The multi-generational holiday story pairs Lopez and Danza as father and son, Dominic Lopez to star as Mario Lopez’s onscreen son
NEW YORK, NY – April 28, 2026 — Great American Media today announced Emmy® Award-winning actor and producer Mario Lopez (“Access Hollywood,” Once Upon A Christmas Wish), beloved television, film, and stage icon Tony Danza (Who’s The Boss?, “Taxi”) and Dominic Lopez (Once Upon A Christmas Wish, Chasing Christmas) will star in the upcoming Original Christmas movie, Christmas at The Starlight, premiering as part of Great American Christmas across Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix, and GFAM+.
In their first known scripted on-screen pairing as father and son, Lopez and Danza bring extraordinary warmth, charisma, and generational appeal to a timeless holiday story about family, legacy, faith, and the traditions that lead us home. Adding an even more meaningful multigenerational dimension, Dominic Lopez stars as Mario Lopez’s son in the film, deepening the story’s emotional portrait of fathers, sons, and the lasting bonds between generations.
Set in a close-knit American town, Christmas at The Starlight centers on The Starlight, a beloved local supper club and longtime community gathering place where generations have come together to celebrate music, family, and Christmas traditions. Frank (Tony Danza)—a legendary song-and-dance man—prepares to sell the family’s beloved restaurant lounge after 40 years. With the future of The Starlight in question, three generations of family are drawn into an emotional journey that reminds them what is worth preserving — and how faith, family, and home can quietly lead us back to where we belong.
“Mario Lopez, Tony Danza, and Dominic Lopez create a remarkable generational throughline for Christmas at The Starlight,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “At its heart, this film is about legacy — the lessons passed from father to son, the traditions that anchor families, and the cherished places where memories become part of who we are. Bringing Mario and Tony together as father and son, with Dominic continuing that lineage on screen, gives this story a rare authenticity and emotional resonance that perfectly reflects the spirit of Great American Christmas.”
Abbott continued, “Great American Christmas has become one of the most beloved seasonal destinations in entertainment because viewers trust us to deliver stories filled with heart, hope, and enduring values. Christmas at The Starlight is a beautiful expression of that promise, and this multigenerational cast makes the film especially meaningful for families who gather together year after year.”
“Working with Tony Danza as my father in this story is incredibly special, and having Dominic play my son makes it even more personal,” said Mario Lopez. “Christmas at The Starlight is about family, honoring where you come from, and recognizing the traditions and people that shape your life. Great American Media has built a Christmas brand families believe in, and I’m proud to be part of a movie that celebrates those values in such a heartfelt way.”
Executive Produced by Mario Lopez. Mark Roberts and Jeff Stearns are producers. Directed by Jody Hahn from an Original Screenplay written by Megan Henry Herzlinger and Brian Herzlinger. Christmas at The Starlight will premiere during Great American Christmas.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA
Great American Media is the leader in faith and family entertainment, and one of the fastest-growing entertainment networks on television. Great American Media is home to a portfolio of entertainment brands that celebrate faith, family, and country, including Great American Family, the flagship linear network featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms, and beloved series; Great American Pure Flix, the leading faith and family streaming service; Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion network; and GFam+, an app that lets viewers watch anytime, anywhere. Great America Media, established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices, is available via cable, streaming on Pure Flix and YouTube TV, and on the GFam+ app.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Head of Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
818.415.3784
GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY ANNOUNCES MARIO LOPEZ AND COURTNEY LOPEZ STAR IN
MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS WISH,
JOINED BY REAL-LIFE SON, DOMINIC LOPEZ,
CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION FOR GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS 2024
NEW YORK, NY – April 4, 2024 – Great American Family, the leader in quality, original faith-affirming programming, and a prolific producer of original Christmas movies, announces production is underway on My Grown-Up Christmas Wish, starring TV’s beloved Mario Lopez (“Access Hollywood,” “Saved by the Bell”) and Broadway star, Courtney Lopez (E! News, A Chorus Line). Joining his famous parents in the film is Dominic Lopez who will play Mario’s character “Brian” as a young boy. My Grown-Up Christmas Wish joins the 2024 all-star Great American Christmas lineup which also includes holiday films featuring Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Cameron Mathison, Jill Wagner, Lauren Holly, and Bruce Boxleitner, with many more stars and Christmas movies to be announced.
In My Grown-Up Christmas Wish, Mayor Brian Ortega (Mario Lopez) is beloved in the idyllic community of Long Grove. While decorating for Christmas with the residents, Brian discovers his childhood Christmas wish list which magically begins to come true, reminding Brian about the spirit and joy of the holiday. Returning to town for Christmas is Brian’s childhood friend Nina Meyers (Courtney Lopez), and soon a connection becomes undeniable as she helps Brian face a new challenge for the town. As Brian’s wishes come true, he inspires the town to showcase its warm culture and values in order to stop the modern world from stifling the charm and heart of Long Grove.
“We could not imagine better creative partners to join our Great American team than Mario and Courtney Lopez,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “Mario and Courtney and the team around them are creative collaborators and absolutely devoted to telling stories that bring families together. The partnership is a Christmas wish come true for our company,” Abbott concluded.
My Grown Up Christmas Wish is executive produced by Mark Roberts, Jeff Stearns, and Jemma Jones. Directed by Brian Herzlinger. Based on an original screenplay by Brian and Megan Herzlinger.
ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY
Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands. Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @greatamericanfamily
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pam Slay
Network Program Publicity
818.415.3784
