CHEERS! with Avery Woods

Episode: halloweentown | kimberly j. brown
Host: Avery Woods
Guest: Kimberly J. Brown
Date: October 27, 2025

Episode Overview

Avery Woods sits down with Kimberly J. Brown, the actress who played Marnie in Disney Channel’s legendary “Halloweentown” series. Together, they reminisce about the enduring magic of the movies, the impact on generations, and what it was like to grow up both on set and in life with Marnie. Kimberly shares memories of working with Debbie Reynolds, insights into life as a child star, her unexpected romance and marriage to her Halloweentown co-star, and her recent work. The conversation is lively, nostalgic, and heartfelt, offering listeners both behind-the-scenes stories and thoughtful reflections on fame, fandom, and family.

Key Topics and Discussion Highlights

The Enduring Magic of Halloweentown

[01:13]

• Avery and the team express their excitement for Halloween and the recurring family tradition of watching “Halloweentown.”
• Kimberly discusses the film’s legacy:
  • “We were just supposed to do one Halloweentown movie. … The fans have embraced it and love on it, like, that's why we got to do sequels, why they're on Disney plus now. It's just been amazing to literally just watch it grow and just become this thing that, like, people share with their families now. It's so cool.” (Kimberly, [01:46])
• Avery shares her excitement about introducing the film to her young children as a new family tradition.

Childhood and Early Acting Career

[02:39]

• Kimberly started acting professionally at 5 or 6 years old in New York.
• Booked her first Broadway show at 7: “I can remember being on stage at seven and looking out and just being like, wow, this. I want to keep doing this.” (Kimberly, [03:26])
• Parents kept her grounded by involving her in sports and maintaining a sense of normalcy: “It was always important to my family … to try to maintain some sense of balance.” (Kimberly, [04:43])

Relating to Marnie and Growing Up on Set

[05:42]

• Kimberly was 13, the same age as Marnie, when she auditioned, and saw Marnie as a role model.
• “Underneath all of the supernatural magic … Marnie was 13 and going, well, what do I want to do? Who do I want to be? And stepping into the direction of her dreams.” (Kimberly, [02:39])
• Discussed the joy of bringing magic to kids and helping people connect to their inner child through the franchise.

Debbie Reynolds: Mentor and Legend

[06:59], [11:16]

• Kimberly reflects on lessons learned from Debbie:
  • “She always made time for her fans, appreciated her fans, knew she would be—wouldn’t be anywhere without her fans.” (Kimberly, [05:42])
  • On set, Debbie kept things light, fun, and was down to earth, impressing Kimberly by treating everyone as a peer.
  • Funny memories as Kimberly grew up: “As I got older, she, you know, let loose, let some language slip, tell some body stories.” (Kimberly, [10:20])

Filming Halloweentown: Behind the Scenes

[07:12], [09:22], [17:19]

• Filmed in St. Helens, Oregon—a real town with much of the same charm as on screen.
• Much of the magic was done practically, with minimal CGI: “A lot of that magic was done in real time on camera.” (Kimberly, [08:30])
• Flying scenes used blue screens, stools, and seatbelts, with wind machines for effect—“You just. You started tilting side to side and front and back.” (Kimberly, [17:19])
• Avery’s deep fandom revealed: “Windsweeper 3000!” ([18:08])

The Impact & Growth of DCOMs (Disney Channel Original Movies)

[14:27], [15:04]

• Discussion about the cultural shifts as Disney Channel grew: “It was one of the first original Disney Channel movies.” (Avery, [14:59])
• Kimberly reminisces about big moments, like being part of a pivotal period in teen/family media:
  • “You’re a part of just something that you don’t get to be a part of all the time, you know, and it really was special.” (Kimberly, [14:28])

Personal Life: Unexpected Love Story

[18:34]

• Avery marvels at Kimberly marrying Daniel Kountz (“Calabar’s Son”): “You did marry Calabar’s Son.”
• Kimberly shares how their friendship evolved into romance years after filming together:
  • “We were friends … and then we didn’t probably speak for a good 12 years … and then we started, you know, creating … it kind of naturally was like, oh, hey.” (Kimberly, [19:03])
• Wedding details and cast member Judith Hogue (Marnie’s mom) attending, “She’s just the best spirit. I think that’s what keeps her so young.” (Kimberly, [21:27])

Recent Work & Ongoing Career

[26:24]

• Kimberly’s new Hallmark Channel movie “Haul Out The Halloween,” starring with Lacey Chabert (childhood best friend). The movie is a spin-off of “Haul Out The Holly”—this time focusing on Halloween decorations.
• First time Kimberly and Daniel played an on-screen married couple, “on the same team.” (Kimberly, [27:17])

Shifts in Fame and Social Media

[28:59]

• Discussion of industry transformation due to social media:
  • “Social media has been just amazing in the sense that I do think the DCOMs in general just have such a loyal following in part because of social media, because people can find each other in community on there … it has lent itself to more opportunities.” (Kimberly, [29:28])
• Avery asks about the downside—reading online comments and reviews, which didn’t exist in Kimberly’s early career.
• Kimberly notes it’s both a blessing and a challenge—especially for today’s young actors.

Halloween Traditions & Fan Life

[34:02], [35:26], [35:52]

• Kimberly loves decorating early for Halloween (“beginning of September”) and often joins friends (including Lacey Chabert’s daughter) for trick-or-treating or stays home for cozy nights.
• Used to give out candy in her actual Marnie costume—thanks to Debbie Reynolds helping her keep it after filming.
  • “I used to give out candy in my Marnie outfit.” (Kimberly, [35:26])
• Stopped after fans started showing up at her house off-season looking for Marnie.

Halloweentown Fan Theories & Favorite Quotes

[36:23], [38:25]

• Most fan theories focus on returning characters, especially Cal and Calabar.
• Favorite quoted line by fans: “Halloween is cool.” (Kimberly, [38:25])
• Her personal favorite: “Magic is really very simple. All you have to do is want something and then let yourself have it.” (Kimberly, [39:03])

Life Beyond Acting

[39:15]

• Kimberly loves hiking, spending time in nature, and watching TV classics with Daniel—recent favorites include “Diplomat” and “Reba.”

Reflections on Childhood and Fame

[45:26]

• Kimberly never felt she missed out:
  • “No, because I truly loved it so much, and I. I felt. I felt happier and I felt like I was thriving on a set.” (Kimberly, [45:26])
• Grateful to her parents for ensuring balance and letting her step back if she ever wanted.

Festive Loves: Christmas Rivaling Halloween

[46:58]

• Despite being known for Halloween, Kimberly admits Christmas is “just equally, if not maybe just a little bit up on top of Halloween.” ([46:58])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Childhood Stardom:
  “It was always important to my family … to try to maintain some sense of balance.” – Kimberly ([04:43])

• On Debbie Reynolds’ Wisdom:
  “She always made time for her fans, appreciated her fans, knew she wouldn’t be anywhere without her fans.” – Kimberly ([05:42])

• On Filming Magic Scenes:
  “A lot of that magic was done in real time on camera. … So I think that kind of comes across as far as. I don’t know. … I think. Cause a lot of it was also done, like right there.” – Kimberly ([08:30])

• On Hollywood Friendships:
  “We grew up. We met in New York. We did Les Mis on Broadway together when I was, like, 8 years old.” – Kimberly on Lacey Chabert ([26:36])

• On Halloweentown’s Legacy:
  “The fact that people still love watching this and making a tradition their families. It’s just. It’s the biggest honor.” – Kimberly ([15:27])

• On Social Media Change:
  “You didn’t have to be conscious of those kinds of things back in the day. I sound old, but like, it has been interesting to watch.” – Kimberly ([30:18])

• On Favorite Fan Quote:
  “‘Halloween is cool.’ That is the biggest.” – Kimberly ([38:25])

Fun Rapid-Fire Segment ([49:09] onward)

• Favorite Halloween Candy:
  “Candy corn. … Pumpkins are the best.” – Kimberly ([49:12])

• Best Costume Ever:
  “It’s kind of hard not to say Marnie’s costume.” – Kimberly ([49:53])

• Scariest Movie She Actually Likes:
  “Identity with John Cusack and Amanda Peet.” – Kimberly ([50:50])

• Halloweentown Bachelor First Impression Rose:
  “My husband. … Cal doesn’t mess around.” – Kimberly ([51:26])

• Preferred Halloweentown Roommate:
  “Probably Natalie, the pink troll from Halloweentown High.” – Kimberly ([51:54])

• Christmas Tree Take-Down:
  “Well, I mean, it’s usually after the new year. … Maybe it’s like I need to help myself move forward, you know?” – Kimberly ([48:30])

Where to Find Kimberly & What’s Next

• Social: @officialkjb on all major platforms ([55:20])
• New Movie: “Haul Out The Halloween” premiered October 11th on Hallmark Channel and is streaming on Hallmark+. ([26:24], [55:20])

Final Words

• The episode is a delightful, nostalgia-rich journey with touching stories about growing up in the spotlight, kindness, and the lasting magic of beloved family films.
• Kimberly expresses deep gratitude for fans, the traditions people have built around “Halloweentown,” and the joy of bringing a little magic to new generations.
• “Now more than ever, we need to just lean into anything that brings us comfort.” – Kimberly ([54:33])

Cheers!