From Salem to Secret-Sharing: Melissa Joan Hart Embraces Nostalgia with a Buttery New Role and a Netflix Holiday Rom-Com
Melissa Joan Hart, the iconic actress celebrated for her formative roles in ’90s sitcoms Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, is embracing a deliciously nostalgic new chapter. At 49, Hart has teamed up with Pop Secret as the brand’s inaugural “Chief of Butter,” spearheading their engaging “Spill Everything” campaign. This innovative initiative invites fans into a world of shared secrets, all while celebrating the timeless appeal of buttery popcorn.
Spilling Secrets with Pop Secret
Central to the “Spill Everything” campaign is a dedicated hotline, 1-844-SPILL-PS, where fans can connect directly with Hart. Callers have the unique opportunity to hear one of Hart’s own personal secrets, anonymously share their juiciest confessions, listen to other people’s submitted stories, and even unlock exclusive popcorn-themed perks. The campaign is set to run through October 31, with the most compelling confessions being voted on via Pop Secret’s interactive “Butter Meter” — adding a playful competitive edge to the experience.
Hart, who effortlessly blended teenage life with magical escapades and high school drama, humorously embraced her new title. “I got the job as Pop Secret’s Chief of Butter because if anyone knows how to serve up hot, buttery drama, it’s a girl who’s tackled teenage witchcraft and high school — twice!” she quipped, referring to her beloved roles that captivated a generation. The commercial shoot itself was a journey back in time, featuring retro details like vibrant color palettes and filming with a classic landline phone. Hart exclusively told PEOPLE, “There’s just so much nostalgia in the commercial alone… Some of the earrings I wore, the colors we used — it really brought me back. People are leaning into the ’90s now the way I remember digging through my mom’s ’70s closet.”
From ’90s Icon to Multi-Generational Star
Beyond her ’90s fame, Hart has continued to build a multi-generational fanbase. She notes that in the U.S., she receives fairly equal recognition for both Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Her more recent role as a no-nonsense chef in Netflix’s No Good Nick has introduced her to a younger demographic, who approach her with a touch more trepidation. Meanwhile, her fan-favorite sitcom Melissa & Joey, co-starring Joey Lawrence, has recently found a renewed audience in Europe, expanding her global appeal.
Holiday Cheer with a New Rom-Com
Looking ahead, Hart is also set to grace screens this holiday season. She both produced and stars in the upcoming Netflix rom-com, A Merry Little Ex-Mas, slated to stream on November 12. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, and Jameela Jamil. Hart expressed her delight at working with Silverstone for the first time, despite their long-standing presence in Hollywood circles. “It’s a ton of fun,” she teased. “I play Alicia’s best friend, and it’s wild that we’ve never worked together before, given how many circles we’ve overlapped in. It just felt right.”
Popcorn: A Family Favorite and Campaign Core
At the core of this campaign, and indeed Hart’s personal life, is popcorn. It’s a cherished family staple in her home, where she enjoys the snack with her husband, Mark Wilkerson, and their three sons: Mason, 19; Braydon, 17; and Tucker, 12. “My son literally makes popcorn every night as his snack,” she revealed. “For me, it’s always been nostalgic. When you’re watching a movie, you just want to be reaching in that bucket. It’s the perfect complement to any movie night.” Hart perfectly encapsulates the campaign’s spirit, concluding, “We all love a good juicy secret. That’s what makes this so fun. Nothing goes better with secrets than buttery popcorn.”
