**Alison Sweeney Reflects on Emotional Film Experience with Daughter at Hallmark Channel Event**
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Alison Sweeney, renowned for her role in *Days of Our Lives*, recently shared her heartfelt experiences of filming a Hallmark movie with her daughter, Megan Sweeney. The occasion arose during Hallmark Channel’s 25th Birthday celebration, entitled *A Quarter Century of Feel-Good Television*, held in New York City earlier this month. The event marked a significant milestone for the network, known for its feel-good programming, and Sweeney took the opportunity to reflect on her personal journey in television and motherhood.
With the premiere of *Romance at Hope Ranch* on February 28, Sweeney had the unique opportunity to co-star with her 17-year-old daughter. The film tells the story of Hope Morgan, a character portrayed by Sweeney, who embarks on a new chapter in her life, pursuing her dream of running a ranch in the stunning town of Ruidoso, New Mexico. This journey begins as her daughter Maggie, played by Megan, prepares to depart for college.
During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Sweeney revealed how unexpectedly emotional she found the filming experience, particularly a poignant scene where her character bids farewell to her daughter. She had come fully prepared, having memorised her lines, but she was taken aback by the depth of emotion that surfaced during filming. “I looked at my little girl — oh, my God, in this dorm room — and I just couldn’t keep it together,” she admitted, highlighting the intensity of the moment.
Ashley Williams, a fellow actress and Hallmark regular, joined Sweeney during the discussion and confirmed the emotional weight of the scene, recalling how difficult it was for anyone to watch without tearing up. Sweeney herself candidly shared a light-hearted moment on set, recounting how Megan urged her to regain composure, saying, “Mom, pull it together. We’re still acting.”
Adding to the warmth of their shared experience, actress Holly Robinson Peete sympathised with Sweeney, recalling a similar emotional experience she had when leaving her daughter at university. Peete’s fond recollection provided a relatable backdrop to Sweeney’s narrative and seemed to resonate with the audience present.
As Sweeney reflected on Megan’s performance during filming, she expressed immense pride in her daughter’s professionalism. “Megan’s a big personality, and she was not at all nervous about being on camera, not for a split second,” she noted. Sweeney emphasised that Megan maintained a natural demeanor throughout the filming process, which is often a challenge for first-time actors.
In addition to her rapport with her mother, Megan seemed to flourish in her interactions with the cast, particularly with Gabriel Hogan, who appeared alongside them. “She was cracking him up, giving him a hard time behind the scenes,” Sweeney shared, suggesting that the dynamic between the cast contributed to a positive filming experience.
Despite the joys of working together, Megan later conveyed her hesitations about pursuing an acting career. “She sat me down to say that maybe acting … like she might not want to necessarily do it again,” Sweeney recounted. This candid conversation underscored the complexities of navigating a career in showbiz, even for those with familial connections to the industry.
The emotional resonance of the college drop-off scene wasn’t lost on Sweeney, as it served as a poignant reminder of a reality soon to be faced in their own lives. Speaking ahead of the film’s premiere, Sweeney remarked on how genuine and sweet the scene became as they filmed. The notion of separation from Megan prompted a personal reflection on parental relationships and the inevitable transitions that come with growing up.
Sweeney, who is also a mother to her son Ben, now 21, has had her share of emotional goodbyes as well, having sent him off to college in August 2024. The bittersweet experience of watching her children embark on new adventures has taken an emotional toll on her. “The tears sneak up on me, and it’s hard for me to rein it in,” she shared, noting her tendency to wear her emotions more openly than her husband and children.
As Alison Sweeney continues her journey in both her career and as a mother, her recent experiences on set with Megan serve as a special chapter in a life filled with both challenges and cherished memories. The reflective nature of her comments at the event adds depth to her role not only as an actress but also as a devoted parent navigating the evolving landscapes of motherhood.