
Avery sits down with Disney Channel icon Kimberly J. Brown for the coziest kind of nostalgia trip…the kind you can watch with your kids. Kimberly looks back on booking Halloweentown at 13, what made her character Marnie feel brave and real, and why the movie still lives on repeat every October. She shares sweet, funny stories about filming, practical “movie magic” before heavy CGI, and the warmth and wisdom she learned from Debbie Reynolds.
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Kylie McCullough
You know what?
Avery Woods
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Kylie McCullough
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Kylie McCullough
Make it ring. Showtime, ladies. Stand up straight and breeze into that.
Avery Woods
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Kylie McCullough
Hi.
Avery Woods
How are you?
Kylie McCullough
I'm doing great. How are you doing?
Avery Woods
Well, you know, I'm fangirling. Everyone here is fangirling. This is the best time of the year because all of our favorite movie is back on repeat, which is Halloween Town.
Kylie McCullough
You are so sweet. Thank you.
Avery Woods
It's kind of incredible how successful this movie still is and how well known it is. Is that insane to you?
Kylie McCullough
Very much so. Still, yes. I tell people all the time, we were just supposed to do one Halloweentown movie. Back in the day, Disney Channel was a very new channel. We were like, the second or third ever dcom movie.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kylie McCullough
And Disney Channel wasn't even in every household yet. So we. The first Halloween Town came out, it did really well. But over the years, the way 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.
Avery Woods
It's an empire. It really is. And I was just telling you, My kids are 6 and 4 now. My son's birthday's on Halloween, so this is the first year I'm showing them Halloween Town. And we're making it a whole event. Like, we have a projector. We're going to do it outside and have, like, cozy little fall snacks. Because I'm like, you guys don't understand what a huge event this is. Because when you grow up, Watching something every year, the majority of your life, and you get to show it to your kids. It's so special. So I'm so excited for them to see it. But how old were you when you were cast as Marnie?
Kylie McCullough
I was 13 when I did the first one, so. And Marnie was 13, so I really related and almost admired her in a way of, like, her chutzpah and her, like, she was. At the heart of those movies is a family of teenagers who are just trying to figure out who they are in life. And I think that's what made them relatable is, you know, underneath all of the supernatural magic that 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. And I always thought I admired her for that because I was a little more tentative at 13.
Avery Woods
Yeah. I was gonna say, where did you grow up? When did you start acting? What did your childhood look like before Halloweentown?
Kylie McCullough
I had been a professional actor since I was about five or six years old.
Avery Woods
Oh, wow.
Kylie McCullough
I started in New York. I was born in Maryland and was just always performing. Had several imaginary friends and, you know, would play dress up all the time. And so my parents put me in kind of like a performing arts class as a avenue to get it out kind of thing. And some talent scouts came down from New York and kind of said, well, if she ever wanted to try it, we think she'd be great at it. So my parents decided to try it with me, and we drove back and forth. It was about four hours. Beautiful drive. Still miss it up in 95 on the east coast, but back and forth to New York. And I did some commercials and a music video and stuff, but right when I was. They were like, okay, we've kind of, you know, depleted this amount. You know, what we've saved to try this out. I booked my first Broadway show at Lincoln center at 7. And it just. I haven't, you know, looked back since in the sense that I can remember being on stage at seven and looking out and just being like, wow, this. I want to keep doing this. So I always check in with that feeling. But that's, you know, it's. I. Yeah, I knew it at a young age that, like, this feels right.
Avery Woods
And you're so normal and down to earth and grounded, which is not common, you know, in this industry. It's just not common, especially starting at such a young age. So what do you attribute that to?
Kylie McCullough
My family. It was always important to my family. And I. To try to maintain some sense of balance in the sense that like, I was on sports teams and, and just always trying to lean into that, you know, the personal aspect of my life and what I wanted to do personally. And always kept checking with me that I was enjoying it and that I never felt, you know, pressure to be in it or anything. And I've certainly had my years. I mean, I took years off, I went to college and like, I've, you know, everybody has their kind of flow. I think in the entertainment industry. Everybody has, you know, years of ups and downs. But yeah, it kind of just naturally flowed like that. And I'm grateful that they kind of always helped. Yeah. Helped try to maintain, I guess, that balance as much as you can in this industry.
Avery Woods
Yeah. If for those that aren't familiar with Marnie or Halloweentown, compared to that stage in your life, how would you describe who you are today?
Kylie McCullough
Oh, wow. I, you know, I've been in this business so long, I'm so proud to be able to reach people with what I do. And I think it, as I got older, I had to connect to that part of it through all of the ups and downs of the business. And Debbie Reynolds, actually, that was one of the things she really impressed upon me without me even realizing it until I got a little bit older. She always made time for her fans, appreciated her fans, knew she would be. No, wouldn't be anywhere without her fans. She always went to, you know, crowds of fans would gather around sets and to try to see a glimpse of her. And she would always go over with a stack of signed pictures and say hi to them. And she really impressed upon me at that age, like, what a gift it is to be able to entertain people and bring them joy. So that is like one of my favorite aspects of what I do. And it's. Yeah, just trying to spread some joy. And you know, being an adult is. Is hard enough now. And the Halloweentown movies and a lot of stuff that I did for Disney over the years has helped people kind of get in touch with their inner child. And that's like, that's the biggest gift for me.
Avery Woods
Yeah. When you were making the movie, especially the first one, because obviously on screen it just looks so magical. Right when you get into Halloween town.
Kylie McCullough
Yes.
Avery Woods
Did it feel like that or were you like, this is a set?
Kylie McCullough
It truly did. The town of St. Helens, Oregon is where we filmed the first one. And their town still looks like that. The city hall and everything is intrinsic to their town. That's where their Whole council is and everything. So, yes, walking through that town, it was not too hard of an acting job that day, really just taking it in because you did feel like you were in a town that was loved Halloween every day. And it was. That was a big, I guess, a broader concept at the time. Because when I was a kid, like, Halloween was about obviously trick or treating and like that Halloween the day. But I feel like over the years into my adulthood, I've kind of watched the season kind of expand. I mean, now the decor comes into stores late summer and it's about, you know, it's a little bit more about the season as a whole. And I love that because, like, why not lean into the joy and the wonder of that. That holiday too?
Avery Woods
Yeah. You know, it's funny because I. I made a joke a couple weeks ago about I always use huge bags as a mom because I can't fit anything in those tiny little bags. And I was like, this is the magic bag that Demi Debbie used in that movie where it's like the unlimited magic bag where there's like always something.
Kylie McCullough
I wish we all had a bag like that. I know that bag. It actually too. In talking about the magic of the movies, the first movie, we. A lot of that magic was done in real life in the sense that we used some. Obviously some computer, all that generation with the flying on the broom and everything. But a lot of that magic was done in real time on camera. So. And I think that kind of comes across as far as. I don't know. I just. Yeah. When you talk about feeling that magic in it, I think. Cause a lot of it was also done, like right there.
Avery Woods
Oh, I bet. And that's such a fun age too. Especially with the other actors that were kids that played your siblings. Like, that would be so fun to do that.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah.
Avery Woods
When obviously the movie came out, was it immediately successful right away? And you were like, oh, wow, this is huge.
Kylie McCullough
It definitely premiered to big numbers, I think. And it was like, oh, cool. People really liked this. And then we also saw, like, every time it would air and stuff, more and more people, it just started to grow and they got such amazing feedback on it and all of that, that it was so popular that that was. They ended up, I think it was a couple years later, you know, saying, like, putting together a Halloweentown too. And that was. We were thrilled to like, get to get back together again and not only spend time together, but I think we all, like were giddy to kind of. You know, I didn't realize I would Grow up with Marnie. But that was so fun. Like I kind of revisit her at different stages in her teenage life and you don't, you know, you don't normally get to do that with a movie role. Yeah, so that was, yeah, that was really fun.
Avery Woods
And also being the same age as her was probably really cool and also relatable. So maybe a little bit easier for you to relate to what she was going through or feeling too.
Kylie McCullough
Oh, definitely, yeah. And it was fun to be able to get to spend more one on one time with Debbie Reynolds as we did more movies. And like Marnie and Aggie, they really joined up I think in the second and third one as far as it being the two of them going, okay, what, you know, how do we save the town now? And so that really, we just got to spend so much time together and I got to know her as an adult. She was such a great, she was such a great human being. But when we did the first one, she was very respectful. Cause I was the oldest, I was 13. And you know, she didn't let any bad words slip or anything. She was the, you know, nice grandma. And then as I got older, she, you know, let loose, let some language slip. Yeah, I would tell some body stories and it was just, I mean, the.
Avery Woods
Best I was gonna ask. Cause I know you mentioned how connected she was with her fans and that was kind of a lesson you learned. But what are some of your favorite memories with Debbie Reynolds on set?
Kylie McCullough
She always kept things so light and fun and I always admired that about her too. When I first heard she was gonna play Aggie, I was so excited. You never know going into, you know, a work situation or any situation with somebody in this business of legendary status, how they're going to be, you know, and she could not have been more down to earth and just wanted to have fun, tried to move ladders for the crew. Like she just, she wanted everybody to shine as brightly as they could around her. And it was just such a, just a good impression like on me as a young kid. And I had been in the business for a while, but it was so amazing to see somebody that could, you know, for all intents purposes in the business, could have had the permission in a sense to do whatever she wanted. And she in a sense used that position and that power, if you want to call it that, to help everybody else, to help her peers. And everybody was a peer to her and I just loved that. And she just was so, so funny. Like just all of the stories of her life and her career, and she just. I felt like she always wanted to share wisdom through the lessons she learned through trial and error and just. I mean, she could make you just giggle and. Yeah. Just the best.
Avery Woods
I love that, too, because although you're there for work, obviously everyone there is a paid actor, but you're still a child.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah.
Avery Woods
And that's kind of what's hard about this industry when you join it so young, is that can really make a huge difference in your life of where your life's gonna go, how you turn out. Yes. And I love that she was making it fun and enjoyable for you, even though it was your.
Kylie McCullough
Yes, absolutely.
Avery Woods
Because that's hard. That's hard to be at that age and work like that. Did you feel. Obviously you started acting very young, but did you feel your life shift after Halloweentown became such a huge deal?
Kylie McCullough
That summer was definite year. I think we filmed it in 98, if I remember correctly. That was a pivotal year kind of in my life and career. I had been on a soap opera in New York I didn't like for years, and then I basically booked Halloweentown and an independent film called Tumbleweeds back to back. So I had to leave Guiding Light unexpectedly, which had been my home for, like, the past five or so years, and do these two films back to back. And Halloweentown started becoming what it was. And then Tumbleweeds, the same time was got into Sundance, and Janet McTeer, who played my mom in the movie, got nominated for an Oscar. She won a Golden Globe. I got nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. So it just was like, oh, this is. Those. Happened to be those around the same time. And it definitely was. Yeah. There's just a definite, I guess, more energy that comes in of like, oh, this is. People are watching this movie on Disney Channel. And then we got to watch that grow. I remember after doing Quint's, I think. Yeah. So I'm guessing It was probably 2000, 2001 or something. They flew a lot of us out to New York because Disney Channel had just gotten signed onto Time Warner Cable on the East Coast.
Avery Woods
Oh, that was a huge deal. Yeah.
Kylie McCullough
And we got to go to, like, Times Square, and it was a bunch of us Disney people, like, having a fun time at this event. And it just. It was really. It was fun as an actor to kind of. To watch the channel grow and just everything to kind of be a part of that organically in a sense. So that was. That was so fun. Cause you don't realize until, obviously, looking back and you get older that, like, oh, these were like, instrumental times for these networks or something. And you're, you know, 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.
Avery Woods
It was one of the first original Disney Channel movies, right? Halloween Town was.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah.
Avery Woods
And I remember specifically as a kid, like, watching even the commercials in between shows on Disney Channel and seeing, like, the iconic advertisements for movies like Halloween Town. And, you know, that was when they first started doing the wand and like, you know, tracing the Mickey ears that people just don't understand, you know, like the new generation. I'm like, I'm sorry, you just don't get it.
Kylie McCullough
You're not alone in feeling that way either. Because I talk to fans all the time that just basically I feel like the feedback is. It's just not the same, you know, like, I'm trying to tell my kids, you don't understand, like. And it's such an honor. I could have never imagined, you know, that people would take that. That feeling with them and then it would mean something to them. You know, it's. It's such. It's so wild to me still after all these years that people watch anything I do, you know, and it's so. It's the fact that people still love watching this and making a tradition their families. It's just. It's the biggest honor.
Avery Woods
Yeah, it's. It really is such a special movie. What was different on set and filming Halloween Town versus your other projects that you were working on?
Kylie McCullough
It was fun to do something more in the family genre, for sure. Like, that was. I feel like that's, again, such a. More of a common genre done now, obviously, with just so many more places for content and entertainment to be. But that was a newer genre, and I think that was fun to know that I was making something that people of all ages could watch, coming from soaps or, you know, different areas where, you know, certain audiences watch that kind of thing. And I knew Disney Channel was a. That parents and families felt good about having their kids watch because, you know, commercials and stuff, they. They watched everything that aired on that channel. And it was. Yeah, it was a special. It was a special time. And it was. Little did we know again, just. Yeah, how, you know, what. Just that period in time, like, what. How unique that would be.
Avery Woods
Yeah, I know you said a lot of the magic was kind of real in real life. Cause the CGI and stuff was not a thing back then.
Kylie McCullough
That wasn't yeah, it wasn't as prominent, for sure.
Avery Woods
So what's like a funny or fake prop that was completely not real at all? Like, how. How were you behind a green. Or in front of a green screen when you were flying On a broom.
Kylie McCullough
Yes. A blue screen. Yes. Basically up on a big stool that they put the broom on and they put it. I always thought it was funny that I think they put a seatbelt on us, which is. It just was funny to me because I was like, is that really okay? But, yeah. And you just. You started tilting side to side and front and back.
Avery Woods
The winds through your hair.
Kylie McCullough
Exactly. The fans are blowing. You can barely hear what you're saying, you know, and you just. You dive in. Really? But what was unique about the three Halloween Town movies is I got to fly with three different characters in different ways on the broom. So that was, like. That was fun for me. But, yeah, it was always in front of a big blue screen and just, like, the camera flying around and. Yeah.
Avery Woods
What was the broom like, something 3000 or the windsweeper?
Kylie McCullough
3000. Yes, very. Wow.
Avery Woods
See, I didn't even research that. I just. That movie so much. You're like, so you're a weird fan. Got it.
Kylie McCullough
No, you are an awesome fan.
Avery Woods
No, I. And like, Luke and stuff, when he goes, he gets all cute. And I was like, oh, my God, he's so.
Kylie McCullough
So who did you. Who did you ship? Like? Did you, like, particular person? My husband. Yeah. Okay. Yes.
Avery Woods
Yeah. Which, speaking of, you did marry Calabar, Son. That's.
Kylie McCullough
I did. Crazy to me, right?
Avery Woods
I. Okay. But you guys, like, reconnected a lot of years later.
Kylie McCullough
Yes. Yeah. We were friends when we initially filmed it, and then we didn't probably speak for a good 12 years. At least we were social media friends. And then when I first started filming content, original comedy content, like, on my YouTube channel and stuff, with some friends from Second City and UCB, I was like, actually, you know, we need a guy. Like, I think the fans might like this if they. So I reached out to him, was like, hey, I haven't talked to you in a while.
Avery Woods
How you doing?
Kylie McCullough
Blah, blah. Like. And so we started, you know, creating all of that and just it kind of naturally was like, oh, hey.
Avery Woods
Oh, okay.
Kylie McCullough
Like, I'm obsessed with this.
Avery Woods
Like, that is so funny. I think. I can't remember how it came up. Were we talking about this Jazzy, where we were like, they're married. That is the craziest thing ever.
Kylie McCullough
It's been one of our favorite things, like. Cause you Know, obviously waited a good beat before we made it public. But the first. I mean, really, even post now, there's still people that will come across my social media now, and it will. They'll find out for the first time. And it just. It's entertaining to us because, I mean, we get everything from advice of, like, you know, watch over your spell books to pure joy, pure, you know, shock. Like, it's. It's really great.
Avery Woods
Oh, the iconic one, like, at the Halloween party where he's holding the books and his, like, little snake things are coming on. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, I was shocked to my core. And then you grab the books, like, you reach in. I was like, she's so brave. Like, she really was so brave with her magic. Yeah, you're welcome. Did you. When you guys were filming together, were you like, he's so cute. I have a crush on him, or was it strictly professional?
Kylie McCullough
I didn't. I mean, no, I didn't really have a crush. He was. He's a little bit older than me. He was in a relationship at the time, and I didn't really do that kind of stuff in a work. You know, I like to remain professional.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kylie McCullough
He was so sweet, and we had a great time, and I. I felt for him coming into such an established cast, you know, and, like, and he just. He jumped right in and we all had a good time. So in that way. Yeah, it was. That's what made, like, just the surprise of it even more so, because it really was not. There was no hints to any of that when we worked together.
Avery Woods
Yeah. How long have you guys been married now?
Kylie McCullough
We've been married for a little over a year.
Avery Woods
Oh, my gosh.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah, we got married last year.
Avery Woods
Thank you. How was your wedding?
Kylie McCullough
It was amazing.
Avery Woods
That's so fun.
Kylie McCullough
It was the best.
Avery Woods
Was any. Were any cast members there?
Kylie McCullough
Judith Hogue, who played my mom. Yes. She flew in.
Avery Woods
You all look incredible.
Kylie McCullough
Thank you.
Avery Woods
But I saw a photo of her and I said, you have an aged she.
Kylie McCullough
Right.
Avery Woods
Like, you were obviously a teenager filming, so obviously you've grown up. You still look incredible.
Kylie McCullough
But I feel older, so thank you. I appreciate that.
Avery Woods
No, but I'm like, she obviously was an adult filming, playing your mom, but I'm like, she looks amazing.
Kylie McCullough
And she's just the. Just the best spirit. I think that's what keeps her so young. She's just so fun. We've. We've just been genuine friends over the years, so I love that.
Avery Woods
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Work on your finance goals through Chime today. Open an account in two minutes@chime.com Avery that's chime.com, avery. Chime feels like progress. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit cards provided by the Bancorp Bank NA or Stride Bank NA members. Fdic Spot Me. Eligibility requirements and overdraft limits apply. Time depending on submission of payment file fees apply at out of network ATMs. Bank ranking and number of ATMs. According to the US News and World Report, 2023 Chime checking account required. Are you. So tell me about what you're doing now. You have a Hallmark Channel coming out.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah, that was out on October 11th. It's called haul out the Halloween.
Avery Woods
Okay.
Kylie McCullough
It was the third in the Haul out the Holly series on Hallmark Channel, starring my bestie, Lacy Chabert.
Avery Woods
I love that you guys are besties, by the way.
Kylie McCullough
We grew up. We met in New York. We did Les Mis on Broadway together when I was, like, 8 years old.
Avery Woods
You were Les Mis at 8?
Kylie McCullough
Yes.
Avery Woods
That's impressive.
Kylie McCullough
Thank you.
Avery Woods
That's incredible.
Kylie McCullough
Still, probably one of. Well, I shouldn't say probably is one of my favorite musicals.
Avery Woods
It's incredible.
Kylie McCullough
It's just amazing. But, yeah, so she started that series Celebrating Christmas, of course, for two movies, and they've been popular, and it's about a neighborhood who really leans into the decorating spirit. And so Daniel and I play the new neighbors that move into town that we're into Halloween, and they're like, oh, wait a second. Do we. Oh, okay, maybe we should lean into this. And then the hijinks ensue.
Avery Woods
So you play a married couple in the movie?
Kylie McCullough
We do. Yeah. It was cool. I didn't realize this until we were kind of talking about it after, in interviews, that it was the first time that we got to play a couple that was, like, on the same team, you know, he was like, yeah, I was. We were Nemesis, like, in the. In Halloween town, too. So it was fun to actually, you know, work and like each other in the movie as well, you know, instead of just having to, you know, tell each other, how dare you? In every scene, you know?
Avery Woods
Yeah. Has he. Your husband, Daniel, has he been acting his whole life like you have as well?
Kylie McCullough
He started about 19, I think.
Avery Woods
Okay.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah. People still remember him from a lifetime movie called 15 and Pregnant. He played Kirsten Dunst's baby daddy. He was the jerk baby daddy got it in that. So that was, I think, one of his first major roles. And then, yeah, he came to LA at 19, which I admire because, you know, I'd Been doing it since I was a kid, but I don't know if I would have had the same wherewithal as a late teen like that to go. You know what I'm gonna. He's from Oregon to go. You know what, I'm gonna move to LA and follow my dreams, you know, that was. Yeah, so we have different entrances into it, but yeah.
Avery Woods
Was this the first project you guys did together outside of Halloweentown?
Kylie McCullough
Yeah, I guess on that. Yeah. Another like television project. We, you know, do content online and we travel and do like conventions and appearances together. But that was the first, like. Yeah, scripted, like, okay, now, you know, now play a couple together. So that was. That was fun.
Avery Woods
Speaking of doing content online, I'm actually curious your thought on this because you were a child actor and, you know, up until, I don't know, eight years ago, social media wasn't really anything.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah.
Avery Woods
What is that transition like for you, seeing how much the industry has shifted to a lot of people that grew up as actors or singers or whatever they are in Hollywood now transitioning to building social media and doing a lot of work online? What is that like for you?
Kylie McCullough
It's very interesting world. That's such a great question because, yeah, I feel like I kind of grew up also part of the generation that kind of knows what it was like to only have a home phone and answering machine at home.
Avery Woods
Oh, yeah.
Kylie McCullough
And being like, well, email, what's that? And then now, you know, you carry around a little computer in your pocket and people expect to reach you like that. So, yeah, 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 and share and laugh at memes and all those kinds of things. And it has lent itself to more opportunities and more ways to be creative, which is very cool. Like, you know, especially with YouTube and I mean, just TikTok. All of the things where now you don't have to wait for the perfect professional opportunity. You can create it yourself.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kylie McCullough
So that is really amazing. It has expanded. I feel like all of the things as a creative you kind of need to be conscious of, you know, you didn't need to necessarily be conscious of like, oh, I need to, you know, I should probably post this on social media so people know it's coming out like that. You know, 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. And I feel like there's pros and cons to all of it. But, like, in the general scheme of things, I do think it's great to have so many more avenues and just resources to be creative in whatever way that you feel connected to.
Avery Woods
Yeah. I've had conversations with other child actors that have said, back when I was on Disney or doing whatever project, not having social media, I didn't hear people's opinions, I didn't see ratings, I didn't hate. Comments weren't a thing. And so they always said when I got to the point where I was on social media, then I would read comments and I was like, whoa, this is what they actually think about me or my projects or any of that. So I also think that's a big shift too for people. Because if you don't want to go online and look at ratings or look at how a project's doing, you don't have to. But now with social media, it's like you have this unlimited comment section of people's opinions flowing in. It's very different.
Kylie McCullough
Very different. And a lot of times that gives people the freedom, or. I don't wanna call it bravery. Cause it's. Yeah. Keyboard warriors, but like. Yeah, that, like, where they just. They feel like they can express themselves because they're, you know, hidden behind a screen. And that's what I constantly try to remind myself. Cause there's always. I feel like people that, you know, for whatever reason, just feel like they have to kind of contradict whatever's happening in a post and it's always about them and not you. But it's. Yeah, it definitely. I can remember as a teen actor, just like reviews coming out and, you know, I was a teenager when, or, you know, an older teenager when like the. Just the. The reviews and the consciousness starts looking more at like, women's figures and like all of that in the business. And it's just that was the first, like, kind of like, whoa. This is like people kind of watch you on a bigger scale and are suddenly allowed to comment on how you look and things. So that was my first. I feel like, kind of awareness. And then it's just really kind of. Yeah. The technology has expanded itself to now allow everybody to do that if they want to. Yeah.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And I also think you were a child actor at the perfect time, though, because I can't imagine being a young teenager and having access to social media or reading those kind of comments and how much that would affect you, you know?
Kylie McCullough
Yes, I do. I Feel for the new generation growing up in that. I talk about that with my friends, and I don't have any kids myself, but a lot of my good friends do. And it is just a different reality for that awareness and that. Yeah, like, the kids have access to so much more of that now, and it's just a part of their. Can be a part of their experience, which is just. Life was just a little bit simpler in that way when we were younger.
Avery Woods
Yeah.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah.
Avery Woods
What? This is completely off topic, and I don't even have this written down, but I just. I'm so curious. What do you do on Halloween? What's your normal plans on Halloween?
Kylie McCullough
A lot of times I end up. Well, my house is already decorated like I've got. In that way. It's decorated beginning of September. I'm one of those that, like, July 14, this has been fun. Is summer over? Can we just.
Avery Woods
That's me.
Kylie McCullough
You know, I love the fall into winter, the holidays, just all of it. So. But a lot of times over the years now with my friends with kids, I either end up going with Lacy's daughter. A lot of times I love. You know, she gets me into the neighborhood Halloween carnival. So that's fun. Or a lot of times I go up to my family's neighborhood and they're, you know, still giving out candy. So it's kind of leaning back into whatever tradition. Sometimes we'll have a cozy night at home and watch your Great Pumpkin. The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Because that was my nostalgic TGIF growing up during the fall. So, yeah, it kind of just depends. A lot of times we travel more so during the season at appearances and stuff. So we get to spend. We really get to celebrate that spooky vibe with so many in different places. So it is. It's fun to come back and kind of. You gotta lean into it in some way. You know, whether that's with the little ones or watching something good.
Avery Woods
I can imagine you going trick or treating or, like, taking your friend's daughter trick or treating. And a parent's like, marnie, what are you doing here?
Kylie McCullough
I used to give out candy in my Marnie outfit.
Avery Woods
Oh, that is incredible.
Kylie McCullough
It was. I got the idea from Debbie Reynolds. She told me a few years she put on Aggie's cloak and gave out candy. So I was like, I'm gonna do that. Because she was nice enough, she kind of helped facilitate me keeping Marnie's whole purple cloak outfit from the second one.
Avery Woods
You had it.
Kylie McCullough
So I do.
Avery Woods
Oh, that's amazing.
Kylie McCullough
And it was made for me. It was like the only one they made. So she was just like, come on, let her. She should just take it home. But yeah, so I used to give out some candy and we did that for a little bit. It was so fun. Until people started coming by and knocking on the door other times of the year looking for Marnie. And so we kind of had to take a little step back.
Avery Woods
I was gonna say this is like a nod at your house situation.
Kylie McCullough
Right, right, right.
Avery Woods
Yeah. People can't expose your privacy.
Kylie McCullough
Exactly, yeah.
Avery Woods
That's so funny.
Kylie McCullough
It's a fine line.
Avery Woods
Yeah. Yeah. What's the most random fan theory you've ever heard about Halloween town?
Kylie McCullough
Oh, my goodness. There's all kinds of. Yeah, there's all. There's just. I mean, the stories that I've been pitched over the years of just all of the things. Oh, boy. It usually has something to do with connecting it with another movie, which is kind of a little bit where they lose me. They kind of fall into some of the. Just the darker side of Halloween or like, you know, and I'm just like, well, I don't think that's where that goes. But it's. Yeah, I think they all. They all want to talk about, like, where Cal is and where Calabar is. Mostly that's like. That's all of the stuff I get. You know, where do you think he is? Or, you know, he could totally come back. I always get pitches for another one, which is just the best. So it's. Yeah, it's usually about those two guys, like, how can we bring them back in some way?
Avery Woods
Yeah, I kind of love it. Cause it really is one of the only really magical, not spooky, Halloween movies, you know, like, my kids are so young, but I know that it wouldn't freak them out and that they would think it's more magical and special rather than scary.
Kylie McCullough
Exactly. Yes. For sure. I love that genre so much more now, especially getting older.
Avery Woods
I.
Kylie McCullough
My nervous system can't handle the jump scares.
Avery Woods
I'm the same. Yeah, it was after I had kids. I was like a huge. My husband and I would watch like, like conjuring, you know, crazy movies still.
Kylie McCullough
When I haven't seen but like Halloween horror nights used to do it. Now I can't. Like, I just wouldn't. Yeah, my nervous system's like, no. Maybe a little nap first.
Avery Woods
I got in my 30s and I was like, I'm having nightmares. Like, this isn't normal.
Kylie McCullough
Is that did start happening where our, like, subconscious started hanging on to stuff longer than would bring it up. When. Yeah. In our nightmares. Like what? Yeah.
Avery Woods
I'd wake up sweaty and anxious. I'm like, you are a grown woman. What is going on?
Kylie McCullough
Yes.
Avery Woods
So I'll just go back to Halloween time. I can't do the scary stuff. Which line do fans quote back to you the most?
Kylie McCullough
Halloween is cool. That is the biggest.
Avery Woods
I do have a confession. We are going to make a tick tock using that audio.
Kylie McCullough
I'm.
Avery Woods
I'm all for it because I saw and I said, when you sitting up on the couch, Halloween is cool.
Kylie McCullough
That was not the one that I would have expected. Really. People started coming up on the street and literally being say it. And I'm like. And then I started realizing what that was. Cause there's so many great. Being normal is vastly overrated. Aggie's line, that's such a great one. My personal favorite is magic is really very simple. All you have to do is want something and then let yourself have it. I just think that's so.
Avery Woods
Yes.
Kylie McCullough
Apropos for life. Like, that's such a good one. She says it on the broom as we're flying to the goosebumps.
Avery Woods
Yeah. That's amazing. Okay, so outside of acting, what's been bringing you some joy lately?
Kylie McCullough
I love going on hikes. That's. Any time spent in nature is just a favorite of mine. Daniel and I love good movies and TV shows.
Avery Woods
What's been your favorites right now?
Kylie McCullough
Trying to think. I'm excited. Diplomat is coming back soon with Keri Russell. I gotta see what happens.
Avery Woods
Oh, I gotta write that down.
Kylie McCullough
Oh, yes. She would love it. Yeah, it's such a great edgier seat. Everybody's so great on the show. And now it left on such a cliffhanger that it's like, now, you know, she and Alice and Janney are just gonna f some shit up the next season. So it's exciting.
Avery Woods
I love it.
Kylie McCullough
We do a little bit of everything. I got Daniel hooked on Reba, which is one of the best sitcoms ever. Thank you, Netflix, for giving us all some comfort that we need. I had just grown up loving that show. Melissa Peterman, who played Barbara Jean on that show, is in Haul out the Halloween. And I just was just fangirling that I got to be in a scene and say lines with her that I told my husband. I was like, no, you don't understand. So we're on season five now. Cause he has become as sucked in as I have. So I'm like, my. My job is done. He's you know, he's gotten to feel the goodness that is the OG Reba sitcom.
Avery Woods
Listen, men can lie all they want, that they don't want to watch a girly sitcom, but the second that they watch one episode, they're sucked in. That's like, if I'm watching anything and my husband's like, I'm not watching that. He's in the kitchen. He's like, wait, what did she say? I said, you can either come sit down and watch it with me or.
Kylie McCullough
It'S you're going to be okay.
Avery Woods
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Kylie McCullough
Let's see. I've been diving back into some movies I hadn't seen, so. Like, ones that I'm kind of embarrassed to say that I hadn't seen. Like, you know, classics. Footloose was one recently I hadn't seen yet. Field of Dreams, that was a great movie. Like, leaning into some good, you know, some of the OGs with, like, Kevin Costner and, like, Mel Gibson. Yes, my husband loves Mel Gibson and all. Like, I still haven't seen Lethal Weapon. That's on the list. So I'm trying to go through some good classics that I didn't see for whatever the reason. And the Bodyguard, that was. Was one of my favorites watched recently. So, yeah, we've been kind of on that. That track recently.
Avery Woods
Do you feel like you missed out on anything in your childhood, working so young?
Kylie McCullough
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. And I think deep down somewhere, I just. I don't. You know, like, I just felt like I was in the right place. But when I would have weekends where I would go play basketball in my local community league and those kinds of things, those were equally as balancing to me. So I really appreciate that I was able to grow up in that way. And it is a different. It is a different lifestyle and a different reality for kids and. But I just. I really loved it. I couldn't imagine, you know, my life without it because it really was something that I felt like I was just, you know, fitting in the right place ever since I was little.
Avery Woods
Yeah. And good on your parents, too, for, you know, keeping you grounded and making sure that you were part of normalcy.
Kylie McCullough
Yes. I always appreciated that. Yeah. And just kind of, you know, always being like, okay, well, if, you know, you wake up one day and this doesn't feel that same, you know, like, let us know because we'll just, you know, we'll go and, you know, just go get ice cream and do something, you know, like, it just wasn't in that light. And that was. That was. Yeah. Amazing.
Avery Woods
Yeah, I love that. Okay. What's something that most people don't know about you that you wish that they had?
Kylie McCullough
Oh, goodness. Well, I. I know a lot of people know me primarily for surrounding the Halloween holiday, but Christmas is also just equally, if not maybe just a little bit up on top of Halloween, I gotta say. But I think that's why, like I mentioned earlier, the decor for Halloween and stuff coming out Sooner like that. I've enjoyed that because it's just. Yeah. I'm one that decorates for Christmas before Thanksgiving and, and I just, I love that holiday too, so. Yeah, it's so fun. I know a lot of times people probably want to hear like, you know, Halloween is, is number one.
Avery Woods
But like, plug your ears, everyone.
Kylie McCullough
Yes, exactly. But it's, I think it's really all that. Just the last quarter of the year too. It's just, it's just always, you know, because you kind of. Life slows down a little bit, you know, you theoretically, hopefully are able to spend more time, you know, with family and friends and that kind of thing. So I think it's all about that, you know, that cozy fire. Yeah. Give me a cozy hoodie. Oh, you know, like a spicy latte any day. You know, curl up next to a fire.
Avery Woods
Like that's usually I'm in sweats. I did put jeans on for you today.
Kylie McCullough
Thank you.
Avery Woods
Yeah, thank you. I really. You're a huge deal. So I had to put jeans on. Jazzy.
Kylie McCullough
I put jeans on today too. I was like, there is something about.
Avery Woods
Yeah. Your boots are very Marnie though.
Kylie McCullough
Thank you.
Avery Woods
I'm obsessed with them. Yeah, it's. It's very on brand for you.
Kylie McCullough
Thank you.
Avery Woods
So what, how long you leaving that Christmas tree up then?
Kylie McCullough
Oh, well, I mean, it's usually after the new year. It kind of. Yeah, it's kind of. I just get that like, okay, yeah, it's January. I just, I have a hard time. It kind of. Maybe it's like I need to help myself move forward, you know, so it's like, let's not mourn the world. Yeah. Let's just get it. Yeah. We need to put it away so we can, you know, talk ourselves through the next two weeks of January and tell ourselves. Themselves it's gonna be okay.
Avery Woods
I know. Because then people start looking at you like, oh, you're one of those people. Right. That's like a year round.
Kylie McCullough
I know.
Avery Woods
Christmas tree. And I'm like, what do you want to kill my magic for?
Kylie McCullough
Yeah, exactly.
Avery Woods
Really crazy.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah.
Avery Woods
Okay. We like to end with rapid fire. We have some pretty good questions for you.
Kylie McCullough
Okay.
Avery Woods
Are you ready?
Kylie McCullough
Yep.
Avery Woods
Okay. Favorite Halloween candy?
Kylie McCullough
Candy corn.
Avery Woods
But the pumpkin or the triangles?
Kylie McCullough
Well, yeah, pumpkins.
Avery Woods
The pumpkins are the best.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah, that full hit right there.
Avery Woods
We have a jar of that on my counter and I can like hear my kids hands like, like rummaging in it and they're like, can I have four pumpkins? I'm like, okay, yes, you can have your four pumpkins for your dessert. And then my daughter's like, what, about six? I'm like, no, no, this isn't a negotiation.
Kylie McCullough
I like that she's trying, though, you know? Like, she's. You know, she's got to see where the limits lie.
Avery Woods
And she's only back up from there. Yeah. I'm scared.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah, you got a smart one there.
Avery Woods
Yeah. Yeah. I'm a little bit nervous about her. Okay. Best Halloween costume you've ever worn on or off screen.
Kylie McCullough
Oh. I mean, it's kind of hard not to say Marnie's costume.
Avery Woods
I was gonna say the one you just talked about.
Kylie McCullough
Who knew how, you know, what a thing that would become in my life? So I think I gotta probably give it to that one. I do remember when I was younger, I made my own princess hat out of tin foil. And I did some things, you know, when I was younger, some crafting that I was pretty proud of as a kid. But I think we got to go with Marnie on this one.
Avery Woods
Yeah. Even in the first one, when she has the cape around her, taking that cloak down in retrospect, and she's, like, reaching down in the jack o lantern to try to put the. The. What's it called? The talisman. Yes. Oh, my God. So cool.
Kylie McCullough
A big, beautiful pumpkin.
Avery Woods
Yeah. I'm like, don't hit her in the back.
Kylie McCullough
No.
Avery Woods
Like, screaming at the tv.
Kylie McCullough
Okay.
Avery Woods
Scariest movie you actually like to watch.
Kylie McCullough
The first one that pops into mind. It's not quite as scary, I guess. More suspense. But it's called Identity with John Cusack and Amanda Pete. And it was kind of. It's got a lot of suspense and, like, some. Some shit happens, like. But it's not quite, like, on the horror, like, we just want to scare you thing, it's got some more suspense and like. Like that one, I've. Yeah. Has always been one of my favorites.
Avery Woods
I'm gonna write that down.
Kylie McCullough
Okay.
Avery Woods
Okay. If Halloweentown characters were on the Bachelor, who gets the first impression? Rose.
Kylie McCullough
Who would get the first impression? Rose?
Avery Woods
I'm like your husband. Yeah.
Kylie McCullough
Well, you know, he would be. Yeah. He would be grabbing for it. He would be expecting it first.
Avery Woods
Yeah, that's true.
Kylie McCullough
You know, like, that is mine.
Avery Woods
That's true.
Kylie McCullough
And he would know just what to say, probably, to get the first impression. Rose. I like that. Yeah. All right. Yeah, he's. Yeah. Cal doesn't, you know. No, Cal doesn't mess around.
Avery Woods
We respect it.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah. We respect his game. Yeah.
Avery Woods
If you had to Live in Halloween town full time. Which character would you actually want as a roommate? Mm. The clean guy that all his stuff gets lost when you set it down.
Kylie McCullough
Oh, Gort.
Avery Woods
He. When he gets gray, though.
Kylie McCullough
Yes. Cause he was much more organized than I did. Love him. One of my other favorite characters was Natalie, the pink troll from Halloweentown High. Oh, yeah, she just. I was like, man, if I could just jump into a costume like that, you know, Another character, like, that's what she. The pink hair and the little belly with the belly button. I mean, I loved her. Yeah. So that. Yes. Probably Natalie.
Avery Woods
That's like the original. Before the animated trolls came out.
Kylie McCullough
Yes.
Avery Woods
The young kids wouldn't understand.
Kylie McCullough
I know.
Avery Woods
Yeah, I know. They wouldn't get it. Who would win in a duel? Marnie or Harry Potter?
Kylie McCullough
Oh, come on. That's a hard one. Mm. I feel like maybe they wouldn't. I don't know if I could name a winner. I feel like they would try to. Harry and Marnie would probably, like, try to find some kind of compromise together. You know what I mean? It was like, this is what everybody expects for me to just, you know. But, you know, we're gonna do, you know, we're gonna do something good with it. I don't know. I think they would. They're both too powerful not to.
Avery Woods
I feel like. Exactly. Yeah. They're actually kind wizards and witches.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah.
Avery Woods
Okay. Haunted houses. Are you running through screaming, or are you walking through like. It's casual. Are you into that?
Kylie McCullough
I think I'm kind of running through. Yeah, I just. Again with the whole nervous system thing. Maybe not even screaming. Just kind of, like, holding on tight, just bolting, you know, That's. I don't know if that would be my first entrance, you know, first place I would go to in Halloween. Getting a little bit older. I'll stand on the outside and welcome everybody and say, have a great time. I'll just. I'll stay safe out here. You have a good time, you know?
Avery Woods
Yeah. I went. My parents took. Tell me why. Sometimes I look back to stuff that my parents allowed me to do as a parent now, and I'm like, wow. Do you know the wax museum in Vegas? They had a haunted house. Wax museum, but, like, actual live actors that could touch you. And I was very young. They had to shut the entire thing down and turn all the lights on because I was so scared. And the actress, like, we're sorry. They're like, don't touch me. Because they were all dressed up, like, terrified. So now I'll never Go through a haunted house again.
Kylie McCullough
I can see why. Yeah, I feel you on that.
Avery Woods
I'm like, let me unload my childhood trauma.
Kylie McCullough
Yeah. No. Hey.
Avery Woods
Okay. Well, it was such a joy to have you here and get to know you. I'm honestly honored to be in your presence because I did grow up watching you and everything you did, and I cannot wait to show my kids Halloween town.
Kylie McCullough
You are so sweet in the next couple weeks. It feels so good coming to talk about this. Like, yeah, so sweet of you to have me. Like I said, I'm honored that people still spend the season with us and with the movies. It's just. It's so cool. And, yeah, I hope people continue to enjoy it. Cause I think now more than ever, we need to just lean into anything that brings us comfort. And, you know, and so I'm so thankful that people still enjoy it. And Debbie would just. She just would love it. Like, she would get the biggest kick that, like, people still enjoy watching the movie. So I think she's having the biggest, you know, the biggest grin up there.
Avery Woods
So special. Where can people find you and when can they watch your movie?
Kylie McCullough
You're so sweet. I official. KJB is my. Is my username on all the. All the platforms and haul out the Halloween is out October 11th on Hallmark Channel and on their app Hallmark plus after that.
Avery Woods
Amazing. Yeah. Okay. Well, thank you for being here.
Kylie McCullough
Thank you for having me.
Avery Woods
Cheers, everyone. This season on the Kardashians. Let's do it.
Kylie McCullough
I'm shooting a TV show with the most amazing cast.
Avery Woods
I have my podcast.
Kylie McCullough
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Episode: halloweentown | kimberly j. brown
Host: Avery Woods
Guest: Kimberly J. Brown
Date: October 27, 2025
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.
[01:13]
[02:39]
[05:42]
[06:59], [11:16]
[07:12], [09:22], [17:19]
[14:27], [15:04]
[18:34]
[26:24]
[28:59]
[34:02], [35:26], [35:52]
[36:23], [38:25]
[39:15]
[45:26]
[46:58]
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])
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])
Cheers!