Pop-Culturalist.com

The holiday season is upon us, and one film that’s sure to touch your heart is Lifetime’s My Christmas Inn. It tells the story of hardworking Jen Taylor (Tia Mowry-Hardict) who’s on the verge of landing the big promotion she’s been working for. Her life, though, takes an unexpected turn when she inherits a cozy inn in Alaska from her aunt. When she goes to inspect the property, she meets handsome town attorney Steve Anderson (Rob Hayes), and she begins to wonder if the inn is where she belongs. Could Steve be Mr. Right?

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with leading man Rob Mayes about the film, working with Tia Mowry-Hardict, his holiday traditions, and what brings him joy.

PC: Tell us about My Christmas Inn, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Rob: It’s a heartwarming story of finding love and belonging in an unlikely and unexpected place and choosing to following through it! I loved Brian’s humor and the dynamic he shares with Tia Mowry’s character, Jen. It’s a fun and challenging back-and-forth, and who better to have that quick back-and-forth dynamic than an attorney/sleigh maker! [laughs]

PC: What can you tell us about Brian?
Rob: He’s a down-to-earth guy who loves his family. He realized early on that he belongs in the Chestnut Hill [Alaska] community and chooses to stay there. He could have gone off to the big city and made the big bucks, but he chose to stay back home and be a contributing member of a town that he loves. There’s a sense of duty to that. It’s a throwback to older times, and that’s pretty cool.

PC: How did you and Tia approach the dynamic between Brian and Jen? How does that relationship change over the course of the film?
Rob: We had so much fun! She’s so cool, and we just had a blast working together. The entire movie was predicated on us having fun!

PC: Your character believes success is finding happiness in the little things. What brings you joy?
Rob: You know, the big things: money, power, legacy. [laughs] I find joy in soaking up each moment. That’s what matters. You have to maximize the moment.

PC: What are some of the traditions you and your family share during the holidays?
Rob: Every year on Christmas Eve we celebrate a Lithuanian tradition called Kūčios where we eat fish, open gifts, and drink wine!

PC: What do you hope audiences take away?
Rob: I hope it makes you smile and warms your heart!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Rob: The Affair

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Rob: Knight and Day

PC: Favorite book?
Rob: The Fountainhead

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Rob: A Man of No Importance

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Rob: Javier Solis

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Rob: The Romanoffs! It’s so good. I’m in the middle of it now!

PC: Hidden talent?
Rob: I can hide.

Make sure to follow Rob on Twitter and Instagram, and catch My Christmas Inn tonight on Lifetime at 8/7c.