Exclusive Interview: Janel Parrish and Chris McNally on ‘Two for Tee,’ Representation, and Finding Joy in the Unexpected

At its core, Two for Tee is a story about identity, connection, and the community that shapes us. Centered on Tee, a Chinese American pottery artist, the film explores what it means to reconnect with your roots while navigating where you are in the present—both personally and creatively.

When Tee meets Will, a handyman at her local community center, their relationship begins to take shape alongside a shared effort to save a space that holds deep meaning for those around them. What starts as a shared purpose gradually becomes more personal, as Tee is pushed to explore more of her identity through her heritage and her relationships. It’s within these quieter, more introspective moments that the film grounds itself, finding a balance between specificity and relatability.

For stars Janel Parrish and Chris McNally, that emotional core is what makes Two for Tee connect. We caught up with the duo to talk about representation, the dynamics that inform their characters, and the moments—both planned and unexpected—that shaped their experience bringing this story to life.

PC: Janel, there’s such a richness to this character and to your performance. Tee is someone who always shows up for others but is learning how to show up for herself. It’s a journey that feels both empowering and deeply relatable. How did you explore the nuances of all those different layers, especially at the intersection of what’s on the page and meeting the character where you are as an artist?
Janel: Oh, thank you. I really love that, and I loved this character. They wrote so much of it on the page for me as an actor to take in and interpret. She was already written so beautifully, like you said, with so many nuances. I love that they have her exploring her culture in such an authentic way. That felt really relatable to me as somebody who is half Chinese and half White, and the pride that I feel in my Chinese side, as well as the curiosity to learn more about it.

I grew up in a very, very Chinese household, even though I’m half. So seeing that representation really resonated with me. I was very honored that Hallmark let me tell that story. It feels very similar to mine. I feel like they gave me a character who already felt like me, and all I had to do was step into her shoes. That felt really, really nice, because everything felt so authentic—you can just play on top of that.

PC: I told you the last time we chatted that you’ve been a trailblazer for our community, and this project is another addition to that. Chris, there’s such a confidence and charisma that you bring to Will. He’s somebody who understands what matters to him and carries an unwavering trust that things will work out. He’s a character that I think audiences will take so much from. What was it about him that initially spoke to you? And what did he teach you through this process?
Chris: [laughs] Maybe he can teach me some confidence because, as you said, he’s a confident man. I like his worldview—it was very refreshing. It’s something I can definitely adapt more in my own life, that laissez-faire attitude that everything is going to be fine. That no matter what happens, I can handle it and it’s going to be okay.

I also love his relationship with his daughter—the bond they have, the way they communicate, how silly they can be with each other, but also how trusting and mature they are together. That really resonated with me. It’s something I understand and strive for, even though my oldest daughter isn’t even four yet. But that’s the kind of relationship I’d like to have, and ideally with my partner as well, whereas Will is navigating it on his own.

PC: In the film, Tee is encouraged to bring more of herself into her work and show audiences who she truly is. That’s such a beautiful parallel to what both of you have done throughout your careers. Outside of Two for Tee, what is the project that best represents who you are as an artist, and why?
Janel: Wow, I love that. That’s a good question. Chris, do you want to start while I think of an answer?

Chris: Who best represents who I am as a person? Hmm.

Janel: Not Mona from Pretty Little Liars—she’s crazy.

Chris: Most of the projects I’ve worked on have been in the Hallmark world, so there hasn’t really been anyone who’s a menace or a huge stretch. I’m trying to think of who’s the most similar, because they all have aspects of me. Part of the fun of this job is getting to step into different shoes and explore different parts of yourself.

The character I play on When Calls the Heart is probably the closest to me—we have similar interests, perspectives, and worldviews. That being said, I try to find commonality in every character I play so I can bring a sense of authenticity to each one.

Janel: Yeah, I agree with that. That’s what’s really fun about being actors and doing what we do—bringing the core of who you are into whatever role you play. There’s only one of you, so if you’re the one playing the role, what makes it special is what you bring to it.

But honestly, I’d say anytime I get to do a Christmas movie for Hallmark is the best representation of who I am. I’m like, “Yes—give me Christmas, give me love, give me food and hot cocoa.” That’s probably the most “Janel” version of me.

PC: You’re quickly becoming the queen of Hallmark. Chris, you touched on this already—this is such an ensemble-driven piece, and we learn so much about your characters through their relationships with the people closest to them: Tee with her mother, and Will with his daughter. How did those dynamics inform what you each wanted to bring to these characters? And what was it like collaborating with those actors?
Chris: I thought it was great. I got very lucky that the young woman who plays my daughter—I already had a relationship with her because she’s been on When Calls the Heart. I’d been around her at work and met her before, but we hadn’t had the kind of intimate, father-daughter scenes that we get to do in this film.

I actually wish we got to do more scenes together on When Calls the Heart because everyone kept telling me, “Alex [MacIsaac] is so good. We love her so much. She brings so much to the table.” They were all so excited about working with her, so when I found out I’d get that opportunity here, I was really looking forward to it. And we had so much fun. It’s kind of like tennis—I’ll toss something out, she’ll toss it back, or she’ll start something and I’ll respond. We were able to build a really nice, inherent history that feels palpable between us.

My first day was actually scenes with her, which can be tough because you’re jumping into a project and suddenly have to create all this chemistry and history right away. But because we already had that familiarity, it made it so much easier to jump in, ping-pong ideas back and forth, and build that relationship. I really enjoyed it—it’s one of my favorite parts of the job.

And in terms of what I learned from her… I should probably rewatch Wicked, because it’s her favorite musical.

Janel: Alex and I sang a lot of Wicked on set. Lillian [Lim] is so wonderful in this movie—she brings so much authenticity and heart. As someone who has a Chinese mom and grew up in a very Chinese household—my aunts are Chinese, my grandma was Chinese—I had such a strong bond with my grandmother.

When I met Lillian, I immediately thought, “Oh my God, you remind me so much of my grandma when she was younger.” She wore similar outfits, and a lot of the wardrobe and jewelry she brought in herself—these beautiful Chinese brocades and pieces that felt so personal. There’s something about her energy that’s so gentle and comforting. She just reminded me of home.

Because of that, we had an instant connection. There’s something really special when someone reminds you of your mom, your grandma, or your auntie—it just grounds you. So when we stepped into those scenes, it felt effortless. The moment they said “action,” we were already there. She’s also so funny and warm—we laughed a lot. I had the best time working with her. I can’t say enough about Lillian—she’s wonderful.

PC: She’s everyone’s auntie. Janel, there’s something so comforting about watching projects like this that have Chinese culture woven in through tradition, language, and music. It always makes me reflect on the first time I saw someone like myself on screen, and it’s such a reminder of the work you’ve done—and continue to do—in making audiences feel seen. A two-part question for you: when was the first time you truly felt represented on screen? And what does it mean to you to do that for others?
Janel: Goosebumps. Probably the first time I ever saw myself represented on screen was The Joy Luck Club. Then, twenty-five years later, I got to be part of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. I remember during press for that, a lot of people were saying it was the first time since The Joy Luck Club that an American film featured an Asian cast in a way that felt normalized.

That’s what’s so beautiful about representation and having the platform to tell these stories. When people come up to me and say, “Thank you—Bratz was the first movie I saw where you played Jade, and seeing an Asian Bratz doll meant so much to me,” or “Thank you for To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, it’s amazing to see that kind of representation on screen,”—there’s nothing better than that. It makes me feel so happy and fulfilled, because representation is so important.

Growing up, I didn’t see a lot of it. So anytime I get to do what I love and also be part of that representation for others, I feel very lucky and grateful.

PC: It’s very empowering what you do. Chris, apologies—I know you’re sleep-deprived. There’s a moment in the film where Will’s favorite teapot is one that Tee considers a mistake. It becomes such a powerful reminder about embracing imperfections and individuality. Was there a moment during filming that felt like a happy accident—something that ended up even better than you could have imagined?
Chris: Yeah, for sure! Janel, I think you know what I’m going to say.

Janel: Are you looking at me being all excited?

Chris: One of the prettiest scenes in the movie wouldn’t have existed if it weren’t for torrential rain, strong winds, and frigid temperatures. We were supposed to do a night shoot outside. There’s a scene where Will brings lanterns for Tee and recreates this festival they were supposed to go to—it would have been beautiful, with lanterns floating up into the sky. But we couldn’t do that because of the weather.

So there was a shift, and it actually worked out better. Instead of Will taking Tee to the festival, he recreates it for her—bringing her culture and that experience to life in a more intimate way for this romantic date. I just thought that was such a lovely, powerful gesture on his part, and it wouldn’t have existed if it hadn’t been so cold and wet.

Janel: It made it so much more romantic. When we all walked into the Lantern Festival room, we were like, “This is going to be one of the most beautiful scenes in the movie,” and it almost didn’t happen.

PC: That makes it even more heartwarming. Tee’s mom shares this beautiful sentiment—that we don’t get to choose how life plays out, but we do get to choose what we carry with us. What is something that each of you is taking away from this project?
Janel: This project came to me at a time when I really needed it. I was having a bit of a difficult year last year, and then this came along. It was exactly the kind of project I wanted to be doing. This movie will hopefully bring so much joy to people, and that’s exactly what I found when I went to make it. It was the loveliest group of people, and we had the best time telling this story.

I really took away what you just mentioned—what Lillian’s character says: we don’t always get to choose what life gives us, but we can choose what we carry with us. That’s what this movie did for me. I left feeling like, “I can’t control everything that’s happening in the world, but I can control my response to it.” Being there, filming this beautiful story with such wonderful people, brought me so much joy and a real sense of empowerment. I’m very grateful for that.

Chris: For me, it was the people. We move through these films pretty quickly, and it’s funny—after doing a number of them, there are some people you stay in touch with and others you don’t. It just depends on the dynamic and where everyone is in life. But when you get to do what you love and work with people you genuinely connect with, that’s something really special.

Janel and I got along really well, and I’m happy we’ve become friends after this movie. So I guess…you’re what I’m taking away.

Make sure to follow Janel (Instagram) and Chris (Instagram). Two for Tee premieres on March 21st at 8/7c on Hallmark. Stream it the next day on Hallmark+.

Photo Credit: Hallmark Media