Nischelle Turner Marks Her 50th Birthday with Her First Movie Role in A Runaway Bride for Christmas: ‘I Feel Like a Young Star!’

Nischelle Turner in A Runaway Bride for Christmas.

Credit: Courtesy of Lifetime

Key Details

• Entertainment Tonight host Nischelle Turner stars in Lifetime’s A Runaway Bride for Christmas, marking her acting debut.
• The journalist reflects on how turning 50 has positively influenced her outlook on life.
• Turner opens up about the complexities of dating in Hollywood.

Nischelle Turner, the Emmy-winning host of Entertainment Tonight, is embarking on a new adventure this holiday season with her role in Lifetime’s upcoming film A Runaway Bride for Christmas. The movie, set to premiere on December 12, represents both a departure from her familiar role in entertainment journalism and a significant personal milestone as she celebrates her 50th birthday this year.

“I’m completely stepping out of my comfort zone to do something that I’ve never done before,” Turner shared. “I’m trying to give myself grace, but I’m also one of those perfectionists where I’m like, ‘What are you doing?'” This opportunity arose when an executive from A&E approached her after an awards gala, suggesting she could have a future in scripted roles. Although she initially dismissed the idea, she decided to explore the scripts presented to her. When offered the choice to select any role, she ambitiously chose to be the lead.

Mark Ghanimé and Nischelle Turner in A Runaway Bride for Christmas.

Credit: Courtesy of Lifetime

“I turned 50 this year, so I’ve really been telling myself happy birthday,” she said, explaining her decision to embrace new experiences. “I’m going to do things this year that I’ve never done before, and I’m going to lean into those things and I’m going to do them purposefully and intentionally.” This included a memorable trip to Paris, dance classes, and now, her lead role in a film that she describes as “pretty wild.” Reflecting on the film’s rapid production schedule, she remarked, “We shot it in 11 days and when we were done, that next morning I woke up and I was like, ‘holy s—. I just shot a movie!'”

Nischelle Turner in A Runaway Bride for Christmas.

Credit: Courtesy of Lifetime

In A Runaway Bride for Christmas, Turner portrays a woman who leaves her fiancé on their wedding day, returning to her hometown where support from family and friends, including an appealing character played by Mark Ghanimé, helps her navigate the aftermath. Turner admitted the role’s intimacy caught her off guard, noting, “We had to kiss, and I’m like, ‘I don’t know how to kiss [on camera]’. And he was laughing.” Reflecting on their shared experiences on set, she remarked, “When we did it, I didn’t know if he was going to do a movie kiss or a regular kiss. And it was like, ‘Oh, we really kissing.’ We had to do it like 15 times!”

Mark Ghanimé and Nischelle Turner in A Runaway Bride for Christmas.

Credit: Courtesy of Lifetime

As Turner navigates her new film career, she also remains candid about her experiences in the dating world. She jokingly described her relationship status, saying, “Listen. I don’t hide anything. I am in these single girl streets and there is pee in the pool! It’s hard out here.” At this juncture in her life, she seeks a meaningful connection, perhaps questioning if that necessarily requires marriage.

Nischelle Turner and Kevin Frazier.

Credit: Courtesy of Entertainment Tonight

Though she prefers not to use dating apps, Turner expressed the desire to broaden her dating horizons. “I have not really dated interracially. I prefer Black men but I also know that I need to be open.” However, she is wary of her friend and co-host Kevin Frazier playing matchmaker, having had a less-than-favorable experience in the past.

Turner embraces her current phase of life, noting that at 50, new opportunities continue to emerge. “It’s so interesting that now being 50, doors are opening up in ways that before for women, we felt like we were being put out to pasture. But I became the host of Entertainment Tonight at 46! It’s different now.”

A Runaway Bride for Christmas is set to air on December 12 at 8/7c on Lifetime.