Ever get that feeling of déjà vu while scrolling through holiday movies? You're looking at the 2nd Chance for Christmas cast and you just know you've seen that lead actress somewhere before. It’s that specific brand of holiday magic—or maybe just the comfort of familiar faces. This isn't just another generic "Scrooge" retelling. It’s got a weirdly specific charm.
Honestly, the 2019 film (which sometimes gets mixed up with other "Second Chance" titles, because let’s be real, Hollywood loves a redemption arc) centers on a spoiled pop star. It’s basically A Christmas Carol if Ebenezer Scrooge had a platinum record and a social media following.
The Faces You Recognize: Leading the 2nd Chance for Christmas Cast
Brittany Underwood takes the lead as Chance Love. If you grew up watching daytime soaps, you probably recognized her instantly from One Life to Live, where she played Langston Wilde. She brings a certain "diva-lite" energy to the role that actually works. You’ve gotta believe she’s high-maintenance enough to deserve a spectral intervention, but likable enough that we actually want her to change. Underwood carries most of the heavy lifting here.
Then there’s Vivica A. Fox.
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She plays the Ghost of Christmas Past. Let’s be real: Vivica A. Fox is basically a holiday movie staple at this point. She brings that "I’ve seen it all" gravitas to the role. Whenever she’s on screen, the movie feels a bit more grounded. She’s been in everything from Independence Day to Kill Bill, so seeing her play a shimmering ghost guiding a pop star through her childhood mistakes is a bit of a trip. It’s the kind of casting that makes you stay tuned even if the plot feels predictable.
The Supporting Players Making It Work
Tararynn Griffin appears as the younger version of Chance. It’s a tough gig playing the younger version of a lead, but she nails the transition. You also have Mark Ghanimé, who you might know from Virgin River or The Bold Type. He plays the romantic interest/manager type role—the guy who remembers who Chance used to be before the fame got to her head.
The chemistry isn't exactly sizzling, but it’s sweet. It fits the vibe. It’s the "hot cocoa on a Tuesday night" of chemistry.
Jim O'Heir shows up too. Yes, Jerry (or Larry, or Terry, or Garry) from Parks and Recreation. Seeing him in a Christmas movie is always a delight. He has this inherent "dad energy" that works perfectly for the Ghost of Christmas Present. He provides the comic relief that balances out the more dramatic "look how much of a jerk you’re being" moments of the film.
Why the Casting Matters More Than the Script
Low-budget holiday movies live or die by their leads. If Brittany Underwood didn't have that specific soap opera training—that ability to sell high stakes and big emotions with a straight face—the movie would fall apart. The 2nd Chance for Christmas cast actually manages to elevate a story we've heard a thousand times.
Think about it. We know the beats.
- Protagonist is mean.
- Ghosts show up.
- Protagonist realizes they miss their family/ex-boyfriend.
- They wake up and buy a turkey (or in this case, probably perform a benefit concert).
Because the cast is full of veterans from the TV movie circuit, they don't wink at the camera. They play it straight. That's the secret sauce.
Where Have You Seen Them Before?
If you’re a fan of this specific sub-genre of film, you’ve likely seen these actors rotating through other productions. Mark Ghanimé is a mainstay on the Hallmark and Lifetime circuit. It’s almost like a repertory theater company. You see the same five people falling in love in different fake snowy towns every December.
- Brittany Underwood: Beyond the soap world, she’s been in The Bay and a string of thrillers like The Killer in My Backyard.
- Vivica A. Fox: She has basically built a mini-empire of "Wrong" movies (The Wrong Roommate, The Wrong Mommy, etc.) on LMN.
- Jim O'Heir: He’s a character actor legend. If you need a lovable bumbler, he’s the first call.
A Note on the "Pop Star" Trope
The movie leans heavily into the music industry angle. This is where the casting of Brittany Underwood was particularly smart. She can actually sing. There is nothing worse than a movie about a singer where the lip-syncing is off or the vocals are clearly processed through a tin can. Having a lead who can actually carry a tune makes the "Second Chance" redemptive performance at the end feel earned rather than cringey.
Kinda helps that the movie doesn't take itself too seriously. It knows what it is. It's a colorful, slightly glittery morality play.
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The Production Behind the Scenes
Directed by Christopher Ray, the film was produced by The Asylum. Now, if that name sounds familiar, it’s because they are the same studio behind Sharknado.
Wait.
Don't run away.
While The Asylum is known for mockbusters and campy creature features, their foray into the holiday market is surprisingly polished. They know how to work on a budget. They know how to get the most out of their actors in a short filming window. Usually, these movies are shot in about 12 to 15 days. That requires a cast that knows their lines and hits their marks perfectly.
The 2nd Chance for Christmas cast clearly knew the assignment. They weren't trying to win Oscars; they were trying to make people feel good while they wrapped presents.
Common Misconceptions About the Movie
People often confuse this with A Second Chance at Christmas or The Second Chance of Christmas. It's a naming nightmare.
The 2019 2nd Chance for Christmas is specifically the pop star one. If the lead isn't wearing a sequined tracksuit at the start of the movie, you're probably watching the wrong film. Also, check for Vivica A. Fox. If she’s not there giving sage advice from the past, it’s a different movie entirely.
Another thing people get wrong is the release date. While it popped up on streaming services later, it hit the scene right before the world went sideways in late 2019. It’s become a bit of a cult favorite on platforms like Tubi and Amazon Prime because it’s so unashamedly "extra."
Is It Worth a Watch?
If you like the cast, yes. Honestly, that's the only reason to watch these movies. You aren't here for the cinematography. You're here to see Brittany Underwood realize that fame isn't everything while Jim O'Heir makes a few jokes.
It’s cozy. It’s predictable. It’s exactly what it says on the tin.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Movie Night
If you're planning to dive into the filmography of the 2nd Chance for Christmas cast, here is how to do it right:
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- Watch the Soap Connections: Start with Brittany Underwood in One Life to Live to see her range before she became a Christmas movie staple.
- The Vivica A. Fox Marathon: If you like her as a ghost, check out her "Wrong" series on Lifetime for a completely different (and much more chaotic) vibe.
- Check the Soundtrack: Since the movie features original music, it’s actually worth looking up the songs if you’re into that mid-2010s pop sound.
- Double Feature: Pair this with Parks and Rec Season 4 to see Jim O'Heir at his absolute peak of comedic timing.
The 2nd Chance for Christmas cast brings a weirdly professional level of talent to a movie that could have easily been forgettable. They make the redemption of Chance Love feel like something worth watching, even if you already know exactly how the story ends. Next time you see it on a streaming thumbnail, you'll know exactly why those faces look so familiar. It's a small world in the holiday movie business, and these actors are the ones keeping the lights on.
To get the most out of your holiday viewing, check the credits for the production company "The Asylum" to see if you can spot their signature style in the background sets. You might also want to follow Brittany Underwood on social media; she often shares behind-the-scenes stories about the grueling schedules of these festive shoots which adds a whole new layer of appreciation for the work that goes into them.
Final thought: Keep an eye out for the cameo appearances of other TV veterans in the background scenes—the holiday movie world is smaller than you think. Enjoy the nostalgia.