Katherine Barrell Wins Just Jared’s Favorite Hallmark Actress 2025

Every January, Hallmark fans wait to see which familiar face captured hearts the most over the past year. The results of Just Jared’s Favorite Hallmark Actress of 2025 poll did not disappoint.

Tens of thousands of votes poured in as passionate fanbases rallied online. This year’s poll revealed not just a clear winner, but shifting loyalties and some surprise rankings.

From runaway victories to unexpected underdogs, here’s a look at what the 2025 results really say about Hallmark stardom.

The Poll That Had Hallmark Fans Buzzing

Just Jared’s annual Hallmark actress poll has become a bit of a pop culture tradition. It’s a fan-driven barometer of popularity across the network’s growing roster of movies and series.

The poll included actresses who appeared in a 2025 Hallmark project and who resonate with Just Jared readers. Unlimited voting meant die-hard fans could make their voices heard, and boy, did they ever.

By the time voting closed on January 8 at noon ET, more than 33,000 votes had been cast. The numbers showed not just overwhelming support for one actress, but a fascinating hierarchy among Hallmark’s leading ladies.

The Big Winner: Katherine Barrell’s Dominant Victory

There was no nail-biting finish this year. Katherine Barrell swept the poll, claiming over 46 percent of the total vote.

With more than 15,000 votes to her name, her win wasn’t just decisive—it was historic by poll standards. Barrell’s rise has been building for a while, but 2025 seems to be the year she fully crossed into Hallmark royalty.

Fans responded not only to her performances, but also to her ability to bring warmth, humor, and emotional authenticity to every role she touched.

Why Katherine Barrell Connected So Deeply

Industry insiders point to a few reasons behind Barrell’s landslide win. She’s carved out a reputation for characters that feel relatable yet aspirational, striking that balance Hallmark fans crave.

Her chemistry with co-stars and natural screen presence helped turn casual viewers into devoted fans.

• Over 15,383 votes, the highest total in the poll
• 46.55 percent of all votes cast
• A commanding lead over every other contender

Lacey Chabert Holds Strong in Second Place

Lacey Chabert, a name pretty much synonymous with Hallmark, came in second. With over 5,500 votes and nearly 17 percent of the total, Chabert once again proved her fanbase isn’t going anywhere.

She didn’t take the top spot this year, but her placement underscores her enduring appeal. For a lot of viewers, Chabert is Hallmark comfort food—a familiar presence who delivers heartfelt performances year after year.

A Hallmark Staple Still Going Strong

Chabert’s continued popularity speaks to longevity, something not many actresses achieve at this level. Even with a year crowded with new faces and breakout performances, she remained a force.

• 5,587 votes
• 16.91 percent of the total
• One of the most recognizable names on the network

The Middle of the Pack: Fan Favorites Battle It Out

Beyond the top two, the poll revealed a tightly contested middle tier. Sarah Drew secured third place with just over 9 percent of the vote.

Ali Liebert and Kimberley Sustad followed closely behind. The competition here was fierce—a few thousand votes separated several actresses, showing just how spread out viewer loyalty really is.

Notable Mid-Rank Performers

Each of these actresses brought something unique to the screen in 2025. Some starred in romantic leads, others in emotionally rich dramas, and a few stood out in ensemble casts.

• Sarah Drew: 3,111 votes (9.41 percent)
• Ali Liebert: 2,011 votes (6.08 percent)
• Kimberley Sustad: 1,336 votes (4.04 percent)
• Nikki DeLoach: 1,225 votes (3.71 percent)
• Alison Sweeney: 1,182 votes (3.58 percent)

This group is the backbone of Hallmark programming. They reliably draw viewers and elevate every project they join.

Surprises, Snubs, and Underrated Stars

Every poll comes with surprises, and this year was no exception. Some well-known Hallmark faces landed far lower than expected, while others quietly held their own with smaller but devoted followings.

Actresses like Erin Krakow, Brooke D’Orsay, and Ashley Williams appeared surprisingly low on the list. It’s a reminder that poll results often reflect recent projects and online engagement more than long-term legacy.

The Lower Rankings That Sparked Debate

Fans were quick to debate these placements, especially considering how recognizable some of these names are within the Hallmark universe.

• Erin Krakow: 453 votes
• Brooke D’Orsay: 81 votes
• Ashley Williams: 25 votes
• Rachel Boston: 25 votes

These results don’t necessarily signal waning popularity. They just show how quickly fan attention can shift from year to year.

What the Results Say About Hallmark in 2025

Hallmark audiences are evolving. While legacy stars still command respect, newer or re-emerging actresses like Katherine Barrell can rapidly capture the spotlight with the right mix of roles, timing, and fan engagement.

Unlimited voting also plays a role, rewarding organized and enthusiastic fanbases. In that sense, the poll reflects not just popularity, but real passion.

A Network Powered by Its Fans

Hallmark’s success has always rested on viewer loyalty. This poll really shows just how invested fans are in the actresses who bring these stories to life.

From landslide victories to razor-thin margins—every vote seems to tell its own story about connection and comfort.

As 2026 unfolds, these results will shape conversations, casting buzz, and plenty of fan debates. If this year proved anything, it’s that in the world of Hallmark, anything can happen when the fans show up.