Exclusive Interview: Jesse Kove Talks The Holiday Proposal Plan, Working with Tatyana Ali, His Favorite Traditions, and More

Jesse Kove is the charismatic leading man of the upcoming Christmas film, The Holiday Proposal Plan. Starring opposite Tatyana Ali, Jesse shines as Kip, a character who is anything but the typical guy-next-door. Full of edge and a bit of sarcasm, it’s Jesse’s dynamic performance that flips this traditional archetype on its head.

In The Holiday Proposal Plan, travel columnist Sonny Kravitz (Tatyana Ali) and her ex-boyfriend Kip (Jesse Kove) are forced to team up to help their best friends Bree (Whitney Able) and Jarod (Geovanni Gopradi) get engaged. To set the backdrop, the four return to Sonny’s parents’ snowy chalet and set up twelve holiday traditions that are celebrated around the world to nudge Jarod to ask Bree to be his wife. But it seems that the proposal plan doesn’t just reignite the love between the engaged couple. Will Sonny and Kip rekindle what they once had?

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to catch up with Jesse to talk about The Holiday Proposal Plan, his collaboration with Tatyana, and more. Plus, he shares his favorite holiday traditions!

PC: You star in the upcoming holiday film, The Holiday Proposal Plan. What was it about this character and script that resonated with you?
Jesse: I loved Kip’s character. He wasn’t your typical guy-next-door, peaches-and-cream character for a Christmas movie. He had a slight edge and a touch of sarcasm. I felt this added a fantastic comedic aspect to both him and Tatyana Ali’s character. We both appreciated the comedic edge it brought to the scenes.

PC: You and Tatyana have incredible chemistry on screen. How did you manage to build that bond and the shared history between your two characters?
Jesse: We immediately hit it off! She’s just wonderful, a total pro, so present, and ready to go wherever the scene takes you. Tatyana is also incredibly funny. I remember how much laughter was shared between us during rehearsal.

PC: Jake Helgren wrote and directed The Holiday Proposal Plan. Is the filming experience different when the person who created these characters and universe is also at the helm directing? What was that collaboration like?
Jesse: I love Jake Helgren. He’s such a romantic and cares so much about his movies and the integrity of his characters. Jake has directed me in three television movies, so it’s always such a delight to see what he brings next. Jake is also a wonderful collaborator creatively.

PC: Similarly, you’re also a multifaceted storyteller. How has your work as a director and producer impacted the way you approach your work on screen and interpret scripts and characters like Kip?
Jesse: It’s so important to see all aspects of film. Having a bird’s eye view is imperative to understanding how a film gets made from its inception to the finished product. Knowing these things helps you understand the movie and characters on a deeper level.

PC: Your character takes part in a lot of traditions in an effort to get his two friends engaged. With this being a holiday film, what are some of the traditions you share with your family and loved ones during this time?
Jesse: My favorite thing is to sit by the fire and put on Harry Potter—all of them! I binge-watch the entire series of films every Christmas, and it’s so fun! I’m such a nerd about this stuff. I also watch Lord of the Rings during this time. It’s very whimsical and magical for me.

PC: There’s so much warmth that comes off the screen. Is there a scene in particular that you’re excited for audiences to see? What do you hope they take away?
Jesse: There are great moments throughout the movie, but one, in particular, is when Tatyana and I are walking the streets, and we start to bicker about our past love for one another in a way that’s very cute. We get upset and then laugh it off. It’s very different for these kinds of films.

PC: Outside of this project, what’s next for you?
Jesse: I’m currently filming a romantic supernatural western in Florida called A Gunfighter’s Deal with actress Tommi Rose. I’m deeply proud of this movie, and I can’t wait for its release.

To keep up with Jesse, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The Holiday Proposal Plan premieres on Saturday, December 16th at 8/7c on Lifetime.