'Unlocking Christmas': Meet Taylor Cole and Steve Lund, the lead actors cast in Hallmark's mystery romance
When a mysterious key and holiday riddle land on their doorsteps, Kate and Kevin embark on a Christmas adventure they'll never forget. Based on the novella, 'A Christmas Homecoming' by bestselling author Fern Michaels, 'Unlocking Christmas' is part of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' line-up of films for the network’s annual 'Miracles of Christmas' movie marathon. According to Fern Michaels, the Hallmark movie is a wish fulfilled for her because she had dreamt of seeing her work on TV.
The plotline revolves around two central characters. There is brunette Kate Stafford, who has just moved to Cedar Park, Texas, to complete her medical school fellowship. There is also Kevin Matthews, who is back in town after a stint in the Air Force. As the holidays come around, both are unsure if the town will ever feel like home to them. Kate and Kevin each receive a mysterious antique key and a holiday riddle on their doorsteps.
When they run into each other, the two decide to team up to solve the holiday mystery. Embarking on a fun adventure, Kate and Kevin follow clues that lead them on a merry jaunt through town as they solve riddles and puzzles. In the process, they learn about the Christmas spirit of giving and the true meaning of home. Learn more about the actors cast as Kate and Kevin.
Taylor Cole is Kate Stafford
Taylor Cole is not a new face on the Hallmark Mysteries & Movies after starring in three installments of the 'Ruby Herring Mysteries' franchise on the channel. Her last Hallmark movie, 'Matching Hearts', was released in February this year as part of Hallmark Channel’s 'Love Ever After' movie offerings.
She has also starred in The CW’s 'The Originals' and has featured in multiple episodes of the CBS suspense drama 'Salvation'. Cole co-stars with Val Kilmer and Tom Berenger in the feature film '1st Born', which was released in 2019. Cole has appeared in TV series like 'Supernatural', 'CSI Miami', 'Castle', 'Two and a Half Men', 'Entourage', 'NCIS' and 'Melrose Place'.
Steve Lund is Kevin Matthews
A Nova Scotia native, Steve Lund graduated from the Vancouver Film School. He immediately began getting roles on television shows such as 'Blue Mountain State' and 'Haven' before scoring a series regular role in Space’s werewolf drama 'Bitten'. Since then, he has landed numerous roles for the Hallmark Channel. He has also played the highborn rogue Luc Narcisse in The CW’s 'Reign' and the controversial town hottie, Jake, in CBC’s 'Schitt’s Creek'.
Up next, Lund can be seen in the highly anticipated independent drama 'Wildhood' and a raucous comedy 'Faith Heist'. He will also appear in two more Hallmark original movies slated for release in 2020.
'Unlocking Christmas' will premiere on Sunday, December 13, at 10 pm ET/PT on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (HMM) channel.