Danny Pellegrino on His First Hallmark Movies: Deck the Walls
In this merry episode of Girls Gone Hallmark, Wendy and Megan welcome a very special guest: Danny Pellegrino. Known to many as the witty host of the hit podcast Everything Iconic and a best-selling author, Danny is now stepping into a new role as a writer and co-star of the anticipated Hallmark movie, Deck the Walls.
Join us as we dive into Danny’s journey from podcasting to the Hallmark world, discuss the making of Deck the Walls, and explore what it means to bring humor and heart to Hallmark’s beloved seasonal lineup.
The Hallmark Connection: A Full-Circle Moment
Danny Pellegrino is no stranger to the allure of Hallmark movies. As a long-time fan, he has always harbored a dream of creating his very own Hallmark Christmas movie. That dream has now come to life with “Deck the Walls,” a film where Danny is both the writer and actor.
The script, initially written on spec, caught the attention of Hallmark, leading to a collaboration with famed writer Tracy Andreen. Danny expressed that working with Hallmark was a “bucket list” achievement for him, having long admired the comforting and joy-inducing essence of Hallmark films.
Incorporating Personal Touches in Deck the Walls
When crafting “Deck the Walls,” Danny infused the movie with personal elements. For example, the lead character’s last name, DeMonte, pays homage to his grandmother’s maiden name. Moreover, Danny drew inspiration from his fascination with tablescaping and interior design, creating a narrative about a family flipping a house for charity.
Danny Pellegrino’s Leap into Acting
While Danny is an accomplished writer and podcaster, “Deck the Walls” represents a significant venture into acting. Despite initial nerves, Danny found the experience exhilarating and rewarding.
Acting alongside stars like Wes Brown and Ashley Green, Danny described the process as akin to a “summer camp,” where the camaraderie on set contributed to a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Navigating the Creative Landscape
Beyond Hallmark, Danny Pellegrino is a multi-faceted creative. His podcast, “Everything Iconic,” is beloved for its witty takes on pop culture, Bravo content, and beyond. In addition to hosting, Danny has authored two books, with his holiday-themed “The Jolliest Bunch” reflecting his love for holiday movies and the joy they bring. His versatility is evident in his ability to engage with and entertain diverse audiences across different platforms.
A Bright Future Ahead
Though “Deck the Walls” marks Danny’s debut in the world of Hallmark, it certainly won’t be his last. With aspirations to write and act in more projects, Danny looks forward to further collaborations with Hallmark and beyond. His dedication to exploring varied creative outlets ensures that his fans can look forward to more heartwarming and entertaining content in the future.
Watch Deck the Walls on Hallmark Channel
Deck the Walls premieres on Friday, November 29th, 2024. There will be an encore presentation on Saturday, November 20th after A Holiday Touchdown!
Follow Danny on Instagram
Keep up with Danny and all of his many projects @dannypellegrino
Listen to Danny’s Podcast
You can find Danny talking pop culture, especially Bravo, on his podcast Everything Iconic.
Seasonally Danny has a second podcast A Very Merry Iconic Podcast reviewing holiday movies.
Read Danny Pellegrino’s Books!
In addition to being a screenwriter and podcaster, Danny is a bestselling author! What can’t the man, do!
How Can I Un-Remember This? – A collection of embarassing stories – you know we all have them! Danny bares it all, sometimes literally, in this collection of formative stories.
The Jolliest Bunch – We love a book with a Christmas Vacation reference right in the title. In the humorous style you’re used to, Danny takes you on a trip through his most cherished holiday memores.
Girls Gone Hallmark Holiday Review Schedule!
Here’s the schedule of movies we’re reviewing this holiday season! Be sure to subscribe to Girls Gone Hallmark podcast so you never miss an episode!
We’re Your New Best Hallmark Friends
Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy! Join us for Hallmark movie reviews every Tuesday and Thursday! We review the new Hallmark Original movies, Hallmark Mysteries, Countdown to Christmas movies, and fan-favorite Hallmark movies – all year long.
You can expect fun, laughs, lots of questions and – as always – we ask ‘Did You See That?’ Want to see the library of movies we’ve reviewed? Click here.
Want more Megan and Wendy? Find us on Patreon! New episodes, four times a month, where we cover everyday life, pop culture, and more!
