Continue to Hollywoodlife () SKIP AD
Hollywood Life Logo Image

Hollywood Life

Today's Top Stories

  • Report

    Caitlyn Jenner Reportedly In Talks To Join ‘Sex And The City’ Revival

  • Jennifer Lopez
    See Comment

    JLo Claps Back At Troll Who Insists She’s Had Botox: My ‘Beauty Secret’ Is Loving My Own Skin

  • botox alternative
    SHOP

    These Patches Help Treat Frown Lines For Less Than A Quarter Of The Price Of Botox

Hollywood Life
  • Home
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Celebrity Bios
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Shopping
  • Celebrity News
  • World News
  • Exclusives
  • Politics
  • Celebrity Babies
  • Opinions
ALL NEWS
  • Michelle Obama Celebrates 57th Birthday With Gorgeous Make-Up Free Selfie: ‘Love You All’

  • Iggy Azalea Is ‘Feelin’ Herself’ In Blue Bikini & Sheer T-Shirt Amidst Reports She’s Ready To Date Again — See Pic

  • Kamala Harris Confesses She ‘Googled’ Husband Doug Emhoff Before Their 1st Blind Date: ‘This Is A Reveal’

  • Award Shows
  • At The Movies
  • TV
  • Music
  • Sports
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Holidays
  • Entertainment Features
  • Podcast
  • Oscar Contenders
ALL ENTERTAINMENT
  • Rachel Uchitel, Elin Nordegren

    Rachel Uchitel Reveals Moment Tiger Woods’ Ex-Wife Confronted Her Over Their Affair: ‘I Knew It Was You’

  • ‘Batwoman’ Season 2: Kate Kane’s Fate Revealed After Ruby Rose’s Exit

  • ‘RHOA’: Porsha Williams Grinds On A Stripper In 1st Look At Cynthia Bailey’s Bachelorette Party

  • Taylor Swift
  • Rihanna
  • Selena Gomez
  • Kim Kardashian
  • Kylie Jenner
  • Kendall Jenner
  • Justin Bieber
  • Miley Cyrus
  • Gigi Hadid
  • Khloe Kardashian
  • Jennifer Lopez
  • Angelina Jolie
  • Harry Styles
  • Kourtney Kardashian
ALL CELEBRITY BIOS
  • Rachel Uchitel, Elin Nordegren

    Rachel Uchitel Reveals Moment Tiger Woods’ Ex-Wife Confronted Her Over Their Affair: ‘I Knew It Was You’

  • ‘Batwoman’ Season 2: Kate Kane’s Fate Revealed After Ruby Rose’s Exit

  • ‘RHOA’: Porsha Williams Grinds On A Stripper In 1st Look At Cynthia Bailey’s Bachelorette Party

  • Fragrance
  • Hair Care
  • Health
  • Makeup
  • Nails
  • Beauty Features
  • Skincare
  • Makeover
  • Diet & Fitness
ALL BEAUTY
  • tiny

    Tiny Stuns With Her Emerald Green Hair Makeover — See Before & After Pics

  • Treat Yourself With These Relaxing Bath Bombs That Have Over 25k Reviews & Are Under $30

  • Missy Elliott Debuts Rockin’ Bright Purple Pixie Cut Hair Makeover — See Pics

  • Red Carpet
  • Weddings
  • Fashion Features
  • Shopping
ALL FASHION
  • Jennifer Lopez

    Stars Wearing Crop Tops While Working Out: Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Jenner, & More

  • 5 Of Our Favorite SKIMS Pieces Under $100 That You Can Shop For Valentine’s Day

  • 9 Celebs Who Paired Their Crop Tops With Sweats: Kim Kardashian, Hailie Jade & More

  • Share This Article
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email
  • Print
  • Talk
Next Up

Kylie Jenner Transforms Into A ‘Snow Leopard’ In $2K Moncler Parka On Lake Tahoe Getaway — See Pics

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Newsletters
  • Search Close

Trending

  • Bonnie Says
  • Celeb Babies
  • TV
  • Celeb Galleries
  • Podcast
Search

NewsExpand Menu

  • Celebrity News
  • World News
  • Exclusives
  • Politics
  • Celebrity Babies
  • Opinions
  • Rock The Vote

EntertainmentExpand Menu

  • Entertainment Features
  • TV
  • Award Shows
  • At The Movies
  • Music
  • Sports
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Podcast
  • At Home With...

BeautyExpand Menu

  • Fragrance
  • Hair Care
  • Health
  • Makeup
  • Nails
  • Skincare
  • Beauty Features
  • Diet & Fitness
  • Shopping

FashionExpand Menu

  • Red Carpet
  • Weddings
  • Fashion Features
  • Shopping

TrendingExpand Menu

  • Bonnie Says
  • TV
  • Celeb Galleries
  • PODCAST

About UsExpand Menu

  • About Us
  • Writer Bios
  • Scoops, Tips & Corrections
  • Subscribe To Newsletter
  • Contact Us

Celebrity ProfilesExpand Menu

  • Kim Kardashian
  • Kylie Jenner
  • Justin Bieber
  • Selena Gomez
  • Taylor Swift
  • Rihanna
  • Kendall Jenner
  • Miley Cyrus
  • Gigi Hadid
  • Jennifer Lopez
  • Angelina Jolie
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Newsletters
Alerts & Newsletters
  • Jobs
  • Scoops & Corrections
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Rights
  • AdChoices
  • Data Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
© 2021 Penske Media Corporation
  • Entertainment
  • TV
Exclusive Interview
December 6, 2020 5:45PM EST

‘Christmas Ever After’ Star Ali Stroker: It’s A ‘Gift’ To ‘Bring My Disability To Every Character I Play’

Ali Stroker
Lifetime
Unit Day 05
View Gallery View Gallery 6 Photos.
Avery Thompson
Entertainment Director
  • Share This Article
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email
  • Print
  • Talk

Ali Stroker is making history starring in ‘Christmas Ever After.’ HL spoke EXCLUSIVELY with Ali about disability representation, Izzi and Matt’s love story, and more.

Christmas Ever After is Lifetime’s latest movie in its’ annual It’s A Wonderful Lifetime lineup. The movie stars Tony winner Ali Stroker as Izzi, a popular romance novelist who spends every Christmas at her favorite snowy bed and breakfast, but this year, she’s faced with an impending deadline and a severe case of writer’s block. However, inspiration strikes in the unlikely form of the B&B’s new owner Matt (Daniel di Tomasso), who bears an uncanny resemblance to the handsome hero from Izzi’s novels.

The movie is part of Lifetime’s dedication to inclusion and diversity. Christmas Ever After its first movie starring a lead actor with a disability. HollywoodLife talked EXCLUSIVELY with Ali, an actor who uses a wheelchair, about bringing a character with a disability to the forefront in a Lifetime Christmas movie.

Ali Stroker
Ali Stroker stars as Izzi in ‘Christmas Ever After.’ (Lifetime)

“First of all, Lifetime is on the right side of history,” Ali told HollywoodLife. “Diversity is our world. It is our reality, and I just love that they are making this year’s Christmas movies include that so little kids at home who might feel like they’re different in their communities, they might be watching the movie and see themselves represented. Representation can mean so much. I didn’t have representation when I was a teenager, and it really affected me. It is an honor to be able to bring this character to life. Because I am in a wheelchair, because I have a disability, all of the characters that I play are going to be in a chair, and I think that’s a gift to be able to bring my disability to every character I play.”

Ali’s love for Christmas Ever After started with her character, Izzi. “She was a hopeless romantic, and she was really immersed in her career, which is something that I completely identify with,” Ali continued. “But she knew that she really wanted love in her life, and I just love the way in which the story unfolds, where her love interest looks exactly like the character that she writes about in her books. It’s such a fun romantic comedy.”

Ali Stroker
Ali Stroker and co-star Daniel di Tomasso. (Lifetime)

When it comes to the romance, Izzi and Matt’s love story starts out as a friendship. Ali admitted that she appreciated that the characters didn’t just jump immediately into a relationship. “They begin as friends and two characters that challenge each other, which feels real to me,” Ali said. “The connection doesn’t always begin with having a crush. Sometimes you need somebody who tests you and that is exciting and real. That’s the kind of love that I have always been drawn to.”

Christmas Ever After was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ali admitted that many more “precautions” were taken, but it helped everyone feel safe while filming. “There were a lot more steps involved, but I have to say that every single person working on this film was so respectful,” Ali told HollywoodLife. “They were so aware and always checking in. They really made me feel safe. They took all the precautions. I got tested every few days. We had masks and shields. We definitely took a little bit more time with all the precautions. But there’s nothing more important right now than feeling safe because you can’t do your job if you don’t feel safe. I just think that Lifetime and the production company and our producers did a really, really good job.”

Ali Stroker Daniel di Tomasso
Ali Stroker and Daniel di Tomasso play Izzi and Matt. (Lifetime)

Ali and her co-star, Daniel, also used plexiglass between them for their kissing scenes because of the ongoing health crisis. Ali revealed she felt like she was at a “teenage sleepover” when she found out about the plexiglass. “It felt like a dare or something. It was so funny. There was lots of giggling. I was giggling so much,” she said. Christmas Ever After will air Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. on Lifetime.

Click to Subscribe to Our HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter to get more celeb news.
  • Share This Article
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email
  • Print
  • Talk
Lifetime

More Lifetime News:

  • Chad Michael Murray Reveals Being A Dad Is A 'Big Part' Of Why He Does Holiday Movies: 'I'm A Family Guy'
  • 'Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding' Star Teases It's Not An 'Easy Road' To Jacquie & Tyler's Big Day
  • Lifetime Holiday Movies 2020 -- Photos

Most Read

Rachel Uchitel Reveals Moment Tiger Woods’ Ex-Wife Confronted Her Over Their Affair: ‘I Knew It Was You’

Rachel Uchitel, Elin Nordegren

8 Pics Of Joseph Baena Recreating Dad Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Iconic Bodybuilder Poses

Delilah Hamlin, 22, Rocks Thong Bikini As She Makes Out With BF Eyal Booker, 25, At The Beach — See Pics

delilah

Kelly Rowland Shows Off Baby Bump In Figure-Hugging Catsuit & Thigh-High Boots: ‘9 Mos. & Ready’

Christie Brinkley, 66, Goes ‘Swimming In The Rain’ In Black Swimsuit On Turks & Caicos Vacation — Watch

christie

Have news, pics or video on a breaking news story?

Send us your Tip

Have news, pics or video on a breaking news story?

Send us your Tip

More From Our Brands

  • Nordstrom's Designer Sale Has Face Masks Discounted for a Limited Time
    SheKnows

    Nordstrom's Designer Sale Has Face Masks Discounted for a Limited Time

  • 10 Valentine’s Day Cocktails That Taste Like Falling In Love
    StyleCaster

    10 Valentine’s Day Cocktails That Taste Like Falling In Love

  • NCIS: LA Recap: Did Callen Propose? Plus, They Luke Skywalker'd Hetty!
    TVLine

    NCIS: LA Recap: Did Callen Propose? Plus, They Luke Skywalker'd Hetty!

  • New Radicals to Reunite for First Time in 22 Years for Biden Inauguration Parade
    Rolling Stone

    New Radicals to Reunite for First Time in 22 Years for Biden Inauguration Parade

  • Dakota Fanning Showcases Her Off-Duty Style in Beige Denim, Vans & This Celebrity-Favorite Bag 
    FootwearNews

    Dakota Fanning Showcases Her Off-Duty Style in Beige Denim, Vans & This Celebrity-Favorite Bag 

    HollywoodLife

    • About Us
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Advertise With Us
    • Careers
    • Scoops & Corrections
    • Contact Us

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • California Privacy Rights
    • AdChoices
    • EU Privacy Preferences
    • Terms of Use
    • Data Policy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    News

    • Celebrity News
    • World News
    • Exclusives
    • Celebrity Babies

    Connect

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
SheKnows Media - Entertainment
© Copyright 2021 HollywoodLife, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media, LLC.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP
ad