Kimberly J. Brown, best known for her role in the popular ‘Halloweentown’ film series, revealed a heartwarming Halloween tradition she adopted from her late co-star Debbie Reynolds. The iconic cast of Disney Channel’s ‘Halloweentown’ reunited at 90s Con for an engaging Q&A session, where they shared fond memories of working on the beloved films.
During the panel discussion moderated by PEOPLE’s Dory Jackson at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Kimberly J. Brown, along with co-stars Daniel Kountz and Judith Hoag, reminisced about their time on set and the influence of the late Debbie Reynolds. Brown, who portrayed the young witch Marnie Piper, revealed how Reynolds inspired her to dress up in her Marnie costume and give out candies on Halloween, mirroring how Reynolds used to surprise people in her Aggie look.
The bond between Brown and Reynolds extended beyond the screen, with Brown sharing a touching story of how Reynolds insisted she keep her character’s trademark cloak. Reynolds played the role of Aggie Cromwell, Marnie’s grandmother in the films. The cast also recalled some memorable moments from filming, including a scene where Brown and Reynolds rode a broomstick together, creating a special one-on-one bond between them.
Daniel Kountz, who played a pivotal role in ‘Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge’, shared how Reynolds, with her infectious energy and professionalism, lifted the spirits of the cast during a challenging night scene. Judith Hoag, who portrayed Marnie’s mother, Gwen Cromwell Piper, highlighted Reynolds’ influence on her acting career and shared an anecdote where Reynolds stood in for herself during a scene, inspired by the legendary Bette Davis.
The first ‘Halloweentown’ film, which aired over 25 years ago as a Disney Channel Original Movie, has remained a beloved classic for fans of all ages. The movie’s premise, conceived by executive producer Steve White’s daughter, sparked the imagination of viewers by exploring where Halloween creatures go after October 31st. The film’s success led to three sequels, continuing the enchanting adventures of Marnie and her witch family.
Kimberly J. Brown, now 40 years old, met her husband, Daniel Kountz, on the set of ‘Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge’. The couple recently tied the knot in a beautiful wedding ceremony surrounded by their loved ones. Brown shared her joy at being able to call Kountz her husband and emphasized the special significance of their relationship, both on and off-screen.
The legacy of ‘Halloweentown’ and the cherished memories of working with Debbie Reynolds continue to resonate with the cast members. The enduring popularity of the film series was evident at 90s Con, where fans had the opportunity to connect with their favourite stars and relive the magic of ‘Halloweentown’. The timeless appeal of the movies serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the impact of shared experiences in creating lasting bonds.