The Cast Of 'Too Close For Christmas': Where Are They Now? (2025 Updates)

The holiday season may be over, but the curiosity surrounding the cast of beloved Christmas classics like Lifetime's *Too Close for Christmas* remains high. Released in 2020, this romantic comedy, which centers on an event planner named Hayley who falls for her ex-boyfriend's brother, Paul, has become a staple in the "It's a Wonderful Lifetime" lineup. As of , the film's lead stars, Jessica Lowndes and Chad Michael Murray, are busier than ever, headlining new projects well into 2025, including major television series, new directorial ventures, and, fittingly, more Christmas movies.

The chemistry between the main actors is what truly sold the "enemies-to-lovers" trope of the film, making fans eager to know what the ensemble cast—from the lead romantic interests to the supportive family members—has been up to recently. We dive deep into the latest career updates, new roles, and personal lives of the talented Canadian and American actors who brought this festive story to life.

Full Cast & Character Guide: From Hayley Parker to Paul Barnett

The ensemble cast of *Too Close for Christmas* (2020), directed by Ernie Barbarash, features a mix of well-known faces from teen dramas and Canadian television. Here is a complete breakdown of the main actors and their roles in the Lifetime holiday movie:

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• Jessica Lowndes as Hayley Parker: The meticulous event planner who is forced to spend Christmas with her sister's new in-laws, including her ex-boyfriend's younger brother.
• Chad Michael Murray as Paul Barnett: The handsome, cynical, and charming younger brother of Hayley's ex, who quickly becomes her romantic rival and eventual love interest. Murray also served as an executive producer on the film, expanding his role behind the camera.
• Vanessa Sears as Tanisha: Hayley's sister and the reason for the awkward holiday gathering.
• Steve Byers as Chris: Hayley's ex-boyfriend and Paul's older brother.
• Seana McKenna as Eleanor: The matriarch of the Barnett family and the host of the Christmas celebrations.
• Fiona Highet as Carol: A key supporting family member.
• Ellora Patnaik as Dr. Sharma: A smaller, yet memorable role.
• Chris Farquhar as Jack: Another member of the extended family.
• Deanna Jarvis as Amy: A supporting character.

Jessica Lowndes and Chad Michael Murray: Their Blockbuster 2024 & 2025 Projects

The two main stars of *Too Close for Christmas* have leveraged their holiday movie success into major new projects, demonstrating their continued popularity in the romantic drama and comedy genres. Both actors have significant updates that keep them current and highly visible in the industry.

Jessica Lowndes (Hayley Parker) - Expanding Her Empire

Since charming audiences as Hayley, Jessica Lowndes has become one of the most prolific stars in the world of romantic and holiday movies, and importantly, has moved behind the camera. In 2024, Lowndes starred in the romantic comedy *Renovation Romance*. However, her most exciting recent career shift is her move into creative control.

• New Christmas Movie (2024): Lowndes is set to star in a new Christmas movie in 2024 alongside fellow holiday movie veteran Daniel Lissing.
• Writer and Director: She has significantly expanded her creative horizons by stepping into production, having executive produced eight projects. Notably, she has written the scripts and music for two of those projects. There are reports that she is also about to direct and star in a new Christmas movie she wrote, showcasing her growing influence in the genre.
• Musical Talent: Lowndes is also a talented singer and songwriter, often contributing original music to her films, adding a unique, personal layer to her work that few of her peers can match.

Chad Michael Murray (Paul Barnett) - From Tree Hill to the Great North

Chad Michael Murray, an icon from the *One Tree Hill* era, continues his successful career, balancing television dramas with his established niche in holiday films. Murray's recent projects are numerous and highly anticipated, cementing his status as a major player in the romantic drama space.

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• Television Star: Murray currently stars as Cal Jones in the Canadian romantic drama series *Sullivan's Crossing*. The series, which premiered in 2023, has been a hit and continues to run, keeping him on primetime television.
• Upcoming Holiday Films (2025): Fans will be delighted to know that CMM is not done with Christmas yet. He is slated to star in the new holiday movie *Joy to the World*, which is scheduled to premiere in November 2025. Additionally, he has promoted a 2025 calendar for another new movie, *The Merry Gentlemen*.
• Netflix Rom-Coms: In 2024, Murray starred in a couple of Netflix romantic comedies, further solidifying his presence in the streaming world.

Behind the Scenes: Unique Facts and Updates on the Supporting Cast

While the leads garner the most attention, the supporting cast of *Too Close for Christmas* plays a crucial role in the film's success. Their recent work and the unique details of the movie's production add significant topical authority to the conversation.

Filming in August: The Magic of Movie Snow

A fun fact for fans of the movie is that despite the heavily snowy, cozy atmosphere, *Too Close for Christmas* was filmed in the late summer and early fall. Production took place in Ontario, Canada, during August and September 2020. This detail highlights the magic of movie-making, where artificial snow and strategic lighting are used to create a perfect winter wonderland even when the actual weather is warm. This Canadian setting is common for many Lifetime and Hallmark holiday movies.

Vanessa Sears (Tanisha) - A Stage and Screen Star

Vanessa Sears, who played Hayley's sister Tanisha, is a highly decorated Canadian artist with a strong background in theatre. Sears is a Dora, Toronto Theatre Critics, BroadwayWorld, and Critic's Pick Award-winning artist.

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• Recent Work (2024): In 2024, she took on a voice role as Sunny's Mom in the animated series *My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale*.
• Notable Roles: She is also known for her lead roles in other TV movies like *Sappy Holiday* (2022) and has made appearances in popular series like *Suits* and *Sex/Life*. Her diverse background across stage and screen makes her a versatile talent.

Steve Byers (Chris) - From Ex-Boyfriend to Horror Roles

Steve Byers, who played Hayley's ex-boyfriend Chris, has a career that spans various genres, from romantic holiday films to heavier drama and horror.

• 2024 TV Series: Byers has a notable recent credit in the 2024 TV series *The Madness*, where he played the role of Bobby Woods.
• Horror Franchise: He is also well-known for his role as Andrew May Jr. in the horror series *Slasher: Ripper* (2023), showcasing his ability to pivot between the light-hearted tone of Christmas movies and darker, more intense material.
• Early Career: Fans may also recognize him from his earlier work on the Canadian series *Falcon Beach*.

The Enduring Appeal of 'Too Close for Christmas'

The success of *Too Close for Christmas* lies in its perfect execution of classic romantic comedy tropes. The "forced proximity" trope—Hayley and Paul being stuck together in the same house for the holidays—is a gold standard in the genre, creating inevitable tension and sparks. The film’s focus on family dynamics, the awkwardness of meeting in-laws, and the difficulty of navigating past relationships adds layers of relatability that resonate with viewers year after year.

With the main cast, especially Jessica Lowndes and Chad Michael Murray, continuing to produce high-quality content and even taking on roles as writers, directors, and executive producers, the legacy of this 2020 Lifetime hit only grows stronger. Their consistent output ensures that fans of *Too Close for Christmas* always have a new movie or TV show to look forward to, confirming their status as enduring stars of the romantic genre.