EXCLUSIVE | 'Inn Love by Christmas' star Jonna Walsh says 'staying true to oneself' is her biggest takeaway from film
Just like every year, Lifetime has planned to air a variety of entertaining holiday-special movies, one of them is ‘Inn Love by Christmas’. The movie follows the story of Mandy who works in the hotel industry and loves her job. She is focused and competitive and is clear about what she wants to achieve. Mandy is also extremely close to her grandmother and finally gets some time off to spend Christmas with her. However, Mandy is also determined to acquire the local Inn that is up for sale in her hometown, for her company.
The role of Mandy is essayed by actor Jonna Walsh. MEAWW caught up with the actress ahead of the premiere of Inn Love by Christmas' on December 11 and here is what she had to say about the film, the takeaway from it as she gives us an insight into her Christmas traditions.
What made you say yes to ‘Inn Love by Christmas’?
When I read the script for ‘Inn Love by Christmas’ I was drawn to the relationship that Mandy has with her Grams. They have a very strong bond in the movie and support one another. I had that very same relationship with my grandma and it made me think of her when I read it which ultimately made the decision to say yes to the part rather easy since I related to it so much. Also, Jayne Eastwood playing my Grams? What an honor! Jane is wonderful.
Your character is very competitive and gives immense priority to her professional life. Can you relate to Mandy Leeds in real life?
I am actually quite competitive in my real life! I always have been and in the entertainment industry, it’s definitely a drive you must have. In the movie, Mandy does give top priority to her career but ultimately puts what matters most first. That’s how it should be. I think when you prioritize the things that matter most in life, work and your professional career will fall into place and you’ll be a lot happier.
What is the takeaway for the viewers from ‘Inn Love by Christmas’?
I believe the takeaway is that your career will have its ups and downs, victories and disappointments, but at the end of the day staying true to yourself and who you are is the most important thing. Spending time with your family, friends, and people you love is something that should always to be cherished. Work will always be there, but making time for the people you love is something we should never take for granted.
How was it working with Jesse Hutch?
Oh my gosh, I love Jesse! He is so so positive and such a great and uplifting person. He is just full of good energy and we had so much fun together. I am happy to call him a friend and look forward to hopefully working together at some point again in the future.
Are there any holiday or Christmas traditions you follow? Tell us a little about how you like to spend Christmas.
Every Christmas Eve my family gets together. My husband is a singer and he brings his guitar and we sing Christmas carols. I’m one of four kids, and we have quite the large family so we have to divide up the parts for the “12 days of Christmas” hahaha. It’s hilarious. On Christmas Day we lounge in our pajamas and watch Christmas movies.
With the ongoing pandemic, celebrations are scaled down this year, what is your message to the audience?
It’s been quite the year hasn’t it? To keep everyone safe, we have scaled back our traditions this year. I will miss it, but I know that we have a responsibility to keep each other and the ones we love safe. I hope that everyone has a very safe holiday season full of hope that we will all be able to celebrate the way we used to someday soon.
What are the upcoming projects that you are working on?
There are a lot of opportunities in the coming year that I’m looking forward to. I would love to do a period piece of some sort and of course, another Christmas movie.
‘Inn Love by Christmas’ will air on Friday, December 11 at 8 pm on Lifetime.