Brooke Shields Reveals Why She Left Hallmark for Better Opportunities

Brooke Shields, a beloved actress known for her roles in Hallmark Channel projects such as *When Calls the Heart* and *Flower Shop Mysteries*, has recently revealed the real reason behind her departure from the network.

In her new memoir, *Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman*, Shields opens up about her experience with Hallmark, her decision to leave after only three films, and her future endeavors.

This blog post delves into the details of her journey and what it means for her career moving forward.

Brooke Shields’ Journey with Hallmark

Brooke Shields signed a 16-movie deal with Hallmark Channel a decade ago, with the intention of bringing more comedy to the network’s offerings. However, she left after completing only three films.

Shields explained in her memoir that she was initially hired to help change the face of the network by adding humor to their projects.

As filming progressed on the *Flower Shop Mysteries* franchise, the comedy aspect diminished, leading to her dissatisfaction.

The Flower Shop Mysteries Franchise

In 2016, Shields starred as Abby Knight, a flower shop owner and former lawyer, in three *Flower Shop Mysteries* movies:

• Mum’s the Word: A Flower Shop Mystery
• Flower Shop Mystery: Snipped in the Bud
• Flower Shop Mystery: Dearly Depotted

Despite the initial promise of humor and light-heartedness, Shields found that the comedic elements were not as prominent as she had hoped. This discrepancy between her expectations and the reality of the projects contributed to her decision to leave the network.

Other Roles on Hallmark

In addition to her role in the *Flower Shop Mysteries*, Shields also starred as Charlotte Thornton in Season 3 of *When Calls the Heart*.

Charlotte is the mother of Jack and Tom Thornton and the former mother-in-law of Elizabeth Thatcher. Although Shields enjoyed her time on the show, she ultimately felt that Hallmark was not the right fit for her long-term career goals.

Reasons for Leaving Hallmark

Shields cited several reasons for her departure from Hallmark:

• The lack of promised humor in her projects
• The desire to pursue other opportunities that aligned better with her career aspirations
• The need for more time to spend with her family

Shields emphasized that there is nothing wrong with the Hallmark Channel, acknowledging its massive fan base. However, she realized that the network was not the future she wanted for her career.

Shields is now a firm believer in only saying yes to work that serves her and aligns with her personal and professional values.

Life After Hallmark

After leaving Hallmark, Shields continued to explore other opportunities in the entertainment industry.

In 2021, she returned to the romance TV movie genre with the Netflix film *A Castle for Christmas*. This project allowed her to pursue roles that better suited her career goals and personal interests.

Upcoming Projects

Shields has several exciting projects on the horizon.

She recently spoke at Flow Space’s “An Evening With Brooke Shields” event about her upcoming acting roles.

One of her notable upcoming projects is a guest-star appearance on Ryan Murphy’s Hulu drama, *All’s Fair*, where she will act alongside Naomi Watts and her cousin, Glenn Close.

Shields expressed her excitement about working with such talented and accomplished women, noting that it is a rare opportunity for her to act opposite individuals who can elevate her performance and challenge her as an actress.

Personal Reflections

During her conversation at the event, Shields shared a touching story about a difficult day on set when she struggled to remember her lines and doubted her own talent.

Glenn Close, who was present on set, offered her support and validation, which had a profound impact on Shields.

Close’s encouragement helped Shields realize the importance of seeking validation and support from peers in the industry.

A New Chapter

Shields’ departure from Hallmark marks a new chapter in her career. She is now focused on pursuing projects that align with her personal values and professional aspirations.

Shields’ experience serves as a reminder that it is essential to prioritize work that brings fulfillment and aligns with one’s goals.

Conclusion

Brooke Shields’ departure from Hallmark was a significant decision. It was driven by her desire to pursue opportunities that better aligned with her career goals and personal values.

Her journey serves as an inspiration to many. It highlights the importance of making choices that prioritize personal fulfillment and professional growth. As she continues to explore new projects and collaborations, Shields remains a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Stay tuned for more updates on Brooke Shields’ upcoming projects and her continued journey in the world of entertainment.