Melissa Joan Hart’s son scored when he landed a major modeling gig in Nashville.
“His first gig was being the Charmin Bear at the Tight End University,” Hart, 48, exclusively revealed to Us Weekly while supporting World Vision on Friday, December 6. “He got to be the Charmin Bear, and it was the funniest thing I think I’ve ever seen.”
Founded in 2021 by NFL tight ends George Kittle, Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen, Tight End University is a three-day program at Vanderbilt University that allows attendees to bond, collaborate with and learn amongst their peers.
While many guests participate in a variety of football activities, Hart’s son suited up for a different reason.
“I have never laughed so hard at my kids than my son being the Charmin Bear mascot high-fiving George Kittle and Travis Kelce,” the actress recalled. “He was just in heaven. It was so funny. That was his first modeling job, and he’s covered up. That’s what he liked most about it.”
While Hart has found success in Hollywood with her acting roles in projects like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Clarissa Explains It All, she wants her kids to follow their own dreams as they get older. (Hart shares Mason, 18, Braydon, 16, and Tucker, 12, with husband Mark Wilkerson.)
“I just don’t have the patience to be taking them to auditions,” she joked. “While the rejection builds strong, thick skin, I also don’t want them going through that rejection. As much as I’d love for them to be in the arts, they’re much more driven in [other] areas.”
Mason wants to explore the aviation field and possibly become a pilot. Until then, he’s working as a vet tech “because he loves animals.”
Braydon is looking into sports management and wants to take classes that could prepare him for a similar career. As for Tucker, he keeps his mom guessing.
“The little one, who knows?” Hart joked. “I always say he’s going to be a lawyer or a criminal. I’m not sure. … He can negotiate his way out of anything. That kid is allowed to have mac and cheese every night and I’m not sure how that happened.”
Before Hart turns her focus to celebrating the holidays with her boys, the actress is working with World Vision and showcasing her artisan, handmade gifts that help drive donations for children and families.
“I started working with them in 2019,” she explained to Us. “I have three boys, and we sponsored three girls in Zambia. We had the opportunity in 2019 to go see them, meet them, and then we went back again last year in 2023.”
Hart said she was so impressed with the growth and the “hope in their hearts.” As a result, she won’t stop helping the Christian humanitarian organization.
“I know that I’m very blessed to be able to go and see the work that they do and to see the programs and to see how complex and sustainable they are,” Hart said. “Here’s a charity that when you’re giving your money, I can tell you it’s going to a good cause. I can tell you it’s going to help these children, these families.”
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
