Rob Mayes is taking over television screens as a heartthrob attorney in Lifetime’s My Christmas Inn along with his co-star Tia Mowry. The film aired on November 21st on the Lifetime channel and has been giving viewers more than just one reason to get into the holiday spirit. After playing Marc Nickelby in ABC’s “Mistresses” and his role in the film John Dies at the End, Mayes continues to be a familiar face in the media and entertainment industry. In an exclusive interview, Rob Mayes opened up to CelebMix about My Christmas Inn, favorite holiday movies and more.
What can you tell me about your upcoming Christmas movie: My Christmas Inn?
If I may, first things first, and just to clear up any ambiguity, and to just get this out of the way, it’s most definitely NOT a Halloween movie about a hotel.
Seriously though, it’s a fun and heartwarming story about the joys of living simply, with the ones you love, in a town you love. And let me tell you, we had a frickin’ blast making this movie in Utah in the middle of summer with fake snow!
How was it to work on set with Tia Mowry?
Amazing. Tia is incredible! She was such a joy to work with. We had so much fun together. There better be a sequel!
Can you relate to your character Brian Anderson in any way?
Totally! Since I’m also an attorney/sleigh maker. What more can I say? Brian is close with his family, and I’m super close with mine. I’ve been told we kind of look alike. Also, the faux snow stuck to his shoes, and since I wore my own shoes in this movie, I suppose I can say the faux snow stuck to my shoes. The take away: Brian and I have sticky shoes.
How is this film different from the other projects you have worked on in the past?
Kidding aside, this one really felt like a family, from the moment I signed on. Maybe because our working title was FAITH & FAMILY. Or maybe not. Maybe because I loved the crew so much. Our hair and makeup team. Maybe it was the great, fun, down-to-earth cast, or our director, Peter. Long and short of it is – this one was way too quick of a shoot, and I’ll never forget this one.
What makes you excited about this film coming out and being shared with the general public?
I love this story! And I know I keep saying it, but we really had so much fun shooting it. I’m excited for you to see it and to share in that fun!
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If you could go back in time and star in any Christmas film, which one would you choose?
Oh man, one of my all-time favorites is Home Alone. I would have loved to have a been a part of it, but I wouldn’t want to star in it, or alter it in any way! It’s just too perfect of a movie to mess with.
What would you consider the theme of My Christmas Inn to be?
Hope!
Quick PSA: It’ll put a smile on your face.
Is there anything you learned from this project or took away from it?
To have hope! To keep the faith! So much in life boils down to perspective. And we create our own perspective. To believe in and embrace the magic. That can be powerful stuff.
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If you could tell everyone one thing about this upcoming film and why they should see it, what would you say?
I’m so happy and proud to be kicking off Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday movie lineup with this one!
Finally, what is your favorite holiday film and why?
Home Alone! It’s a stand-alone classic, holiday or otherwise! It’s a perfect movie. I’ve seen it a million times, and each time I get lost in it again and again. There are such great characters. There’s hope, the humor, the world, the wisdom and the learned realization that family means so much. It tugs at the heart. We watch it every year! In fact, I might just decide to watch it tonight while I put up the tree I got off of Amazon.
Thank you, Rob Mayes, for the interview. We can’t wait to see what the reception to The Christmas Inn is like, and we look forward to seeing what the future brings you.