In the realm of holiday entertainment, few things capture the spirit quite like Lifetime movies. As we approached the end of a challenging year, Ali Stroker emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Following her groundbreaking achievement in 2019 as the first actor in a wheelchair to win a Tony Award for her role in the revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, Stroker took on a new challenge in 2020: starring in the film Christmas Ever After.
The movie debuted on Lifetime and features Stroker as Izzi Simmons, a romance novelist who returns to a charming bed & breakfast each Christmas. However, this year’s visit is complicated by her struggle with writer’s block—until she meets the inn’s attractive new owner, Matt, played by Daniel di Tomasso, who resembles the heroes from her books.
In an interview with People magazine, Stroker expressed her excitement about portraying Izzi and leading a holiday film, calling it “a dream come true.” She emphasized the importance of representation, noting that her character’s disability doesn’t prevent her from experiencing romance. “This character has a disability. She’s in a wheelchair, and that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have these romantic storylines in her life,” said Stroker, who is 33.
Stroker hopes that young girls with disabilities will see themselves in her character and realize that love stories can be part of their lives too. The positive reception on social media has been heartwarming, with fans expressing their enthusiasm for Stroker’s performance and the film. One Twitter user shared their excitement, saying, “So thrilled to see Ali Stroker on Lifetime TV,” while another humorously noted the unique premise, “Romance people, this Christmas flick features a romance author. I’m definitely checking this out!”
Reflecting on her journey, Stroker shared, “When I was growing up, I was always so nervous, like, ‘Am I ever going to have a relationship? Am I going to have a love story in my life?’ I wanted that so much.” She acknowledged that seeing stories like hers would have made a significant impact during her formative years. “It’s not just about me; it’s about all of those people with disabilities, my community, seeing themselves represented in mainstream media,” she added.
For those young viewers who resonate with her character, Stroker has a powerful message: “That’s you, baby! That story can be yours, and love can exist for you—a holiday rom-com could be your real life. You matter, your voice is important, and you are important.”
Filming a romantic comedy during a pandemic posed its challenges, including frequent testing and the need for safety precautions. Stroker humorously recounted the experience of filming kisses through plexiglass: “It’s totally nuts. Kissing through plexiglass, it just feels like you’re in high school—it was hilarious.”
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Summary:
Ali Stroker’s performance in Lifetime’s Christmas Ever After marks a significant moment for representation in film, showcasing a protagonist with a disability in a romantic storyline. The film’s positive reception highlights the importance of seeing diverse stories in mainstream media, particularly for young viewers who may feel underrepresented. Stroker’s journey emphasizes that love and romance can be a reality for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.