This Charlotte actor could be Hallmark's next Christmas lead
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When the show's casting director reached out to Garet on Instagram, he thought it was a scam. When Garet realized it was the real deal, he applied and was cast in the show. So far, Garet has made it to episode 3. Photo: Courtesy of Hallmark Media
Mr. Christmas may live in Charlotte.
Why it matters: Angel Garet is one of 10 aspiring actors vying to be Hallmark's next Christmas movie star on the reality show "Finding Mr. Christmas." For Garet, it's an opportunity to compete for his first leading role.
How it works: The Hallmark series, which is in its second season, was co-created by show host Jonathan Bennett, whom viewers may recognize as Aaron Samuels in "Mean Girls."
- Contestants compete in Christmas-themed challenges, including everything from making gingerbread houses to acting and improv, to horseback riding and skiing.
- The winner will star in the leading role in one of the network's popular "Countdown to Christmas" movies.
Catch up quick: Garet moved to Charlotte with his family in 2002 at age 15 from Venezuela. He attended North Mecklenburg High School. Later, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue modeling and acting. After 13 years in Hollywood, he moved back to Charlotte with his wife last month to be closer to family.
- The couple, who got married at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, calls south Charlotte home.
Zoom in: The Charlotte Garet grew up in has changed.
- The EpiCentre he grew up with is now Queen City Quarter. As much as moving back to Charlotte is a homecoming for Garet, it's also a chance to explore how the city has changed.
The big picture: The perception for actors has been that you need to live in Los Angeles or New York to be successful. Garet says that used to be his mentality, and it's why he moved to Los Angeles.
- "Little by little, the industry has changed," Garet says. Now it's as simple as shooting a self-tape at home for auditions, and then flying out for callbacks or sessions with producers.
- It doesn't hurt that more projects have been filmed in Charlotte, from feature films to scripted shows on Netflix to reality shows.
What's next: "Finding Mr. Christmas" airs Mondays at 8pm on Hallmark Channel.
