Della Reese talks GMC’s ‘Christmas Angel’
Della Reese is at the forefront of a talented cast for GMC’s holiday movie “Christmas Angel.” Premiering Saturday, Nov. 24, the film is a feel-good film that’s safe for families ready to engross themselves in holiday cheer. Alongside cast members Tamera Mowry-Housley, Kevin Sorbo, and young newcomer Izabela Vidovic, Reese tells the story of Elsie, a mysterious woman that a young girl named Olivia (Vidovic) suspects is an angel. Below, Reese talks about her role in the made-for-TV film and describes just how close it comes to paralleling her real life. –danielle canada
With your background on “Touched by an Angel” how did it feel to be offered a similar role?
Well it was me, that’s the only way I can explain that. It’s about a woman who had been an entertainer, [and] who had been successful only to find out that she misused the power that she had and made it so that she was now alone when she should’ve been surrounded with the love and joy for what she had done. It was me. My daughter has made her transition. [Elsie] wanted her child back; I wish I could have my child back. All of the things had to do with something that I had been in touch with during my life. I was compassionate for it.
Tell us more about the cast. What was it like working with Tamera Mowry-Housely and the youngest actress in the film, Izabela Vidovic?
I was very impressed with Izzy [Izabela]. She is going to be one of the great stars of our day. She is absolutely an actress from the inside out. It was a pleasure to see this brightening of this child into who she’s destined to be.
If you could summarize why families need to watch “Christmas Angel” together, what would you say?
Everyone’s going to get something different when they watch it. It’s a soul touching thing. Depending on what you need, you will get it from that.
“Christmas Angel” premieres Saturday, Nov. 24 at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. EST and Sunday, Nov. 25, 7, 9 and 11 p.m. EST.
