When Nelson Wong first starred as detective's sidekick Kenny Kwon in mystery film Third Man Out, he didn't think he'd end up reprising the role - in 27 different incarnations.
Wong, from Vancouver in Canada, first took on the role in 2005. During his time playing Kenny, he befriended the film's director, Ron Oliver.
Oliver soon went on to direct films for Hallmark, which is known to produce twinkly, romantic Christmas movies.
When he started working for the company, he decided to bring one of his favourite actors with him - and made space in each film for a character named 'Kenny'.
Speaking to CBC News, Wong said: "As Ron started working for Hallmark, Kenny started working for Hallmark. It's just grown into a thing. The fans seem to respond to it and 27 movies later, here we are."
Wong, originally from New Zealand, moved to Canada when he was six years old. He first started acting in 1999 and has appeared in TV programmes like Riverdale - starring as a character other than Kenny.
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In the past, Wong has spoken about his background as a Jehovah's Witness, which he said he left when he started working in the film industry.
Growing up as a Jehovah's Witness meant he never really celebrated Christmas and the holiday season - until he started starring in Hallmark's festive films.
The character of Kenny has had various different storylines over the years - including a wedding planner, a concierge, a father, and a TV director.
Wong joked: "The whole time, I've been thinking Kenny is still undercover as a detective. He's just got these identities that allow him to go to these different universes."
Hallmark has produced dozens of Christmas films over the years, many of which have become a staple part of the festive period. This year alone, the production company has released more than 40 films - many of which have been filmed in Wong's hometown of Vancouver.
Linda-Lisa Hayter, a Vancouver-based director, has overseen a Hallmark Christmas film released this year called Five More Minutes.
She said the film - and the many other Hallmark films in the canon - are based around an integral theme of love.
"Whether it's romantic love, whether it's parental love, whether it's beautiful friendships, sisterhood, brotherhood, I think it's just love," said Hayter.
The director added the heartwarming films can be a source of comfort during difficult times - especially after the last few years of living through a pandemic.
"You've got beautiful lights. You've got some sweet music. It's like having a blanket around you. It's something that is soft, and comfortable and it feels good," she said.
Wong, who also works as an acting coach, is trying to combat the perception that Hallmark films are too corny.
He said some actors find the genre a bit "too happy" - but he doesn't agree.
"These Hallmark movies are actually more true to real life, I'd say — nice people trying their best given their circumstances," he said.
Another criticism of Hallmark films in recent years has honed in on a lack of diversity - in that very few main characters are from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.
In depicting love stories, the production company has been slammed for only representing straight couples.
However, Hayter reckons the company is "far more inclusive" these days - which she believes is bringing in a bigger audience.
Wong said he agrees the family films have become more diverse over the last few years, as audiences "are not satisfied with homogenous depictions of families."
