Your eyes don’t deceive you. That was Donna Kelce – mom of NFL superstars Jason and Travis Kelce – in Hallmark Channel’s newest holiday movie.
Mama Kelce made her acting debut in Christmas on Call, which aired Nov. 22. Set in Philadelphia, it featured Kelce playing the owner of a cheesesteak shop who dishes out some romantic encouragement along with her delicious sandwiches.
Donna Kelce appears in ‘Christmas On Call’
In Christmas On Call, Sara Canning plays Hannah, a new-to-Philadelphia ER doctor who is struggling to adjust to life in a new city as the holidays approach. She connects with Wes (Ser’Darius Blain), an EMT who introduces her to all that Philly has to offer – including its famous cheesesteaks.
Wes takes Hannah to his favorite cheesesteak spot, which he’s been visiting since he was a little boy. Working behind the counter is the store’s owner, Donna, played by Kelce.
Donna and Wes give Hannah a crash course in cheesesteak lingo. Later, she delivers something extra to their table.
“It’s on the house,” says Donna, who is wearing retired Eagles center Jason Kelce’s jersey. “Besides, anyone who can make Wes look that happy deserves a treat. Have fun, kids. But not too much fun.”
Mama Kelce will also appear in ‘Holiday Touchdown’
With two NFL player sons, Kelce can’t be expected to pick sides. So, Hallmark is letting her cheer for both teams this season. She’s also set to appear in Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, which airs on Nov. 30. It’s about Alana (Hunter King), a Kansas City Chiefs superfan who is determined to make sure her family wins the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest.
Derrick (Tyler Hynes), the Chiefs’ director of fan engagement, is charged with evaluating how Alana and her family compare to other finalists in the contest. As he and Alana spend time together, they start to develop a serious connection. Kelce plays another restaurant worker in this movie, this time running the show at a KC barbecue restaurant.
Holiday Touchdown will also feature appearances by Jenna Bush Hager, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, and players Trey Smith, Mecole Hardman Jr., Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and George Karlaftis. But Travis Kelce – who also recently dipped his toe into acting – isn’t on the list of players involved in the movie. Nor is his famous girlfriend Taylor Swift. But will Swift be tuning in to support the woman who might be her future mother-in-law?
“I don’t know,” Kelce said during a recent appearance on Today. “That’s a good question.”
Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story airs Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel. Christmas on Call is streaming on Peacock through Nov. 25.
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