Hallmark Stars Who Are Grandparents In Real Life

Whether you're an unabashed sucker for Christmas romances, a fan of wholesome mysteries, or love the escapism of historical family dramas, there's something for everyone among the Hallmark Channel's numerous offerings. A key part of the feelgood network's universal appeal is the impressive repertory of actors who form its heart. Lots of Hallmark actors are aging like fine wine even after numerous appearances in movies and miniseries. In fact, they appear so ageless that it's surprising to learn that they're grandparents in real life. Many were part of our childhoods, making it even more shocking that they're old enough to be parents, let alone grandparents. 

To be fair, some were promoted to the title at a relatively early age, while one only just entered the club in her mid-80s. But they all have one thing in common: A deep and abiding love for their grandchildren that rivals the feelings they had when they became parents themselves (plus, they have the advantage of not having to deal with 2:00 a.m. feedings, and they can give the kids back to Mom and Dad at the end of a long visit!). These are just a few of the notable current and former Hallmark stars who have lived to see their heritage passed on to a second generation. Unsurprisingly, their joy in their grandchildren is a happy ending to rival any Christmas movie. 

It hardly seems a minute since Candace Cameron Bure was charming audiences as the teen D.J. Tanner in "Full House." Better sit down for this one: Not only is she not a teenager anymore — Bure turned 50 in April 2026, and the pics proved she's aging like fine wine — but neither are her children. The former Hallmark mainstay was best known for the "Aurora Teagarden Mysteries" series and festive fare like "A Shoe Addict's Christmas," before leaving the network for rival Great American Family. Bure found her own love story when she wed former NHL player Valeri Bure in 1996, and together they raised Natasha, Lev, and Maksim.

In August 2026, Lev and his wife, Elliot, made his folks first-time grandparents when their son, Bond Leo Bure, was born. Bond was more than two months premature and spent many anxious weeks in the NICU before he was well enough to come home. "I had no idea the love I would have for my grandchild," Bure admitted on Instagram. "It's a love like no other, beyond anything I imagined. My heart is so full." And it's about to get fuller: Natasha is expecting her first child in Fall 2026. Bure posted pics of the glowing mom-to-be at her baby shower. She also wins the award for cutest grandmother name — Bure calls herself "CandyGram!"

Best known for her star-making turns in "Groundhog Day" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral," Andie MacDowell is experiencing a career renaissance thanks to her portrayal of Del Landry in the hit Hallmark series "The Way Home." In real life, the accomplished actor is a proud mother of three — including MacDowell's lookalike daughter Margaret Qualley — and a grandmother of two. Her son Justin Qualley and his wife, Nicolette, are the parents of Cozette, born in 2022. MacDowell told the "Today" show, "I've never had someone look into me and see my soul" the way her granddaughter did at their first meeting (via X). 

In December 2024, her older daughter, Rainey Qualley, also welcomed a girl, Bluebell Coyote Wilson, with her own partner, Anthony Wilson. MacDowell is thoroughly enjoying her grandmother era, but she does have one caveat when it comes to her grandchildren. "Whatever they want to call me, they can call me," she confirmed to People in 2025. "As long as they don't call me granny. That's the only thing I said, 'Don't call me granny. I'm sorry, that one's out.'" Currently, Cozette calls her "Gaga," which suits the star just fine.

Jane Seymour is another iconic actor who gets better with age. Following her childhood as an aspiring ballerina, she landed early roles as a Bond girl and TV-movie star before her breakout role in "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." Seymour's post-"Dr. Quinn" projects, of course, include her Hallmark miniseries "The Twelve Dates 'Til Christmas." Yet the British-born star always makes time for family, particularly the youngest generation. Seymour is a mom of four and stepmother of two from her four previous marriages (she's currently engaged again!). 

To date, her children have gifted the former Bond girl four gorgeous grandchildren. Jane Seymour's daughter, Katherine Flynn, made her a three-time "Oma" with the births of her kids Rowan, Willa, and Luna. Then, in August 2025, her son Kristopher and his wife, Miso, welcomed their own baby girl, Kristie Love Keach. Seymour proudly shared photos of Kristie's first birthday party on Instagram a year later, gushing, "Kristie Love, you have brought so much happiness into our lives already. Watching you grow, laugh, and discover the world is such a joy."

Bruce Boxleitner has enjoyed a long and successful career from his early days on TV show "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" to sci-fi hits like "Tron" and "Babylon 5." Hallmark fans know Boxleitner best for his Christmas movies ("Holiday Date") and his "Matchmaker Mysteries" thrillers. But one of his favorite roles is surely that of doting grandpa. In November 2014, Boxleitner announced on X, "Now that my son & daughter-in-law have announced it, I'd like to officially welcome my beautiful granddaughter Lulabelle Rose into the world!" The proud parents are actor/musician Sam Boxleitner — whose mom is Bruce's first wife, Kathryn Holcomb — and makeup artist Andrea Steele. 

Now approaching her 12th birthday, as of this writing, Lulu has clearly inherited her family's talents for performing. She plays guitar and sings with the kids' band Cream Soda, and enjoys dressing up for Halloween and other occasions. She went full "Heathers" for her fifth grade graduation dance (below). Best of all, Lulabelle is surrounded by love from her entire extended family, including "Little House on the Prairie" star Melissa Gilbert, who's Sam's stepmom from her former marriage to Bruce. 

Did anybody seriously think the woman who played the sexy, conniving, multi-married Abby Ewing on "Knots Landing" would become a shawl-wearing granny sitting in her rocker all day? Donna Mills, who turned 85 in 2026, is as active as ever, appearing in tons of different movies and TV shows, including Hallmark fare such as "12 Gifts of Christmas" and "Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses." She hosts a podcast, "We're Knot Done Yet," and (yes!) has her own OnlyFans page too. And decades after "Knots Landing" ended, Mills is still an absolute knockout; no frumpy dresses or sensible shoes for this octogenarian. 

Wherever she goes, she turns up looking stunning with her famous blond locks impeccably styled. Mills officially entered her grandma era in 2025 when her daughter Chloe and her now-son-in-law, Travis Collings, welcomed their son, Colter Benjamin Collings. On his first birthday, Mills posted a sweet Instagram tribute: "Watching him grow, discover, and thrive this past year has been one of life's greatest joys. Every smile, every new little milestone brings back all those beautiful memories of watching his mom, Chloe, grow up."