Former child star and Mean Girls icon Lacey Chabert has been spotted spreading festive cheer at a charitable event in Los Angeles, as the actress continues to navigate her successful career amidst recent controversy surrounding ageism in Hollywood.
From Broadway to the Plastics: A Storied Career
Lacey Chabert first found fame as a child, playing Bianca Montgomery on All My Children from 1992 to 1993 and appearing as Young Cosette on Broadway in Les Misérables. Her big break came with the teen drama Party of Five, which ran from 1994 to 2000. However, it was her role as the famously 'fetch'-obsessed Gretchen Wieners in the 2004 comedy classic Mean Girls that cemented her place in pop culture history.
The actress, now 43, has since built a prolific career, notably voicing Eliza Thornberry in The Wild Thornberrys and starring in the 2006 remake of Black Christmas. In recent years, she has become synonymous with festive television, earning the title 'Queen of Hallmark Christmas Movies' after starring in more than 30 TV movies for the network.
Spreading Joy at a Los Angeles Charity Event
Chabert was photographed at a Raising Cane's event in Los Angeles on December 15, where she helped donate 120 children's bikes to the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood. The star was joined by Raising Cane's founder Todd Graves and other special guests, including Khadijah and Malika Haqq.
'I'm so happy to be here with Cane's on such a joyful occasion,' Chabert told Daily Mail. 'Last year in NYC, it was incredible seeing the excitement and happiness on all the kid's faces and I'm so glad Todd asked me to be a part of the bike giveaway again this year.'
She added that the season is 'about being here for one another and spreading joy,' a sentiment echoed by Mel Culpepper, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Hollywood, who thanked the organisers for creating unforgettable memories for the children.
Addressing Ageism and Embracing New Chapters
The festive event comes against a backdrop of discussion about age in the entertainment industry. Last month, a lawsuit filed against the Hallmark Channel by casting director Penny Perry, 79, alleged that an executive made comments about replacing ageing talent. The suit specifically claimed the executive said, 'Lacey's getting older and we have to find someone like her to replace her as she gets older.'
Hallmark Channel has strongly denied the allegations, stating: 'Lacey and Holly have a home at Hallmark. We deny these outrageous allegations.'
Chabert herself has spoken about evolving in her career. 'I think it's important that we have the opportunity to tell all of our stories through every phase of life,' she told Variety. Now a mother to eight-year-old Julia, whom she shares with husband David Nehdar, she emphasised her desire to portray characters her daughter can look up to.
Despite the lawsuit, Chabert's reign in holiday programming continues unabated. She is set to star in the upcoming Netflix Christmas film Hot Frosty and the Hallmark Channel's The Christmas Quest, premiering December 1. From her early days on Broadway to her status as a holiday movie monarch, Lacey Chabert's career demonstrates a enduring and adaptable presence in the spotlight.
