Jonathan Bennett Says His TV Mom Has ‘Become My Actual Mom’ in Amazing Tribute

To celebrate actress Sharon Lawrence’s birthday, Jonathan Bennett gave his co-star of Hallmark Channel’s “The Christmas House” movies the sweetest gift possible on June 30, 2025. He shared a heartfelt tribute to his “TV mom,” declaring that since filming those groundbreaking Hallmark movies, which aired in 2020 and 2021, Lawrence “has become my actual mom.”

“When we were shooting The Christmas House,” Bennett wrote, “I met Sharon on my plane to Vancouver. I thought she was the director because she was wearing a vest and looked like a crew member ready to go out into the elements, but alas she turned to me and said, ‘I play your mother.’ Who knew she would actually become my mom.”

Jonathan Bennett Says It’s Been ‘Absolute Magic’ to Have a ‘Mom’ Like Sharon Lawrence

Bennett lost his mom, Ruthanne, in 2012. Her obituary said “nothing meant more to her than her loving son, Jonathan, who she loved and supported wholeheartedly.” Ruthanne got to see her son’s success in movies like “Mean Girls,” but Bennett said in his tribute to Lawrence that she didn’t get to see any of his current successes he’s so proud of.

For starters, “The Christmas House” was a big deal because it was Hallmark’s first film to feature a married gay couple with a major storyline and a kiss, per MediaVillage.

“The LGBTQ story line was ground breaking and since my mom is in heaven, having Sharon there felt like my mom was there with me,” Bennett said in his tribute.

He continued, “She has become the greatest mentor and supporter of not just me but my husband @jaymesv. My mom never got to see any of my Hallmark movies, she didn’t even get to see any of my FoodNetwork hosting.”

“Having Sharon support not just my career but my marriage, BY BEING OUR FLOWER GIRL is one of the kindest supportive things a person can do,” Bennett wrote. “It’s absolute magic to have a mom that supports and embraces the LGBTQ community like Sharon. It’s just so special.”

“I love this woman and I do believe that something greater than myself brought her into my life,” he concluded. “She is a National Treasure, someone please find her a catch her in net so we can put her in the Smithsonian where she belongs. TV and BROADWAY’s SHARON LAWRENCE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!”

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Lawrence also shared a sweet birthday post for Bennett weeks earlier on June 10, calling him her “soul son” and he replied, “I love you Mom.”

The actress also sweetly responded to Bennett’s June 30, addressing both him and his husband Jaymes Vaughan, “Sharing this life with you is one of the greatest gifts I can imagine and you are my family through and through. Thank you for the treasure of witnessing your lives touch and change the world just like you have touched and changed mine. All my love you Mom, here on earth❤️✨❤️”

Fans were clearly touched to hear how important Lawrence has become in Bennett’s life since playing his mom in “The Christmas House” movies.

One person wrote, “What a beautiful story of how you two met and the person she has become in your life. ❤️”

“Aww @jonathandbennett as I read this I started crying ,” another wrote. “love @sharonelawrence for being your light when needed, I’m sorry your mom didn’t get the opportunity to watch you thrive , just know up in heaven she watching you and she is your guardian angel ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”

Another fan chimed in, “Wow, Jonathan telling the story behind her made me cry, I had no idea you lost your Mom, I’m so sorry, but I’m glad your movie Mom has been a great fill in, God Bless you both ❤️”