Hallmark Channel Puts Diversity Right in Front of Me in Its Newest Spring Fling Feature

Author:
K.L. Connie Wang
Apr 16, 2021

When Hallmark Channel was called out for its lack of diversity in casting the leads to their movies and series, the network took the criticism to heart and made a conscious effort to change. They've since featured BIPOC actors as the leads in several of their original movies. Their latest spring fling movie, Right in Front of Me, features two actors of Asian descent as the leads.

What is Right in Front of Me about?

Carly Mason (Janel Parrish) has a keen eye for fashion and her style sense has put her in great demand by brides planning high-end weddings. On a rare weekend off, Carly finds herself spending the weekend at a resort where several acquaintances from college are gathered for a wedding. Among them is Matt (Anthony Konechny), Carly’s unrequited crush from their days in the dorm. Carly is invited to participate in the festivities and uses this as a second chance to pursue a relationship with Matt. Meanwhile Nick (Marco Grazzini), the resort’s sous chef, creates some culinary masterpieces but hasn’t been able to convince the head chef to put his creations on the menu. Carly is impressed with Chef Nick’s food and offers to connect him with her high-end clients. In return, Nick offers to help her catch Matt’s attention. Soon, both Carly and Nick begin to wonder if Matt is really the right man for her.

Who stars in Right in Front of Me?

Janel Parrish (Carly Mason)

Janel Parrish is Chinese on her mother's side and of Irish, English German descent on her father's. Born in Hawaii, Janel got her start in acting at the tender age of 6 when she was cast as Young Cosette in the National Touring Company of Les Miserables, but she is probably best known for her role as Mona Vanderwaal on Pretty Little Liars.

She starred in last year's Hallmark holiday film, Holly & Ivy, opposite Jeremy Jordan.

Quiz: How Well Do You Know Hallmark’s Classic Movies?

Marco Grazzini (Nick Rivera)

Canadian Marco Grazzini is of Filipino and Italian descent. Grazzini starred in two Christmas movies for Lifetime network last year—Christmas Unwrapped and Lonestar Christmas, the latter of which was the first time he played a Filipino romantic lead in a film.

Anthony Konechny (Matt Parker)

Anthony Konechny has had roles in Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' Wedding Planner Mystery and Home for Christmas as well as Hallmark Channel's Love on the Slopes. Hearties might recognize him as Constable Doug Burke on When Calls the Heart.