BB Exclusive: Stephen Huszar Talks his New Holiday Movie, “A Homecoming for the Holidays” & Costar, Laura Osnes

The Holiday season is rapidly approaching and to help us get into the Holiday spirit, we chatted with Stephen Huszar about his new Hallmark Holiday movie, A Homecoming for the Holidays.

Set to be released on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries on December 5, the movie follows country singer Charlotte (Laura Osnes), who is home for the holidays and her brother’s fellow ex-soldier Matt, played by Huszar, who is also in town. Writing her new album and hoping to find inspiration, Charlotte works with Matt to build a house for a friend in town.

In our chat with Huszar, we talked playing his character, Matt, working with Laura Osnes, Holiday traditions, his new movie, Rabid, and so much more. You can read our interview below.

Tell us about your new movie, “A Homecoming for the Holidays” and the character you play?

“The movie is about a military officer who has a chance encounter with a budding country music singer, played by Laura Osnes. They reunite 3 years later in the very town that they met and they build a special bond during the height of her stardom. I play Matt and at the beginning of the movie, he is a military officer being deployed to Afghanistan. The movie then picks up again 3 years later and Matt is now an ex-soldier running a charity for veterans as he re-unites with Charlotte who comes home for a visit bringing her stardom and entourage with her.”

What was it like working with your co-star, Laura Osnes?

“Honestly one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Laura is literally a star on Broadway and an amazing person. We became instant friends and the rest is history. She’s the kind of person who has your back no matter what, and that’s a rare quality. Laura is a pro, and it shows in her work. Oh, and not to mention her voice! She’s really going to make you melt in this one.”

Do we get to hear you show off your voice in the Holiday movie?

“I let Laura do all the singing, which you’re going to thank me for!”

You can find the rest of our interview below the jump and make sure to watch A Homecoming for the Holidays when it is released on December 5.

Photo Credit: Status PR

You have done a number of Holiday movies over the years; do you have a particular one that stands out from the rest?

“Each holiday movie has its own unique quality. The first one I did called “The Christmas Wedding Planner” on Netflix stills stand out for me for nostalgic reasons… and also because I’ve never sweat so much in my entire life! It was my first time shooting a winter movie in the scorching summer heat!”

What makes “A Homecoming for the Holidays” different from the other Holiday movies that you have done?

“Besides being shot in a much cooler time of year? Ha ha! Well, it’s the first movie I’ve filmed that has both a military and musical component to it. Utilizing Laura’s incredible talent as singer and performer, adds a level of authenticity to the film that just can’t be acted. Incorporating a military storyline is also unique, especially since the writers cited a real organization called Operation Homefront into the story. It’s a respected national charity that provides housing and living assistance to military families, so they can thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Which I thought was a beautiful touch to our film.”

Do you have your own favorite Holiday movie?

“Yes, my family and I love to watch “Polar Express”, starring Tom Hanks!”

What is your favorite Holiday tradition?

“I absolutely love opening presents with my family of course! We open ours on Christmas Eve, and yes, we even roast chestnuts over an open fire.”

You are also set to star in a new horror film entitled, “Rabid”, can you tell us a little about that movie and what it was like working with Laura Vanderoort?

“Indeed. This movie is really gonna rock you on many levels! “Rabid” is a remake of the 1977 classic film by David Cronenberg of the same name. I play Dominic, a daytime TV star who has a romantic encounter with Rose, played by Laura, at a stem-cell treatment center. Shortly after our encounter, Dominic starts to develop flu-like symptoms which escalates into something much worse. Laura is incredible. She’s such a sweet and kind person, and on screen such a force to be reckoned with! Her performance is outstanding in this film. You won’t want to miss it!”

How different was it filming this movie compared to “A Homecoming for the Holidays”?

“Besides the cast and crew being equally awesome on both sets, the rest of the filming experience couldn’t have been more different. “Rabid” was shot in a city, and “A Homecoming for the Holidays” was shot in a small town in the mountains. The pace of shooting is different on a feature as there’s generally more time to shoot scenes, and have more takes. And of course the subject matter and genre make for a very different experience emotionally as an actor. I absolutely love to shoot heartfelt movies and romantic comedies. But I also love roles that are physically and emotionally challenging like my role in “Rabid”, as my character went through a slow but progressive psychological and physical breakdown.”

What do you hope audience goers get out of “A Homecoming for the Holidays”?

“This movie is sure to entertain on many levels, and it’s my hope that it will inspire audiences to live more compassionately and help others in need. There are a lot of charities out there like Operation Homefront doing remarkable work, and as storytellers it’s our job to authentically portray how these amazing people and organizations are making this world a better place for all.”