We Speak Entertainment
TV ONE ANNOUNCES PRODUCTION OF ORIGINAL HOLIDAY FILM DEAR SANTA, I NEED A DATE STARRING RAY J, REAGAN GOMEZ-PRESTON, MAJOR., REGINAE CARTER AND ANNE-MARIE JOHNSON
TV One Gears up for the Holidays with a Heartwarming Movie Full of Twists, Humor and a Sibling Competition
(SILVER SPRING, MD) – September 10, 2019 – TV One announced today that production is underway in Atlanta, GA for its new holiday film, DEAR SANTA, I NEED A DATE. The film stars Ray J (Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, Moesha), Reagan Gomez-Preston (The Parent ‘Hood, The Cleveland Show) and Anne-Marie Johnson (In Living Color, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka) and is slated to premiere on TV One in December 2019. The movie will be directed by Terri J. Vaughn (The Steve Harvey Show, Daddy’s Little Girls), who also directed TV One’s 2018 original holiday film MERRY WISHMAS.
“It’s great to be part of TV One’s holiday movie Dear Santa [I Need A Date],” said leading star Ray J. “This is the perfect film for the holiday season and presented by a network that consistently supports me. I’m excited and ready to go.” DEAR SANTA, I NEED A DATE tells the comedic story of two successful and ambitious siblings Janelle Vaughn (Gomez-Preston) and Jason Vaughn (Ray J). Their parents, Mr. Vaughn (Jay DeVon Johnson) and Mrs. Vaughn (Johnson), are proud of their children’s flourishing careers but are displeased with their dating lives. Every holiday season, the Vaughn’s anxiously prepare for their children to bring home a significant other only to be disappointed. This year, The Vaughn’s apply pressure by expressing their concerns to Jason and Janelle, which sparks a bet between the siblings on who can find a date by Christmas. “This is a holiday movie for the whole family to enjoy,” stated Gold Morgan, Manager of Original Programming and Production, who serves as Executive in Charge of Production for TV One. “This captivating tale of family and love is sure to resonate with our audience and become a favorite among the TV One original movies.”
DEAR SANTA, I NEED A DATE cast announced today:
- Ray J as Jason Vaughn
- Reagan Gomez-Preston as Janelle Vaughn
- Anne-Marie Johnson as Mrs. Vaughn
- Jay DeVon Johnson as Mr. Vaughn
- MAJOR. as Mark
- Reginae Carter as Nicole
- B. Simone as Erica
DEAR SANTA I NEED A DATE is written by Kourtney Richard and directed by Terri J. Vaughn with casting provided by George Pierre. The film is being produced by Swirl Films with Eric Tomosunas, Keith Neal, James Seppelfrick, serving as Executive Producers. Ron Robinson, James “Jimmy” Watson serve as producers. For TV One, Gold Morgan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production; Shakira Hedgpeth will serve as a producer; Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting; and Brigitte McCray is Senior Vice President of Original Programming and Production. For more information about TV One’s upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv)using the hashtags #SANTAINEEDADATE and #REPRESENT.
Acclaimed performer, advocate, television host, and community leader Wendy Stuart, also known to many as Wendy Darling, was honored with the Activism Award at the 2026 Catskills Pride Awards Night held at The Eldred Preserve in New York.
The event celebrated individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, leadership, artistic achievement, and public service. Among a distinguished group of honorees, Stuart was recognized for decades of unwavering commitment to visibility, inclusion, and support for LGBTQ+ causes.
For many in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, Wendy Stuart has long been a familiar and respected voice in the LGBTQ+ community. Her activism dates back decades, including participation in the historic New York City Pride March and service as an original board member of Triversity, The Pride Center serving communities throughout the tri-state region.
Beyond her advocacy work, Stuart has used her talents in entertainment and media to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. As host of Triversity Talk and co-host of If These Walls Could Talk, she has provided a platform for activists, artists, community leaders, and changemakers whose stories might otherwise go unheard.
During the awards ceremony, attendees celebrated Stuart’s remarkable ability to combine entertainment with purpose. Her efforts as a member of the Imperial Court of New York have also helped raise awareness and funding for countless LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives over the years.
Standing before an audience of supporters, fellow honorees, and community leaders, Stuart accepted the recognition with the same passion that has defined her career. The honor reflects not only her decades of activism but also her continuing commitment to education, advocacy, and community engagement.
The Activism Award serves as a fitting tribute to a woman whose influence extends far beyond the stage and television screen. Through her work as a performer, advocate, and media personality, Wendy Stuart has consistently demonstrated that visibility matters and that one voice can inspire meaningful change.
Her personal mission remains as powerful today as it has throughout her career:
“I advocate, I educate, I entertain. I’m blessed to do so.”
As Catskills Pride recognized its 2026 honorees, Wendy Stuart’s award stood as a celebration of a lifetime devoted to uplifting others, strengthening communities, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices continue to be heard, respected, and celebrated.
Other honorees at the event included actress Melissa Gilbert, community leader Paula Campbell, artists Barry Becker and Tony Coscia, and artistic achievement recipient Nonna Hall, making the evening a memorable celebration of leadership, service, and pride throughout the region.
Watch Wendy Stuart’s speech at the Catskills Pride Awards on Youtube here:
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