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From All-Long Island to Hallmark star: Lake Ronkonkoma native and former Sachem North football star Craig Geoghan was crowned the winner of Season 2 of Hallmark Channel’s “Finding Mr. Christmas” during the season finale that aired Monday night.
The 33-year-old actor outlasted nine other aspiring actors to land a starring role in upcoming holiday movie on the Hallmark Channel. He will star in the film “A Make or Break Holiday,” set to premiere Saturday night as part of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas programming.
“When he finally called my name, obviously I was incredibly thrilled, but the first feeling that I had was just such a sense of relief,” Geoghan told Entertainment Weekly, describing the moment that the show’s host, “Mean Girls” star Jonathan Bennett, announced him as the winner.
“If you notice the first reaction I had was kind of just [exhales]. It was almost like a deep breath. A sense of relief, a big sigh. And then the emotions kind of hit me after that.”
Prior to announcing the winner, Bennett explained the basis for selecting Mr. Christmas.
“The winner is a guy who’s grown, taken every piece of feedback we’ve given, adapted to every scene, and always added a piece of themselves into the characters he played,” he said during the season finale. “He’s kind to everyone on and offscreen; he’s an actor that has grown not only in his craft, but in his heart.”
A former two-time All-Long Island quarterback, Geoghan set multiple Sachem North High School passing records on the grid iron before playing at Nassau Community College and Stony Brook University.
Sachem Schools celebrated his achievement on social media, calling Geoghan “our guy” and noting his rise from former Sachem North quarterback to Hallmark champion — a victory they say is “part of a journey years in the making.”
Putting in the work
Below is the photo from Sachem Schools’ post.
“Craig has been grinding in Los Angeles, putting in the work as an actor and finding his way — and now the spotlight is shining bright,” Sachem schools wrote. “Congrats, Craig! Thanks for making Sachem proud, inspiring the next generation, and leaving your mark.”
The reality competition featured a series of Christmas-themed challenges that tested Geoghan’s acting, charisma and holiday spirit.
Recent credits
Geoghan’s recent television credits include “Rescue: HI Surf” on FOX, “How I Met Your Father” on Hulu, and “The Terminal List” on Amazon Prime. In addition to acting, Geoghan is an accomplished model, appearing in campaigns for such major brands as Puma, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sony.
Top: Craig Geoghan (Hallmark)
