Hallmark is already ahead of the game with its new cohort of holiday projects, including its most recent film, Scouting for Christmas, starring Tamera Mowry-Housley.
Mowry-Housley portrays Angela, a 35-year-old realtor, and divorcee of two years. She navigates life as a working single mom, whose valiant efforts are not received well, especially by her daughter, Brooklyn’s Sunny Scout troop. Ahead of the Sunny Scout’s annual winter celebration, Brooklyn concocts a sweet plan to set her mom up with bakery shop owner Will.
Sparks fly but it all takes a turn when Angela’s ex-husband Dakota shows up unexpectedly and now Angela must choose what’s right for her and Brooklyn.
The Knockturnal sat down with the actress ahead of the film’s premiere to discuss her similarities to Angela and holiday traditions. We even found out one of her top three projects.
Photo Courtesy: Hallmark
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Knockturnal: I feel like this is your season, from fall to December. I was just watching Twitches the other day and it still holds up to this day; it’s a staple film.
Tamera: Thank you. It’s in my top five films that I’ve done. Yeah. Actually, I think I only have a top 3. But I freaking love Twitches.
The Knockturnal: Now we’re heading into the holiday season with Hallmark. You’ve done a few productions with them; tell me, how does it feel to be back with them for another holiday production this season?
Tamera: I feel very grateful and honored. I love Hallmark; I love everything they stand for. I feel like being in a Hallmark film is magical, but most importantly, I love that Hallmark films bring magic to the people. They have this formula that they have created and it’s quite impressive. I don’t know how they do it; I am personally a Hallmark fan. I love watching their movies. We always know what’s going to happen, but somehow, we’re always like, ‘Oh, what’s gonna happen?’
Even when I’m shooting, I love it. I love that their number one goal is to bring joy to the world. I know that sounds cliche because we’re talking about the holidays, but I genuinely meant that. We’ve met along the way so many Hallmark fans that these movies have changed their lives and given them hope. As an actor, I love that I’m a part of something bigger than me and contribute some positivity to the world.
The Knockturnal: I feel like Hallmark is synonymous with the holidays. You think Christmas; you think Hallmark. In Scouting for Christmas, you step into the role of Angela, who is a single mom and a realtor. In the beginning, you already see this display of mom guilt.
Even though she tries so hard, her efforts aren’t always appreciated. Especially by the Sunny Scouts leader. Unfortunately, mom guilt is very real. How did you resonate with the character of Angela and what message do you have for other mothers who might be feeling the same?
Tamera: I resonate with Angela on a cellular level. I am one of those moms who still to this day struggles with balance. I’m always late to things, even though I try my best. I mean, I look at my watch. Even today, I was like 5 minutes late, but I try so hard. I think it’s because I have so many things on my mind. Angela is a single mom, and she has her hands and everything. And she’s trying to juggle so much, also adjusting to a new lifestyle. She was married for some time.
Now she’s been divorced for over 2 years. At the same time, she has taken full responsibility for her daughter. Her ex is in the child’s life, in their life, but they all made a conscious decision to say, “You have it more together. You provide a stable home for our daughter.” That’s a lot of that’s a lot of pressure. And I feel like for me in real life, I love my children. I want to be there and be present as much as possible, but, also, I’m a working mom and trying to find that balance; some days I’m great at it. Some days I’m not. However, with the mom guilt, I’ve gotten a lot better.
One, I’ve learned, there’s always going to be opinions. People are always going to say things. Moms are always going to say things. I feel the judgment; I feel the side eye. But what matters is how I love my children and that they feel loved by me and for our family, we’ve created a stable, thriving, loving environment. That is what matters and that’s the message that I want this movie to give moms and single moms. Single moms—they’re rock stars. They’re amazing because it’s already challenging when you have a partner. But a single mom? And then, if they have multiples, oh my gosh more power to you. But I also wanted to highlight the importance of your village.
It’s really important to have the right people around you, uplifting you, encouraging you, and inspiring you because you’re going to experience challenges as that child grows. You see that in the film. Brooklyn, you see her struggling, you know, a little bit struggling with her peers at Sunny Scouts and with our relationship, wanting me to be extremely happy, her thinking that I’m missing something. I love that they communicate those concerns and challenges in the film.
The Knockturnal: I want to tell you, having watched you through the years, the love for your kids is evident – it’s beautiful.
Tamera: Thank you.
The Knockturnal: So, a mom yourself, with the holidays coming up, do you have any standout traditions that you look forward to every year, and are there any new ones you’re looking to introduce?
Tamera: We do a Christmas holiday card every year. We literally get dressed up. It’s the only time when my kids actually listen to me about what to wear, and I love it. Even my husband, I’m like, “Yes. We all look good. Now just smile for the camera.” People reach out to “Hey, I don’t want to miss your holiday card. Don’t forget about me. It’s really fun, and I love that.” New traditions, I don’t you know, my daughter; she’s getting into music right now. Who knows? My sister-in-law is a guitarist. I would love to sing and play together. That’s the new one. I’m going to start that; I’m hosting Christmas this year; my sister-in-law; is going to come and she’s a singer too. My daughter sings, and she’s starting to play the bass, so we’ll see.
The Knockturnal: That is awesome. What a way to celebrate the holidays. Tamera, thank you so much for sitting down with The Knockturnal. Congratulations on the new film.
Tamera: Thank you.
Scouting for Christmas is out now and available for viewing here.
