Hallmark 'Sand Dollar Cove' Cast: Meet Chad Murray, Aly Michalka and stars of romance
'Sand Dollar Cove', a part of Hallmark's 'Summer Nights' programming event, is a sweet love story — one that leaves you feeling mushy in your heart. Elli (Aly Michalka) is a real estate development project manager who has been tasked to acquire a beachfront property of Sand Dollar Cove, a Connecticut town. However, charming local Brody (Chad Michael Murray) wants to protect the pier, where several memories have been made. Will their conflicting paths ever meet? Only time will tell.
The network released a slate of films this summer, including titles: 'Her Pen Pal', 'You Had Me At Aloha', and 'The Baker's Son'. 'To Catch a Spy' was one of the other films released in June 2021, although it was a spy thriller, laced with some love and friendship. Here is a look at the cast of 'Sand Dollar Cove'.
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'Sand Dollar Cove': Air time and how to watch Hallmark romance
Cast
Chad Michael Murray
Murray became a household name with his portrayal of Lucas Scott in 'One Tree Hill' from 2003 to 2012. The role earned him three Teen Choice Awards. In the near-decade run, he even dabbled with directing and writing an episode for the series. He was also a prominent part of 'Dawson's Creek' and 'Gilmore Girls'. 'Sand Dollar Cove' is not Murray's first television movie. He comes with experience in that area. He has previously worked in 'Colors of Love', 'Too Close for Christmas' and 'Write Before Christmas'. You may also remember him from Hilary Duff's 'A Cinderella Story', where he plays the quiet admirer. In 2006, he starred in 'Home of the Brave', a massive shift in genre. It's a war-drama film headlined by Samuel L Jackson and Jessica Biel.
He has worked with Bruce Willis extensively. One of the films, 'Killing Field', is slated for release in August 2021. It also stars Kate Katzman, Donna D’errico, Swen Temmel and Zack Ward. Murray has also signed 'The Fortress' and its sequel, which includes Willis. Sometime in his two-decade-long career, he also scored a lead role in critically acclaimed 'Fruitvale Station'. When not on set, Murray loves to write. He published two novels — 'Everlast' and 'American Drifter: An Exhilarating Tale of Love and Murder'. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.
Aly Michalka
She may have been a Disney kid but her work as an actor has only progressed. Michalka is a versatile actress and singer-songwriter. Even though her claim-to-fame was a starring role in 'Phil of the Future', she took up challenging gigs later while also working on comedies such as 'Bandslam', 'Easy A', 'Grown Ups 2' and 'The Lears'. On the small screen, she has scored memorable gigs such as The CW comedy-drama series 'Hellcats' and crime drama series 'iZombie'. Michalka was also a part of 'Two and a Half Men' and 'Anger Management'.
Clare Bowen
Much like Michalka, Bowen is multi-talented. She acts, sings and writes. In 'Sand Dollar Cove', she plays Pam. Years before landing the role of Scarlett O'Connor in 'Nashville', she was growing up in rural Australia, which inspired her songwriting. Even though she was not too social, music helped her communicate effectively. There, she felt no barrier.
"It would be another decade or so before she’d duet with heavyweights like Zac Brown and Vince Gill, record songs with Grammy-winning producers like T Bone Burnett and Buddy Miller, or tour the United States with 'Nashville' co-star Charles Esten, but those early experiences helped plant the seed, pushing Bowen toward Nashville and its musical community," her official bio reads.
While experimenting with music, Bowen established herself as an in-demand actress by starring in controversial and critically acclaimed films such as 'The Combination' and the musical production of 'Spring Awakening'. Later, she took Cate Blanchett''s advice and moved to LA where 'Nashville' happened. It was not just any role for her. Playing Connor felt close to home because it allowed her to channel a lot of what she had experienced as a child. Bowen was diagnosed with cancer at age four and has battled the disease for years.
When not acting, Bowen spends time being a voice of reason. In 2015, she snipped off waist-length hair to "express the need for people to look past the physical image". “I have come to terms with the fact that one person cannot save the world alone," Bowen admitted and had said: “But by connecting with people, stage by stage, song by song, kindness by kindness; you can make a difference."
'Sand Dollar Cove' is directed by Frank Gerber and will premiere on June 26, 9/8c. For more information, check your local listings.