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While many Christmas movies capture our hearts for generations, “Prancer” has quietly become a cherished classic. Released in the 1980s, this film stands out as a holiday favorite of the decade, featuring Sam Elliott as John Riggs, a single father grappling with life’s challenges after the loss of his wife. His daughter, Jessica, portrayed by Rebecca Harrell, is navigating her own struggles as the festive season approaches. The film also includes a young Johnny Galecki in the role of Billy Quinn, a local teenager.
Orion Pictures
John’s apple farm is on the brink of collapse, and his sister-in-law, played by Rutanya Alda, offers to take Jessica in to provide her with stability and care. However, both father and daughter are determined to stay together. An unexpected miracle occurs when Jessica discovers a reindeer she believes is one of Santa Claus’s own. Despite skepticism from those around her, she secretly cares for the animal in anticipation of Santa’s return.
The heartwarming story culminates with the reindeer, Prancer, bringing about a transformation that saves the farm, the holiday spirit, and the bond between Jessica and John. Though not the most commercially successful film of Sam Elliott’s career, “Prancer” remains one of his most touching performances.
While Sam Elliott and Johnny Galecki are well-recognized in Hollywood, Rebecca Harrell, who played Jessica, has taken a different path. Now known as Rebecca Harrell Tickell, she has made a name for herself in the realm of environmental documentary filmmaking alongside her husband, Josh Tickell. Their acclaimed projects include “Fuel,” a documentary on green energy that won the Audience Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and “The Big Fix,” which explores the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Harrell Tickell occasionally returns to acting, with her most recent role in 2023’s “On Sacred Ground,” which delves into the resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Her commitment to environmental causes is further reflected in her co-founding of the I’ll Be the One Organization, which promotes eco-activism. Clearly, she’s earned her spot on Santa’s nice list. For those interested in reliving the magic of “Prancer,” the film is available to stream for free on Tubi and Pluto TV.
Rebecca Harrell has gone on to do great things
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While Johnny Galecki and Sam Elliott’s acting careers are well-known, you probably don’t know what happened to the child actress who plays Jessica in the film unless you’re a big fan of films about the environment. Rebecca Harrell, now known by her married name, Rebecca Harrell Tickell, is a well-known and respected environmental documentary filmmaker who works alongside her husband, Josh Tickell. Among their works are “Fuel” — which is about green energy production that uses algae and won a 2008 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for best documentary — and “The Big Fix,” about the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Harrell Tickell still acts occasionally: her last role was in 2023’s “On Sacred Ground,” about the Standing Rock Indian Reservation’s fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Even with that, it looks like Harrell has grown up to be quite the righteous individual. She also co-founded a charity, the I’ll Be the One Organization, which encourages environmental activism. She’s definitely on Santa’s good list. And if you want to put “Prancer” on your holiday viewing list, you can watch it for free on Tubi and Pluto TV.
