‘MATCHMAKER SANTA’
CAST BIOS
LACEY CHABERT (Melanie) - Lacey Chabert is best known for her role as Claudia on the
Golden Globe® Award-winning FOX television series “Party of Five.” Chabert was seen in
Warner Brother’s “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” opposite Jennifer Garner and Matthew
McConaughey. She received outstanding reviews and an MTV Movie Award for her role in the
box office hit “Mean Girls” from director Mark Waters. She also starred as Anjelica Huston’s
daughter in “Daddy Day Care” and as Brooke Ellison in Christopher Reeve’s final directorial
project, “The Brooke Ellison Story” for A&E.
She most recently starred opposite Gena Rowlands in “What If God Were The Sun” for Lifetime.
Originally from Purvis, Mississippi, Chabert got her big break on the Broadway stage playing
young Cosette in Les Misérables. In 1998, she made her feature film debut as Penny Robinson
in “Lost in Space.” On television, Chabert has appeared in “All My Children” as well as several
made-for-TV movies, including “Gypsy” starring Bette Midler, “A Little Piece of Heaven” with
Cloris Leachman and the Hallmark Channel Original Movie “Elevator Girl.” She has also voiced
numerous animated films and TV shows, including “The Wild Thornberrys.”
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DONOVAN SCOTT (Chris) - Donovan Scott studied at the American Conservatory Theatre in
San Francisco and then went on to join the Comedia Del Arte’ Troup, where he eventually
became the Artistic Director. He went on to tour the East Coast for several years directing,
writing, and performing with that troupe. Eventually, Donovan Scott returned to San Francisco
were he did more theatre. His theatre experiences took him to Alaska, where he opened the
Alaska Repertory Theater. His next move was to San Diego, where he performed leads in three
plays at The Old Globe Theater. Next stop: Los Angeles to try his hand at television and
feature films. Donovan Scott has made his living as an actor in Los Angeles ever since, working
with Steven Spielberg in the movie “1941,” co-starred in Robert Altman's “Popeye” with Robin
Williams, starred in the “Savannah Smiles,” “Zorro the Gay Blade,” “Sheena Queen of the
Jungle,” “Police Academy,” Scott also co-starred in “Back to the Future 3,” “Psycho 3” and
over 30 other feature films.
Donovan Scott was under contract with NBC for 5 years, starred and co-starred in a variety of
television series, mostly sitcoms, including the two series “Slap Stick Studios” (a Saturday
morning kids show) and co-starred for 13 weeks with the great Lucille Ball in “Life with Lucy.”
He has also starred or guest starred in over 50 Television shows. Scott's illustrious repertoire
also includes directing, co-writing and starring in 3 films and 2 mini-series in Russia, where he
lived for five years. Scott was nominated for a Silver Bear Award in Germany for one of his
television series. Since moving back to Los Angeles, he continues his work in television and
films. His Santa characters can be seen in an abundance of television shows and movies for
television and national commercials.
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Scott also teaches improvisation and comedy for Carolyne Barry, where in 2010 and 2011, he
was voted one of the top three improvisation teachers in the Los Angeles area. Scott is about
to start his second season at the ACME theatre, with his popular web comedy variety show
series “Scotty and Friends,” which he writes, directs, hosts, and performs in.
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ADAM MAYFIELD (Dean Ford) - Adam recently completed two independent features. “The
Preacher’s Daughter”, starring opposite Andrea Bowen, gave him the opportunity to work near
his hometown of Houston. The psychological thriller, “Would You Rather” finished shooting in
LA last fall and is planning a 2012 release.
The tall Texas native with swagger and matinee good looks cut his teeth into acting in high
school. After graduating DePaul University’s respected Theatre School in Chicago and having
numerous plays and musicals under his belt, Mayfield moved to Los Angeles. He quickly got
noticed and made his TV debut in David E. Kelly’s “Boston Public.” After some guest star work,
Los Angeles theatre and countless commercials, Mayfield was led to New York, where he landed
a contract role on ABC’s “All My Children.”
Mayfield has since moved back to LA and when he’s not on set or auditioning you can find this
avid outdoorsman backpacking in the hills of Angeles National Forrest, assuming he’s not
camping in the Colorado Rockies.
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FLORENCE HENDERSON (Peggy) - There is a good explanation why Florence Henderson
has endured as one of the most beloved American entertainers of the last six decades. Long
before she became a television icon as Carol Brady of "The Brady Bunch," Florence's talent, love
of performing and love of people were matched with an ethic of hard work and a curiosity to
explore new dimensions. These qualities opened doors of opportunity and success soon
followed in almost every genre of the performing arts.
That talent, drive and determination have been a constant since she literally sang for her
supper at age six in the height of the Depression in Indiana. It followed her when she arrived
with suitcase in hand to try out for the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New
York at age 17, and in more recent times, performing on "Dancing with the Stars" at age 76 in
2010.
Henderson passed her audition at the American Academy, but lasted there only for a year
before a Broadway job beckoned. Henderson had mixed feelings about leaving school, but an
administrator set her straight, "What, are you crazy?!! That's why you're here!” From a role in
the chorus of Josh Logan's Wish You Were Here, Henderson was discovered and became a
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protégé of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein and embarked on the national tour of
Oklahoma! in the lead role of Laurey. From there, her name was soon above the Broadway
marquis in Fanny. Leading roles would follow in major productions of The Sound of Music, The
Girl Who Came to Supper (Noel Coward's last play), South Pacific, and The King and I, among
others.
But the emerging medium of television piqued her interest, and Henderson accepted the job as
the "Today Show" Girl, sitting alongside pioneering broadcaster Dave Garroway as a female
anchor (and would be succeeded by Barbara Walters when she left). Henderson was also a
mainstay on live performance shows like "Ed Sullivan," the "Bell Television Hour" and others.
Later, her ability to match wits as well as sing made her a favorite of Dean Martin and Johnny
Carson (becoming the first woman to guest host his show). Her competitive nature also came
out in her love of game shows, and regular appearances on shows like "Hollywood Squares"
and “Password” also reinforced her appeal as a personality.
But that was all a warm up for mega-popular "The Brady Bunch," the television series that has
remarkably not left the airwaves in syndication since it ceased production in 1974 after 117
episodes. Aired in over 122 countries, "The Brady Bunch" was an opportunity that Florence
Henderson initially viewed as lukewarm at best. Her work between her nightclub act, stage
productions and television appearances was satisfying and allowed her to balance her family life
as mother of four school-aged children. The Hollywood-based production would also mean
having to uproot her family from their home base in New York City.
But the series about the blended family with its trademark tick tack toe opening credits hit an
immediate chord with the American public. Carol Brady became one of the most popular
mothers in television history, an irony given that Henderson's childhood was anything but
idyllic.
Born the last of ten children to a tobacco sharecropper and his wife, Henderson faced the hard
consequences of poverty and deprivation at an early age. Her mother loved music and taught
her how to sing fifty songs by age two. Exhausted by the difficulties of her life, her mother
moved away when Henderson was twelve, leaving her with her next oldest sister and her
father, who struggled with alcoholism. She had to grow up fast but singing was her saving
grace.
One of her best friends came from a well to do family and recognized her talent, arranging for a
scholarship for theatrical studies in New York. Although loving, compassionate and forgiving
about her parents and the difficulties they faced, Henderson created the mother in Carol Brady
that she never had.
In the aftermath of "The Brady Bunch," Florence Henderson continued to star in major
theatrical productions, headline in Las Vegas and perform live at major venues around the
country.
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Today, she stars in her autobiographical one woman show All the Lives of Me, which takes her
audience from her hardscrabble childhood in Indiana through each chapter of her career and
personal life to the present.
Although she had represented General Motors as a spokesperson early in her career, Henderson
also became in high demand for commercials both during and after “The Brady Bunch.” For
many years, she was affiliated with Wesson Oil and Tang, among others. The Wall Street
Journal recently ranked her #5 in consumer appeal among celebrity product endorsers. Today,
she is the national spokesperson for Bausch & Lomb's Crystalens, the corneal lens implant she
wears herself after cataract surgery.
Today, Henderson maintains a non-stop work schedule and is excited at the opportunities that
she is blessed to have continue come her way. In her spare time, her priority is family, notably
her four children and five grandchildren. She also does motivational speaking and continues to
pursue her passion for hypnotherapy, which she learned under her late husband, the renowned
and pioneering hypnotherapist John Kappas.
Henderson wrote her autobiography, Life Is Not A Stage, From Broadway Baby to a Lovely Lady
and Beyond, which is published by Center Street/Hachette Book Group and is now available.
Henderson was inducted into the Smithsonian Institute's first permanent Entertainment History
Exhibit as one of the greatest pop cultural icons of all time in November 2008. She was also
awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003. Her enthusiasm, professionalism,
commitment to quality and artistry has made Florence Henderson one of the most respected
and endearing performers of our time.
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JOHN RATZENBERGER (George) - Born in Bridgeport, CT, master improvisational actor John
Ratzenberger gained international fame as Cliff Clavin in the NBC series “Cheers.” During more
than three decades of movie making and theater, Ratzenberger has enjoyed success as a
screenwriter, director, producer and multi Emmy®-nominated actor. He is also an accomplished
entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Ratzenberger’s career began in earnest in the early 1970s, when he formed the improvisational
theater duo Sal’s Meat Market. In between his theater touring in Europe, Ratzenberger was a
producer and screenwriter for several European TV and theater organizations.
Ratzenberger’s first motion picture role was in the Golden Globe®-nominated film “The Ritz,”
and he went on to appear in more than 22 movies over the next few years, including “Gandhi”
and
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Star Wars’ “The Empire Strikes Back.” In all, Ratzenberger has acted in close to 40 movies,
including “Superman 1” and “Superman 2,” “One Night Stand,” “Tick Tock,” “That Darn Cat,”
“She’s Having a Baby,” “Outland,” “Yanks” and “A Bridge Too Far.”
In 1982 Ratzenberger accepted a writing assignment for CBS in Los Angeles. On the day he
was scheduled to return to London, he auditioned for a role on the upcoming “Cheers.” Thus
was born the lovable postman and trivia king, Cliff Clavin—American icon. He has portrayed
Cliff in eight NBC TV specials (1986-2002), as well as in shows such as “Fraiser,” “The
Simpsons,” “Blossom,” “Wings,” “The Tortellis” and “St. Elsewhere.”
As a vocal talent, Ratzenberger is the only actor to voice a role in all of the Pixar films. Pixar
artists always find a way to include Ratzenberger’s recognizable eyebrows and mustache. As
Pixar’s creative head John Lasseter once said, “John is our good luck charm.”
Ratzenberger has acted in many TV movies, including the Hallmark Channel Original Movie,
“Our First Christmas,” AMC’s “Remember WENN,” “The Pennsylvania Miners’ Story,” NBC's “How
I Spent My Summer,” “Going to the Chapel” and “Combat Academy,” Largo Entertainment’s
“Under Pressure” and CBS’s “Timestalkers.”
Ratzenberger continues to direct, produce and write. He currently heads his own production
company, Fiddlers Bay Productions, located in Los Angeles. He has directed more than 50 TV
episodes, including several on “Cheers,” “Down Home,” “Madman of the People,” “Pearl” and
“Sister, Sister.” He also directed single episodes of MTM’s “Evening Shade” and Warner
Brother’s “Sydney.”
He started the Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation. Ratzenberger is committed to inspiring
the next generation to the pleasures of ‘tinkering’ – getting away from their video games and
TV sets and into the backyard building things. His tag line has become “Little hands build big
dreams. Give children tools and watch them build America.”
Ratzenberger is an outspoken advocate for American-made products and the companies that
keep Americans working, and hosted the series “Made in America” from 2004-2005. In 2007,
John embarked on a yearlong commitment with the Association for American Manufacturing
and U.S. Steelworkers to create a Presidential Town Hall Tour. He is currently in pre-production
on a new documentary, “Industrial Tsunami,” which awakens Americans to the shortage of
skilled workers that threatens the existence of companies, entire industries, and our country as
a whole.
During his free time, Ratzenberger is an avid sailor, fisherman, and billiard player. He enjoys
international travel, fencing and collecting antiques. He plays the drums and belongs to a
bagpipe band as part of the Emerald Society. Sports such as karate, yoga and skeet shooting
keep him active. He has one son and one daughter and lives outside of Los Angeles, but he
spends as much time as possible on his boat, cruising up and down the East coast.
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