You’re scrolling through a streaming service in the middle of December, and you see it. Maybe it was on Amazon Prime, or perhaps you caught a rerun on a random cable channel. Holiday Baggage—sometimes released under the title Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh era vibes but with a much heavier focus on adult reconciliation—is one of those movies that feels like a warm, slightly worn-out blanket. People often search for the cast of Holiday Baggage because the faces look so incredibly familiar, yet you can’t quite place where you saw them last.
It’s not just you.
The movie is anchored by two massive names from the 1980s and 90s television landscape. Seeing them together on screen feels like a weird, nostalgic fever dream. We are talking about Barry Bostwick and Cheryl Ladd. Honestly, if you grew up with The Rocky Horror Picture Show or Charlie’s Angels, seeing them play a divorced couple trying to navigate a messy Christmas is... well, it’s a choice. But it works.
The film follows Pete (Bostwick) and Sarah (Ladd). They’ve been separated for ages. Pete has been wandering the globe as a successful pediatrician, basically avoiding his family responsibilities under the guise of "saving the world." Sarah stayed back in suburban bliss—or boredom—to raise their daughters. When Pete shows up for the holidays, the "baggage" isn't just in his suitcases. It’s years of resentment.
Barry Bostwick as Pete Murphy
Barry Bostwick is a legend. There is no other way to put it. Most people know him as Brad Majors ("Dammit, Janet!"), but to a whole different generation, he was the mayor in Spin City. In Holiday Baggage, he plays Pete Murphy with this sort of charming arrogance that makes you want to hug him and hit him at the same time.
He’s the "absentee dad" archetype.
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But Bostwick brings a level of gravitas that usually isn’t found in budget-conscious holiday films. He isn't just playing a caricature; he plays a man who genuinely realizes he’s missed the most important parts of his life while chasing a career. It’s a nuanced performance. You can see the flicker of regret in his eyes when he realizes his daughters don't really know him.
Cheryl Ladd as Sarah Murphy
Then you have Cheryl Ladd. Kris Munroe from Charlie's Angels. She was the "it" girl of the late 70s. In this film, she’s the anchor. Sarah is the mother who did everything right and is now facing the reality of an empty house. Ladd plays her with a quiet, simmering frustration.
What’s interesting about the cast of Holiday Baggage is the chemistry between these two leads. They were both seasoned pros by the time 2008 rolled around. They don't overact. They don't lean into the Hallmark-style sappiness as much as you’d expect. Instead, they give you the vibe of a couple that has actually spent twenty years arguing about the same three things.
The Supporting Players: The Murphy Daughters
A movie about family baggage needs kids to carry the weight. The daughters in this film provide the emotional stakes.
- Julia Voth as Jen Murphy: Julia Voth is perhaps best known to gamers as the physical model for Jill Valentine in the Resident Evil games. In this movie, she’s the eldest daughter. She has to navigate the tension of wanting her dad back while resenting him for leaving.
- Caitlin Thompson as Alice Murphy: You might recognize Caitlin from This Is Us, where she played Madison. She brings a softer energy to the cast, acting as more of a bridge between the warring parents.
- Sasha Jackson as Kelly Murphy: Every holiday movie needs a third sibling to round out the chaos. Sasha Jackson has been in everything from One Tree Hill to Jarhead 3.
These three actresses had the difficult job of making the audience believe they were sisters who grew up in the shadow of a broken marriage. It’s a tall order for an indie film, but their interactions feel lived-in. They bicker. They judge their father’s sudden reappearance. They protect their mother.
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Why This Specific Cast Worked (And Why It Didn't)
Let’s be real for a second. Holiday Baggage isn't Citizen Kane. It’s a low-budget production directed by Stephen Polk. The lighting is sometimes a bit harsh, and the pacing can feel like a slow Sunday afternoon.
However, the cast of Holiday Baggage elevates the material. If you had unknown actors in these roles, the movie would have disappeared into the bargain bin of history. But because you have Bostwick’s booming presence and Ladd’s classic Hollywood grace, the stakes feel higher. You care if they get back together because you’ve watched these actors for decades.
There is a specific scene where Pete and Sarah are in the kitchen, and it’s just the two of them. No kids, no subplots. Just two people who used to love each other. The way Ladd looks at Bostwick—half-annoyed, half-longing—is a masterclass in "aging actor" chemistry. It’s those small moments that make people hunt down the cast list on IMDb years after the movie came out.
The Missing Pieces: Small Roles That Matter
The film also features Stephen Polk himself as Deputy Taylor. It’s a classic "director-in-the-movie" move. It adds a bit of local flavor to the setting. There’s also the character of Walker, played by Ryan Sypek. If you were a fan of the show Wildfire on ABC Family, you definitely recognized him. He plays the love interest for one of the daughters, adding that necessary "young romance" subplot that every Christmas movie is legally required to have.
The Weird History of the Movie's Release
When looking into the cast of Holiday Baggage, you’ll notice something strange. The movie was filmed around 2008 but didn't really hit its stride until years later. It’s had several titles. Sometimes it’s Holiday Baggage, sometimes it’s just Baggage.
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This matters because it affected how the cast was marketed. In some regions, it was sold as a Barry Bostwick comedy. In others, it was a "return to the screen" for Cheryl Ladd. The reality is that it’s an ensemble piece. It’s about the collective weight of five people trying to be a family again.
Misconceptions About the Film
One thing people get wrong? They think this is a sequel to something else. It’s not. It’s a standalone story. People also often confuse it with other "baggage" titled movies, like Baggage Claim (2013) or Holiday Engagement.
The cast of Holiday Baggage is unique because it’s a snapshot of 2008-era TV stars and rising young actors. It’s a bridge between the old guard of Hollywood and the new faces of the 2010s.
What the Cast Did Next
Where are they now? It’s been well over a decade since this movie dropped.
- Barry Bostwick continues to be a workhorse. He does tons of voice acting and remains a staple at horror conventions.
- Cheryl Ladd hasn't slowed down either. She’s appeared in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story and still does the occasional Christmas movie.
- Caitlin Thompson became a household face for a while thanks to the massive success of This Is Us.
- Julia Voth is still a favorite in the sci-fi and gaming community, often appearing at fan expos.
How to Watch and What to Look For
If you’re going to watch it for the cast of Holiday Baggage, pay attention to the dialogue. It’s a bit more cynical than your average Hallmark movie. There’s a bit of "bite" to the way the family talks to each other. It feels a bit more like a real family—one that actually has some history to work through.
Actionable Insights for the Viewer:
- Check the Title: If you can’t find it, search for Baggage (2008). Streaming rights are a mess, and it changes names often.
- Watch for the Chemistry: Focus on the scenes between Bostwick and Ladd. It’s a rare chance to see two 70s/80s icons play a grounded, middle-aged couple.
- Spot the Resident Evil Connection: If you’re a gamer, keep an eye on Julia Voth. It’s wild to see "Jill Valentine" in a Christmas sweater dealing with family drama.
- Expect Indie Vibes: Don't go in expecting a $50 million blockbuster. It’s a small, character-driven story. The value is in the performances, not the special effects.
The film serves as a reminder that even when the production value isn't through the roof, a strong cast can carry a story. The cast of Holiday Baggage took a relatively simple premise—a dad coming home for Christmas—and turned it into a relatable study on forgiveness. It’s not perfect, but it’s honest. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want from a holiday flick.