Hallmark Executive Allegedly Seeks to Replace Aging Stars, Claims Age Discrimination Lawsuit
Former Hallmark casting director Penny Perry has filed a lawsuit claiming the network engages in age discrimination. The lawsuit, filed on October 9 in Los Angeles Superior Court, includes allegations against Hallmark's executive vice president of programming, Lisa Hamilton Daly, among others.
Key Allegations
Perry, age 79, contends that Hamilton Daly expressed a desire to exclude "old talent" from casting, naming Holly Robinson Peete and Lacey Chabert as specific examples. Perry’s assertion is that Hamilton Daly aims to replace established actresses as part of a strategy that supposedly positions the channel as more modern and youthful.
Perry alleges Hamilton Daly stated, "We need to bring in someone who knows more young talent." According to Perry, Hamilton Daly specifically commented on the necessity of replacing Robinson Peete, Chabert, and others due to their age. "Lacey's getting older and we have to find someone like her to replace her as she gets older," Hamilton Daly reportedly said.
Perry claims further declarations include critiques of Robinson Peete being "too expensive and getting too old" for leading roles.
Denials from Hallmark
In response to the allegations, Hallmark issued a statement to Variety and Deadline. "Lacey and Holly have a home at Hallmark. We do not generally comment on pending litigation," the company said. They denied the claims, affirming a commitment to their relationships with the actresses.
Perry, a veteran casting director with experience dating back to the 1970s, noted she received favorable annual performance reviews before being unexpectedly terminated in April. She asserts that her replacement was a younger man and alleges that Hamilton Daly told her she was "too long in the tooth."
Working Environment Claims
Perry claims she experienced "vile and ageist conduct," illustrating a culture within Hallmark that allegedly pushed out employees over 60. Perry describes instances such as exclusion from meetings, relocation of her office, and transfer of her casting responsibilities to an external consultant.
Additionally, she claims the company failed to accommodate her disabilities related to multiple sclerosis and one-eye blindness.