The Ultimate Guide To Alison Brie: Meet The Iconic Actress Behind Macy's Gift Guide 'Holiday Hotline' Campaign

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Alison Brie Schermerhorn has stepped into the spotlight as the face of the most recent and highly-publicized Macy's Holiday campaign, transforming the beloved department store's annual gift guide into a living, breathing, and hilariously helpful character. As of the latest updates in late 2024 and early 2025, Brie is the acclaimed actress portraying the "Macy's Gift Guide" in a series of viral commercials centered around a 'Holiday Hotline,' cementing her status as a holiday icon and a master of gift-giving advice.

This deep dive explores everything you need to know about the actress who seamlessly transitioned from iconic roles in television hits like *Community* and *GLOW* to becoming Macy's expert gift curator. The campaign, which has garnered significant attention for its fresh, personalized approach and celebrity cameos, offers a unique blend of comedy and practical shopping guidance, all fronted by Brie's undeniable charm and comedic timing.

Alison Brie: A Complete Biography and Career Highlights

Alison Brie is an American actress, writer, and producer known for her versatility across comedy and drama. Born on December 29, 1982, in Hollywood, California, Brie's career is marked by a string of critically acclaimed and fan-favorite roles that have established her as one of the most recognizable talents in modern television and film.

The actress is a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and also studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, providing her with a robust theatrical foundation.

  • Full Name: Alison Brie Schermerhorn
  • Born: December 29, 1982 (Age 42 as of late 2024)
  • Birthplace: Hollywood, California, U.S.
  • Spouse: Dave Franco (m. 2017)
  • Education: California Institute of the Arts (BFA in Theater); Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
  • Iconic TV Roles:
    • Trudy Campbell in the AMC drama series *Mad Men* (2007–2015)
    • Annie Edison in the NBC/Yahoo! Screen comedy series *Community* (2009–2015)
    • Ruth Wilder in the Netflix comedy-drama series *GLOW* (2017–2019)
  • Notable Film Roles: *The Five-Year Engagement* (2012), *The Lego Movie* (2014), *Sleeping with Other People* (2015), *Promising Young Woman* (2020), *Freelance* (2024).
  • Recent Projects (2024/2025): Starring as Amy in the Hulu series *Apples Never Fall* (2024) and co-starring with her husband, Dave Franco, in a 2025 project.

The 'Macy's Gift Guide' Persona: Alison Brie's Role in the Campaign

Macy's officially launched its Holiday 2024 campaign, titled "Macy's Gift Guide," with Alison Brie at the helm. The retailer's decision to cast Brie as the human embodiment of their annual gift guide transformed a static shopping resource into a dynamic, witty, and highly relatable character.

Brie's portrayal is that of an "expert gift curator," a knowledgeable and stylish figure responsible for navigating the department store's vast array of brands and products to find the perfect, one-of-a-kind presents for everyone on a customer's list.

The campaign’s central theme revolves around the "Holiday Hotline," a concept that plays on the stress of holiday shopping by offering a direct line to Brie's character for personalized gifting advice. This creative approach successfully positions Macy's as the ultimate destination for gift discovery, simplifying the often-overwhelming process for shoppers.

Celebrity Cameos and The 'Holiday Hotline' Dynamic

To amplify the campaign's reach and comedic appeal, the "Holiday Hotline" spots feature a roster of celebrity callers seeking Alison Brie's expert help. These cameos introduce a fresh, topical element and allow the commercials to showcase the diversity of Macy's product offerings, from fashion and beauty to home goods and tech.

Two of the most notable co-stars in the Macy's Gift Guide campaign are:

  • Conan Gray: The popular singer-songwriter, who is known for his unique style and Gen Z appeal, calls the hotline for advice, likely highlighting trendy fashion or beauty items.
  • Baker Mayfield: The NFL quarterback, whose appearance taps into the sports and menswear demographic, adding a layer of broad, mainstream appeal to the campaign.

This star-studded approach, directed by the award-winning Stacy Wall, ensures the campaign resonates across multiple consumer demographics, from fans of Brie's past work on *Community* and *GLOW* to followers of contemporary pop culture and sports.

Why Alison Brie is the Perfect 'Expert Gift Curator'

Macy's selection of Alison Brie as the face of their holiday advertising campaign is a strategic move that leverages her established public persona. Brie is celebrated for her ability to balance sharp wit with genuine warmth, a combination that makes her advice feel both authoritative and approachable.

Her television roles have given her high recognition and a loyal fanbase, creating a positive association for the Macy's brand. As Trudy Campbell in *Mad Men*, she embodied sophistication, and as Annie Edison in *Community*, she was the highly organized, detail-oriented perfectionist—traits that perfectly align with the idea of an "expert gift curator" who has mastered the art of gifting.

The campaign successfully transforms the traditional, passive gift guide into an interactive and engaging experience. By personifying the guide through Alison Brie, Macy's offers customers a fun and personalized journey to discover the perfect gifts, whether they are looking for luxury items, cozy home essentials, or must-have beauty products. Her top gifting tip, as revealed during the campaign's launch, focuses on thoughtful consideration—a message that further humanizes the shopping experience and encourages shoppers to move beyond generic presents.

Ultimately, Alison Brie’s role as the Macy’s Gift Guide in the 'Holiday Hotline' campaign has not only provided fresh, current content for the holiday season but also served as a powerful example of how celebrity partnerships can bring a retail brand’s core offering to life in an unforgettable and highly engaging way. Her continued presence in Macy's advertising into the new year confirms the success of this strategic partnership.

macy's gift guide actress
macy's gift guide actress

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