Picture this: an 86-year-old woman stepping into the spotlight, channeling the iconic Bride of Frankenstein on the big screen, and proving that age is just a number when it comes to embracing the spooky season. That's the incredible story of Ellen Travolta, sister of Hollywood legend John Travolta, who is making waves in Hallmark's latest holiday movie. But here's where it gets really intriguing – she's not just appearing; she's living her Halloween passion in a way that sparks nostalgia and joy for everyone. Dive in to discover how this seasoned star is blending classic charm with modern fun, and you might just rethink what 'timeless entertainment' means.
As autumn rolls in and the air fills with that crisp, pumpkin-scented magic, Ellen Travolta is fully embracing the festivities. The 86-year-old actress has channeled her deep affection for Halloween into her role in Hallmark's Haul Out the Halloween, the third installment in their beloved holiday movie series. In this spooky sequel, she dons the memorable costume of the Bride of Frankenstein, complete with the signature rectangular wig featuring two striking parallel white lines, and a flowing white long-sleeve dress adorned with textured, dangling fabric that adds a dramatic flair. Filmed alongside talented actor Daniel Kountz, the scene unfolds on the whimsical EverSCREAM Lane, a Utah attraction that's become a highlight of the film. Premiering this Saturday, October 11, on the Hallmark Channel, the movie promises to deliver heartwarming thrills for fans of feel-good horror-light entertainment.
Hallmark movies, for those new to the genre, are typically light-hearted, family-friendly films that celebrate holidays like Christmas or Halloween with a mix of romance, comedy, and a touch of the supernatural – think cozy mysteries with costumes and carols, but with a spooky twist. This particular trilogy, which includes Haul Out the Halloween and its companion Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up, stars a stellar cast including Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Melissa Peterman, and Stephen Tobolowsky. Even actors from the classic Halloweentown series, like Kimberly J. Brown and Daniel Kountz, make appearances, adding layers of nostalgia for longtime viewers.
But here's the part most people miss – Ellen isn't just a cameo; she's a key player in the entire trilogy, bringing her wealth of experience to each film. And this is where it gets controversial: in an industry that often sidelines older actors in favor of fresh faces, Ellen's prominent roles challenge the notion that stardom has an expiration date. Is Hollywood too quick to write off seasoned performers, or does Ellen's success prove that talent transcends age? It's a debate worth having, especially as she shares how working on these projects feels like pure delight.
As the famous saying goes, when you pursue what you love, it never feels like a chore – and Ellen couldn't agree more. Reflecting on her time on set, she gushed, 'For me to be doing these is a great treat. There are beautiful young actors and actresses, and I get to play with them, and then we do other things outside of Hallmark. We meet in L.A., we'll have dinner. We'll have a weekend in Vegas, so we have a lot of fun together.' These words, shared with The Spokesman-Review, highlight the camaraderie that blossoms beyond the camera, turning professional gigs into lasting friendships. It's a reminder that collaboration across generations can be incredibly rewarding, and perhaps it's something more films could embrace.
In the movie, Ellen even steps out of her comfort zone by showcasing her rapping talents during a community talent show scene aimed at raising funds. For beginners wondering what makes rapping tricky, it's all about precise timing, memorization, and delivering lines at a rapid pace – think of it as a verbal dance where one wrong step can throw off the rhythm. 'The rap was fun because you have to do it right, and that makes me a little nervous remembering those words and then saying them as quickly as I can,' she admitted, adding a layer of relatability to her performance. It's moments like these that show how Hallmark films blend humor with gentle challenges, making them accessible to all ages.
Fans who share Ellen's enthusiasm for Halloween might want to check out EverSCREAM Lane in Utah, a real-life spot featured in the film. Unlike typical haunted houses designed to jolt with jump scares, this attraction leans into whimsy rather than terror. Ellen explains it perfectly: 'It's not scary-scary, but there's ghosts, there's monsters, but we're not looking at Freddy Krueger. It's not designed to frighten people. It's designed to make them use their imaginations, have fun and be a community.' Imagine strolling through a place where creativity reigns, encouraging families to bond over playful explorations – a stark contrast to the high-octane fright fests some prefer. And here's where it gets controversial again: in a world where Halloween events often amp up the scares for thrills, does prioritizing imagination over fear make for a 'better' experience, or are we missing out on the adrenaline rush? It's an interesting angle, especially for parents deciding what outings to choose.
Ellen's love affair with the holiday stretches way back to her childhood, long before her Hallmark days. Growing up in a family of six Travolta siblings, she and her brothers and sisters embraced Halloween with homemade creativity. They'd whip up treats from scratch, scour thrift stores for costume materials, and hit the neighborhood for trick-or-treating. But here's the twist most people overlook – due to financial struggles, their parents insisted on a unique tradition: 'When you get (a full bag of candy), circle around back and we'll put it in our bowl and we'll regive it.' In simpler terms, the kids couldn't hoard their haul; instead, it was redistributed, teaching lessons in sharing and community even amidst hardship. This resourcefulness paid off when Ellen was just nine years old. Her mother found an antique dress, and with a dash of imagination, Ellen crafted a one-of-a-kind outfit that won her the 'most unique costume' award in a New Jersey contest – a sweet victory that showcased how ingenuity can outshine expense.
Fast-forward to adulthood, and Ellen carried these traditions into her own family life. As a mom, she delighted in sewing costumes from the ground up – for example, dying a burlap oat sack to create a pumpkin ensemble, or transforming her son Tom into Danny Zuko, the iconic character John Travolta played in Grease. These handmade efforts not only saved money but also fostered deeper connections, turning simple preparations into cherished memories.
Looking back, Ellen reminisces fondly: 'It wasn't nearly as commercial as it is. We're talking a long time ago. It was always great fun, and I loved it. Then my kids, they had a great time. My grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, everybody loves to get dressed up, but it's way more of an expense now than it was then.' And this is the part that might spark the most debate: has the commercialization of Halloween diluted its magic, turning a simple, family-oriented holiday into a pricey spectacle? Some argue it enhances the fun with elaborate decorations and events, while others lament the loss of those low-key, homemade vibes. Ellen's story suggests a middle ground – embracing the joy while reminiscing about simpler times.
Today, she continues the tradition by celebrating Halloween with her daughter in Spokane, Washington, proving that the spirit of the season endures across generations.
What do you think? Is Ellen Travolta's age-defying Halloween enthusiasm inspiring, or does it highlight Hollywood's overlooked gems? And on the bigger question: should we fight back against Halloween's growing commercialization, or lean into the modern extravagance? Do you have a favorite family tradition that keeps the holiday fun and affordable? Share your thoughts, agreements, or disagreements in the comments – I'd love to hear your take!
