Treat Williams & More to Star in Hallmark Channel's CHESAPEAKE SHORES Movie Series

Hallmark CHANNEL announces the start of production on "Chesapeake Shores," a series of Hallmark CHANNEL original movies debuting on the network in 2016. The film is based on the novels of the same name by New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods. Jesse Metcalfe ("Dallas," "Desperate Housewives") stars alongside Meghan Ory ("Once Upon A Time"), Golden Globe(R) nominated actor Treat Williams ("Everwood," "Hair"), Academy Award(R) nominee Diane Ladd ("Wild At Heart") and Barbara Niven ("Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove") in this epic, multi-generational family drama.

"It is a true honor to bring to life Sherry Woods' captivating novel of family and forgiveness," said Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Programming and Publicity, Crown Media Family Networks. "This amazing, all-star cast will expertly portray Woods' emotional, poignant and romantically woven story. We know our audience will be as taken and swept away by 'Chesapeake Shores' as we are."

Ory portrays Abby O'Brien - a high-powered career woman, divorcee and mother to two young daughters. After years away from her family, she takes a trip from New York City to her hometown of Chesapeake Shores. The visit brings her face to face with her past, including her high school sweetheart Trace (Metcalfe), her undemonstrative father Mick (Williams), her daring sister Jess, and her beloved grandmother Nell. This trip also makes Abby notice the toll her career has taken on her ability to be a hands-on mother to her daughters. As she spends more time in her charming hometown, Abby begins to consider a permanent move to the town she once called home -- Chesapeake Shores.

Metcalfe portrays Trace Riley, a handsome musician who was Abby's first love. After high school, Abby abruptly left Trace and Chesapeake Shores without warning, an action he has never forgiven her for. Trace eventually follows his dreams to become a musician, only to return to Chesapeake Shores years later and find that Abby, too, is back in their hometown. The two remember what they once had, sparking deep and unresolved emotions.

Williams portrays Mick O'Brien, the commanding patriarch of the O'Brien clan. Mick's wife walked out on him years ago, leaving him a single father working hard to provide for his family. Unfortunately his work took precedent, which made him emotionally unavailable to his children. When his daughter Abby returns home, it marks a new beginning for Mick and Abby as they work to reconnect and repair their strained relationship.

Ladd portrays Nell O'Brien, the beloved matriarch of the O'Brien clan and Mick's mother. She is a warm, maternal and wise woman -- with a lovely Irish lilt - who took over rearing of the O'Brien brood when her son's wife, Megan, abandons the family. Through the decades, she is the glue that keeps the fractious, fractured family together.

Niven portrays Megan, Mick O'Brien's estranged wife.

Dan Paulson is the executive producer. Martin Wood is the director and executive producer. Vicki Sotheran and Greg Malcolm are the producers. Nancey Silvers is the writer and executive producer, based on the books by Sherryl Woods, who also serves as an executive producer.

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TWITTER: @HallmarkChannel, @jessemetcalfe, @Rtreatwilliams #ChesapeakeShores

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