Hallmark fans remember Duane Poole as writer's catalog of Christmas movies air
Daniel Moore
Published Apr 03, 2026
This Christmas, the Hallmark Channel’s schedule will be wall-to-wall feel-good movies for the whole family, many of which will have been written by the late writer Duane Poole. The beloved storyteller sadly passed away earlier this year, but there’s a good chance that you will come across one of his many movies this holiday season.
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Duane Poole was king of Christmas movies
Duane Poole was a writer and director who worked on over 80 classic movies and TV shows, with many of his feature films being re-broadcast on the Hallmark Channel this Christmas season.
Poole’s illustrious career started in 1975 when he helped produce the story for The Great Grape Ape Show. By the end of the decade, he had worked on various classic TV shows and movies including Electra Woman and Dyna Girl (1976), Cue Club (1976), The Krofft Supershow (1976), The Scooby-Doo Show (1976), Posse Impossible (1977), Undercover Elephant (1977), Super Friends (1977), Jana of the Jungle (1978), Godzilla (1978), and CHOMPS (1979).
The 1980s was a similarly successful time for Poole, who continued writing for The Flintstone Comedy Show (1980), The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang (1980), Smurfs (1981), Hart to Hart (1981), The Fall Guy (1982), Alvin & the Chipmunks (1983), Glitter (1984), The Love Boat (1986), and Hotel (1986).
In the 1990s, Poole wrote the teleplay for his first Christmas movies called One Christmas and A Christmas Memory (which went on to become a Hallmark Hall of Fame flick); by the late-2000’s, the iconic storyteller had almost fully transitioned into a festive writer.
Between 2008 and 2023, Poole wrote the screenplays and scripts for countless Christmas movies, many of which were produced as original movies for the Hallmark Channel – although there is a very good chance that you’ve come across one of his films down the years.
Arguably his most well-known Christmas movies include Moonlight & Mistletoe (2008), Christmas List (2016), Royally Ever After (2018), A Very Vintage Christmas (2019), A Timeless Christmas (2020), Next Stop Christmas (2021), ‘Tis the Season to be Merry (2021), and his last feature film – Holiday Hotline, which premiered on November 19, 2023.
How and when did the iconic movie writer pass away?
Duane Earl Poole sadly passed away on April 1, 2023 – he was 74 years old at the time of his death, his husband of 22 years Frank announced.
According to the Legacy Obituary from the Los Angeles Times, Poole “lost his valiant fight with cancer” whilst being “surrounded by loved ones.”
The obituary celebrated his achievements in filmmaking and the television industry in a way that’s difficult to summarize here, ending with a touching tribute to the life outside the industry that Poole and his husband Frank enjoyed together:
“Duane loved traveling the world and entertaining in his home with his husband Frank. Their holiday gatherings and gourmet dinner parties became so popular that people requested to be put on a waiting list in the event that a guest canceled last minute.”
Poole was well-known for customizing and writing original songs for friends and family members on their birthdays, tailoring each lyric to fit those who were celebrating next to him.
“He was a loving, loyal, and caring friend to those who knew him with a sense of humor that would have you laughing so hard you would cry. He will be greatly missed.”
Screenwriter Duane Earl Poole, who penned a slew of Hallmark movies, including network Hall of Fame title A SEASON FOR MIRACLES, along with adapting TRUMAN CAPOTE'S A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, among other holiday entries, has passed away at 74.
— Ho! Ho! Holiday Viewing! (@SleepyKittyPaw) April 21, 2023
Tributes from around the world to Duane Poole
In the days and weeks following his death in April 2023, tributes from around the world started to flood in for the iconic writer.
Michael Anderson, a friend who grew up across the street from Poole, paid tribute: “I will always remember the summer nights when he would set up his back yard like a movie theatre and we would watch the classics like the creature from the black lagoon and Frankenstein, those are fond memories for me as a kid.”
Friend Janet Fontaine shared, “Duane was the most talented, amazing, generous, brilliant, kind, and loving soul. My life is richer, beyond measure, for knowing him, and for having the honor and privilege of working with him.”
“Learning from this beautiful obituary that there was a waiting list for those wonderful holiday gatherings, it makes it even more special that I was invited to Thanksgiving in 2021,” wrote another acquaintance.
Steve Darmis, who worked with Poole on one of his countless Christmas movies for the Hallmark Channel, added how “I always appreciated Frank & Duane’s kindness, generosity, and help when I had any questions or concerns while decorating their lovely home for Christmas.”
“I could tell they had a beautiful life together just by looking around at so many of the mementos & photographs of a life well lived. They were always so kind to us / the Christmas crew…. delicious baked goods & coffee were always on-hand, as well as a treat or two for my dog Anna. I remember one time Duane was going to Subway and he asked us what we wanted, and he brought back Subs for us. His treat. I hope Duane is flying with the angels now, and I wish Frank peace, love & strength.”
Duane Poole’s legacy will live on each and every Christmas season, with a variety of his movies being available to stream and watch this holiday on the Hallmark Channel.
