A Change in Priorities
Actress Lacey Chabert, famous for her roles in Mean Girls and Party of Five, has experienced a shift in her career focus as she has gotten older. After giving birth to her daughter Julia in 2016, Chabert’s priorities naturally changed. Juggling motherhood and a career in the entertainment industry proved to be a challenge, but she found a new professional path that aligned with her life as a working mother. Speaking about her Hallmark films during a press tour, Chabert expressed how surprised she was at the way her career had evolved: “If you had told me two years ago that this is what my career would look like today, I think I would’ve been surprised, but it’s such a great fit for who I am and where I am in my life right now.”
Gretchen Wieners Forever
Chabert will always be associated with her iconic role as Gretchen Wieners in Mean Girls. The catchphrase “that’s so fetch” became a pop culture phenomenon, and even after all these years, Chabert still receives countless tweets quoting lines from the movie. Despite being typecast in Hollywood, she embraces the association with Mean Girls and has even expressed her desire to be a part of a sequel. Chabert’s portrayal of Gretchen will forever be a beloved part of her career.
The Heartwarming World of Hallmark
In recent years, Chabert has found her niche in the world of Hallmark films. With over 20 films under her belt, Chabert has become a staple of the Hallmark Channel. While these movies may not receive critical acclaim or be blockbuster hits, they offer comfort and joy to viewers, much like comfort food. Chabert’s love for Christmas also aligns perfectly with Hallmark’s focus on holiday-themed content. When asked about her Christmas movies, Chabert said, “I love Christmas. Anyone who knows me will tell you how obsessed I am about it. I wish it was longer than just a month out of the year. So it’s natural that I would enjoy making Christmas movies.”
Staying True to Herself
Chabert’s strong Christian faith has been a central aspect of her life. She has openly shared her beliefs, even starring in the movie Christian Mingle. While some believe that her faith may have limited her success in Hollywood, Chabert remains steadfast in her convictions. Her faith has always been the center of her life, and she has no shame in saying so. Chabert is selective about the roles she takes on, ensuring that a character’s faith is portrayed in a way that aligns with her own beliefs.
Navigating the Industry
Unlike some of her peers, Chabert’s films haven’t achieved astronomical success at the box office. While she may not be making millions like Jennifer Lawrence or Scarlett Johansson, Chabert’s career has been steady. Despite not being in the spotlight like she was after Mean Girls, Chabert has found success in other areas, including voice acting and producing. She has embraced new opportunities and is motivated to tell stories both in front of and behind the camera.
A Small Town Girl at Heart
Despite her success, Chabert has remained grounded and true to her roots. She hails from a small town in Mississippi and takes pride in her hometown and the values instilled in her. Chabert makes an effort to stay connected to her extended family and often visits them. Her upbringing in a tight-knit community has influenced her choices and helped her stay grounded in an industry that can easily become overwhelming.
Building a Career on Her Own Terms
As Chabert continues on her career path, she is exploring other aspects of the industry. She has become an executive producer for Hallmark, working behind the scenes to bring stories to life. Chabert’s passion for storytelling and her experience on sets like Party of Five have inspired her to focus on producing in the future. With multiple producer credits already to her name, Chabert is making her mark on the industry in her own unique way.
Despite her journey being different from her Mean Girls co-stars, Lacey Chabert has found her own version of success. She has embraced her associations with her past roles while forging a new path in the world of Hallmark films. Chabert’s faith and values have guided her choices, and she continues to build a career on her own terms.