Jonathan Bennett, the 43-year-old actor, reflects on a remarkable 2024, filled with career milestones and personal achievements. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Bennett describes the past year as “probably the best year of my life,” highlighting a string of accomplishments that solidified his presence in the entertainment industry.
Bennett’s year was marked by significant achievements, including the launch of his Hallmark series, “Finding Mr. Christmas.” He also made his highly anticipated Broadway debut in the revival of “Spamalot,” fulfilling a long-held dream. Adding to his list of accomplishments, Bennett participated in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a quintessential American experience. The “Mean Girls” alum described these experiences as “bucket list moments,” signifying the importance of these milestones in his career.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(666×0:668×2)/Jonathan-Bennett-072524-2-0809ecd5fed74724aa283685899377cb.jpg)
Jonathan Bennett in July 2024. (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty)
Looking forward to 2025, Bennett expresses his ambition to maintain the momentum of the past year, striving to match or even surpass the successes he achieved. He reveals his desire to transition from acting to directing, with a particular interest in helming a Christmas movie or a romantic comedy. This aspiration reflects Bennett’s desire to expand his creative horizons and explore new facets of the entertainment industry.
Bennett’s personal life also played a significant role in his fulfilling year. His marriage to Jaymes Vaughan in March 2022 continues to be a source of inspiration and collaboration. A particularly special moment in 2024 was the inclusion of Vaughan’s Christmas song in Bennett’s Hallmark movie, “Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane.” This collaboration allowed the couple to intertwine their artistic talents, creating a unique and memorable experience for both of them and their audience.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1008×514:1010×516)/jonathan-bennett-jaymes-vaughan-1-842c30d01b22446fb41237dbfd65f42c.jpg)
Jaymes Vaughan and Jonathan Bennett in April 2022. (Randy Shropshire/Getty)
Bennett expressed his desire to continue collaborating with Vaughan professionally in the future, seeking more opportunities to merge their artistic endeavors. The use of Vaughan’s song in Bennett’s Hallmark movie epitomizes the “perfect Hallmark moment,” showcasing the couple’s shared passion for their craft and their commitment to supporting each other’s creative pursuits. This personal and professional synergy highlights the multifaceted nature of Bennett’s successful year, encompassing both career triumphs and personal fulfillment. He anticipates 2025 with enthusiasm, eager to continue his journey in the entertainment industry and further solidify his position as a prominent figure in both film and television.
