see that he's starring in a new Hallmark project—be it an ooey-gooey romance or an uplifting family drama—you know that you're in safe hands.
Elliott was born in Calgary in Alberta, Canada. He crossed the border to attend the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied at the Actors Studio. His first professional acting gig in front of a camera was appearing in the 1991 music video for Tom Cochrane's "Life Is a Highway." But he has since forged a career in TV, film and, of course, Hallmark staples.
Elliott's first leading role was playing Dr. Nick Biancavilla in the Lifetime TV series "Strong Medicine." He went on to appear in films like "Curse of Chucky" and "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb," and in shows like "UnREAL," "Grey's Anatomy," "Cold Case," "Criminal Minds," "Desperate Housewives," "CSI" and "NCIS." But, obviously, we're partial to the Hallmark credits from his lengthy filmography — like the irresistible "Crossword Mysteries" film series and the Mariah Carey-directed holiday pic "A Christmas Melody."
Here's what you need to know about Brennan Elliott's rise to Hallmark stardom and his very full offscreen life as a father of two.
Brennan Elliott's Hallmark Movies
Brennan Elliott and Sarah Drew in Hallmark's "Christmas in Vienna." (Petro Domenigg/Crown Media)
Elliott's classic good looks make him a perfect romantic lead, but the Canadian actor is also disarmingly funny. His comedic chops were showcased in the Brooke Shields-led Hallmark miniseries "Flower Shop Mysteries." You can also catch him starring opposite frequent collaborator Lacey Chabert in the "Crossword Mysteries" and "All My Heart" film series. He also had a recurring role opposite Andie MacDowell in Debbie Macomber's "Cedar Cove" series.
2023's "Ms. Christmas Comes to Town" marks Elliott's eighth Christmas movie at Hallmark. In 2020, he expanded his holiday repertoire in the grandest way when he starred opposite Sarah Drew in the delectable "Christmas in Vienna." The international romance filmed at various German Christmas markets across Europe.
Is Brennan Elliott Staying at Hallmark?
(Emily Assiran/Getty Images for That's 4 Entertainment)
While many longtime Hallmark stars have left for rival Great American Family, Brennan Elliott has stayed on at the network. The actor dished on his appreciation for Hallmark's heart-warming, family-friendly programming in an interview with Moments with Mercy, per HubPages:
"Well, obviously, the fans are great. They're really rabid and very passionate. But for me, as a family man, I really believe in the content and feel like they really touch a nerve when it comes to family entertainment and the heart of TV. I know it sounds cliché, but they show the side of life that we all want to feel, whether it's love, friendship, family or the Christmas movies."
"I think we all need to escape someway, and their escape just feels so good," Elliott continued. "To escape into a Hallmark world, even though it is fun entertainment and a fantasy, there are underpinnings of truth and things that are value systems that I believe in, whether it's spiritual or familial. So you really feel like you're touching the world with something positive."
Brennan Elliott's Wife and Kids
(Brennan Elliott via Instagram)
Outside of his busy Hallmark schedule, Elliott has been married to his wife Cami since 2011. The couple met through mutual friends and tied the knot after a few years of dating. They share two adorable children—a son and a daughter—whom the actor occasionally shows sweet photos of on social media. The family of four is currently based in Los Angeles, where the actor spends time between filming.
