Christmas movie actress looks unrecognisable 20 years after fan favourite festive flick and becoming a mum
A CHRISTMAS movie actress is unrecognisable 20 years on from her role in a huge festive hit.
Julie Gonzalo had a lead role in 2004 flick Christmas With The Kranks, where she played Blair Krank.
Her character was set to spend the holidays away from her parents Nora and Luther and be with her partner Enrique.
It led her mum and dad – played by Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen – to book a cruise and abandon Christmas – until she rang at the last minute to say she’d be coming home after all.
But 20 years on from the festive classic, Julie is worlds away from her 2004 look and blonde hair.
These days the mum-of-one sports a brunette look and lives a happy life with her partner Chris McNally, who is also an actor.
Julie, 43, previously took to social media to share a snap of her and her daughter enjoying the sunshine while celebrating Mother’s Day.
She wrote: “My most favorite part of life is being your mama. Happy Mother’s Day!!
“And thank you @chrismcnally for being the most incredible father and partner a girl could ever wish for.”
This year Julie is starring in a brand new Christmas movie, called A Novel Noel, on the Hallmark channel.
A synopsis reads: “A successful New York City book editor (Gonzalo), who is losing touch with her passion after a few setbacks this year learns she was chosen to run a bookstore in the small town of Saint Ives for the month of December.
“While realising a childhood dream, but butting heads with the handsome son (Penny) of the bookstore owners, she comes to realise that her love for bringing out the creativity of others is still her true calling, and untapped talent (and love) can be found anywhere… even in the writings of a cranky business-minded man, especially at Christmas.”
Julie’s other movie credits include A Cinderella Story with Hilary Duff, Freaky Friday and Dodgeball.
Most popular Christmas specials
- Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol – 2010
Starring Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, The Doctor and Amy Pond have just one hour to save a crashing spaceship on Christmas Day before it’s too late.
- The Office: Christmas Party – 2005
Office boss Michael Scott is determined to liven up the Christmas party and keep it from slipping into boredom.
- Gavin and Stacey: A Special Christmas – 2019
The Shipmans and Smithy head to Barry for Christmas. Uncle Bryn is in charge of the Christmas dinner and Smithy welcomes his new girlfriend to the group.
Downton Abbey: Christmas at Downton Abbey – 2011
Downton Abbey throws a Christmas party, but rising tensions and John Bates’ arrest cast a shadow over the celebrations.
- Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special – 2004
The Wests travel to Billaricay for Christmas, but Gavin and Stacey have some news to tell the family and it doesn’t go down as smoothly as they hoped.
- Modern Family: Undeck the Halls – 2009
Claire and Phil choose to cancel Christmas for their kids, Haley, Alex, and Luke, while Mitchell and Cameron take Lily to visit Santa.
Friends: The One With the Holiday Armadillo – 2000
Ross decides he wants to teach Ben about Hanukkah when the costume shop runs out of Santa costumes.
- This Is Us: Last Christmas – 2016
Jack and Rebecca have an unexpected reunion with an old friend, while Kevin, Randall, and Kate navigate their own holiday challenges.
- The Office (UK) Christmas special part two – 2003
Tim’s world is turned upside down when Dawn stops by the office. Despite Gareth’s stern warning and Keith from Accounts offering some advice, Tim gets his hopes up again.
- Downton Abbey Christmas Special – 2015
Mary attempts to mend her relationship with her sister as Edith’s secret continues to pose a threat. As Henry adjusts to his new roles as a husband, finding his place at Downton proves to be more challenging.
- Black Mirror: White Christmas – 2014
Matt and Potter share an unusual Christmas meal together while confined to a remote cabin on Christmas Day, exchanging stories about their past lives in the outside world.
- Outnumbered Christmas Special – 2012
The Brockmans host a Christmas party, but Pete is far from thrilled. Ben eagerly volunteers to help with preparations, and Pete ends up stuck in the bathroom with Jane after the door handle breaks off.
The Office (UK) Christmas special part one – 2003
David has been struggling in his career but tries to reconnect with his former employees, as he seeks validation. Tim still has feelings for Dawn, as all eyes are on them as they reconnect at the Christmas party.
- Friends: The One With the Girl From Poughkeepsie – 1997
Monica is struggling to stand up to her kitchen staff, so she hires Joey to fire him in front of them to show authority. Chandler tries to set Rachel up with his colleague.
- Outnumbered Christmas Special – 2011
The Brockmans hope to get away for the holiday over Christmas, but their grandad falls ill – and an emergency trip to the hospital puts their festive plans on hold.