The Surprising Real-Life Stories Of The 'Christmas On Call' Cast: From Vampire Diaries To The NFL

Hallmark Channel's 2024 holiday hit, *Christmas on Call*, has quickly become a fan favorite, captivating audiences with its heartwarming story of first responders finding love during the hectic holiday season in Philadelphia. As of the current date in late 2025, the film continues to be a popular re-watch, celebrated for its perfect blend of romantic drama and festive cheer, anchored by a talented and familiar cast. The movie's success isn't just due to its touching plot, but also the star power of its lead actors and a truly unexpected cameo that brought a massive wave of mainstream attention to the *Countdown to Christmas* lineup. The story follows Dr. Hannah Michaels, a dedicated emergency room physician, and Wes Sullivan, a charming EMT, whose lives and professional paths intersect as they juggle demanding shifts, holiday emergencies, and a budding romance. Beyond the leads, the ensemble cast and the film's unique setting—a tribute to first responders—have created a memorable holiday experience. This in-depth look explores the full cast, their complete biographies, and the surprising details you might have missed about their careers and the film itself.

The Core Cast of 'Christmas on Call' and Full Biographies

The chemistry between the two leads, Sara Canning and Ser'Darius Blain, is the heart of *Christmas on Call*. Their established careers in major television and film franchises bring a level of professional polish that elevates the Hallmark holiday movie experience.

Sara Canning as Dr. Hannah Michaels

Sara Canning portrays Dr. Hannah Michaels, the dedicated emergency room doctor who finds herself navigating a new city, a high-stress job, and an unexpected connection with an EMT.

• Full Name: Sara Canning
• Date of Birth: July 14, 1987
• Place of Birth: Gander, Newfoundland, Canada
• Career Highlights and Noted Roles:
• Jenna Sommers in *The Vampire Diaries* (2009–2017): This remains her most iconic and breakout role, introducing her to a global audience.
• Dr. Melissa Conner in *Remedy* (2014–2015): A medical drama role that provided a strong foundation for her portrayal of Dr. Michaels.
• Jacqueline in *War for the Planet of the Apes* (2017): A significant role in a major blockbuster film franchise.
• Roles in Hallmark Movies: She is a familiar face to Hallmark viewers, having also starred in films like *Holiday Road*.
• Recent Projects (Post-2024): Following *Christmas on Call*, Canning has continued to balance roles in independent films and television series, further cementing her status as a versatile actress across genres.

Canning’s ability to portray both vulnerability and strength makes her the perfect lead for a role that honors the demanding life of a medical first responder.

Ser'Darius Blain as Wes Sullivan

Ser'Darius Blain plays Wes Sullivan, the charming and dependable EMT who is a devout Philadelphia Eagles fan and helps Dr. Michaels adjust to her new environment, all while sparking a romance.

• Full Name: Ser'Darius William Blain
• Date of Birth: March 10, 1987
• Place of Birth: Miami, Florida, USA
• Career Highlights and Noted Roles:
• Anthony "Fridge" Johnson in the *Jumanji* Film Series (2017, 2019): His most widely recognized role, where he plays the popular high school football player whose avatar is Kevin Hart.
• Galvin Burdette in *Charmed* (2018–2019): A main role in the reboot of the popular supernatural television series.
• Woody in *Footloose* (2011): One of his first major film projects after graduating from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.
• Will Trent (Guest Role): Blain has also appeared in other popular television dramas, showcasing his range.
• Recent Projects (Post-2024): Blain is continuously sought after for major studio and independent projects, leveraging the popularity gained from the *Jumanji* franchise and his growing presence in television.

Blain brings a natural warmth and comedic timing to the role of Wes, making the EMT a deeply likable and heroic romantic lead.

The Unexpected Cameo and Supporting Players That Made the Film Unique

Beyond the leading duo, *Christmas on Call* stands out for its strong supporting cast and a unique celebrity appearance that became a major talking point for the film, boosting its topical authority across entertainment and sports media.

Donna Kelce’s Star-Making Cameo

One of the freshest and most talked-about details of *Christmas on Call* is the special cameo by Donna Kelce, the mother of NFL superstars Jason and Travis Kelce. Given the film's setting in Philadelphia (home of the Eagles, Jason Kelce's team), her appearance was a perfectly tailored touch.

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Kelce, who is not a professional actress, made her acting debut in this film, playing a character serving up the quintessential Philly delicacy: cheesesteaks. This detail not only grounded the movie in its Philadelphia locale but also drew attention from the massive fan bases of the Kelce brothers and the NFL, making *Christmas on Call* a cross-over hit. She also had a cameo in another Hallmark movie, *Holiday Romance*, proving her holiday movie appeal.

The inclusion of a figure like Donna Kelce is a testament to how Hallmark is leveraging current pop culture trends to keep its *Countdown to Christmas* programming fresh and relevant.

Key Supporting Cast and Their Roles

The film’s emotional depth is further supported by a talented ensemble who play the colleagues and friends of Hannah and Wes, adding layers to the story of the first responder community.

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• Erik Athavale as Sanjay: Athavale plays a key role, providing a supporting presence in the hospital environment. His work often includes a mix of film and television, making him a familiar face in the Canadian acting scene, where the movie was filmed (though set in Philadelphia).
• Reena Jolly as Danielle: Jolly contributes to the ensemble, often seen in roles that provide comic relief or emotional support to the main characters.
• Tamara Almeida as Julia: Almeida rounds out the core group, portraying a character that helps to illustrate the demanding schedules and personal sacrifices made by those in the medical field during the holidays.
• Jeff Beesley (Director): The film was directed by Jeff Beesley, a seasoned director known for his work on numerous television films, including many holiday features, ensuring a high-quality, emotionally resonant final product.

Topical Authority: The First Responders Theme and LSI Keywords

*Christmas on Call* successfully tapped into a powerful and timely topical authority by focusing on the lives of first responders—a theme that resonates deeply with audiences who appreciate the sacrifices made by healthcare workers and EMTs, especially during the holidays.

The narrative is rich with LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords that signal the film's specific niche within the Hallmark Christmas Movies universe:

• Hallmark Channel Christmas Movie: The primary entity for the film's distribution.
• Countdown to Christmas: The specific programming event under which the film premiered.
• Philadelphia Setting: A unique geographic anchor that adds a specific cultural flavor (and the famous cheesesteak cameo).
• ER Doctor Romance: The specific sub-genre of the romantic plot.
• EMT Love Story: Highlighting the professional dynamic between the leads.
• Holiday Drama: The overarching genre that combines romance and emotional stakes.
• Jeff Beesley Film: The director's name, a key entity for film fans.

This focus on a high-stakes, real-world profession, combined with the magic of the holiday season, makes *Christmas on Call* a standout in the Hallmark lineup. The film’s commitment to showing the intersection of work, personal lives, and dedication to public service provides a deeper, more meaningful narrative than many traditional holiday romances. The 2024 release date ensures the movie is a recent, relevant entry in the ever-growing library of festive films.