News Summary
Ten-year-old Tony Daly, known as ‘Little Tony,’ is making headlines with his role in the upcoming Hallmark movie ‘The More the Merrier.’ The film aims to raise awareness about heart health, featuring real-life heart condition survivors, including Tony. Born premature and facing significant health challenges, Tony’s journey exemplifies resilience. The film is part of Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas lineup, with anticipation building as the premiere date approaches. Tony’s involvement in the HeartMates program connects him with fellow heart health advocates like Damar Hamlin, further emphasizing the community’s importance in promoting heart awareness.
Summerlin, Las Vegas – Ten-year-old Tony Daly, affectionately known as “Little Tony,” has made headlines recently for his role in the upcoming Hallmark Channel movie titled “The More the Merrier.” This film is set to become a part of Hallmark’s popular Countdown to Christmas lineup for 2025.
The movie is particularly significant as it features real-life patients like Tony who have triumphed over severe heart conditions, serving as an important platform for heart health awareness. The film’s release is highly anticipated, though the exact premiere date has yet to be announced, with Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas schedule set for a public announcement on September 17, 2025.
Born three months premature, Tony faced a challenging start in life, entering the world with a weight of just 2 pounds at 26 weeks gestation. He was diagnosed with a persistent hole in his heart, a condition that typically requires surgical intervention. When he was just two weeks old, a team of doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles recommended an innovative, minimally invasive procedure using the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder device to close the hole. This procedure was successful and spared Tony from having to undergo open-heart surgery.
Thanks to this groundbreaking medical intervention, doctors were able to confirm by the age of five that Tony was in good health and could lead a normal life. Today, he is active and enjoys an array of sports, including baseball, football, tennis, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. His resilience and spirit have made him a story of hope and inspiration for many.
In addition to his budding acting career, Tony is also involved with Abbott’s HeartMates program, which connects individuals affected by cardiovascular conditions. It was through this program that he met Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who himself is an advocate for heart health following his own experience with cardiac arrest during a football game. This connection has led to a strong bond between the two as they both share similar life-changing experiences related to heart health.
During the filming of “The More the Merrier,” Tony took part in group scenes at Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, New York, where he had the unique opportunity to interact with Hamlin. He also filmed a scene that involved making a video call with Damar and other young ambassadors from the HeartMates program.
After completing his filming commitments, Tony returned to Las Vegas and promptly resumed his school activities, ensuring that he caught up on his assignments even during his flight home. His ability to balance schoolwork and his burgeoning acting endeavors speaks volumes about his dedication and work ethic.
Feedback from filmmakers regarding Tony’s performance has been overwhelmingly positive. They commended him for his natural talent and contagious energy on set, making him a notable presence in the film.
In addition to Tony’s eagerly awaited role in “The More the Merrier,” Damar Hamlin is also set to star in another Hallmark film titled “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.” The success of both films is projected to highlight important themes surrounding heart health and the human spirit’s resilience.
As anticipation builds for the release of “The More the Merrier,” Tony’s story exemplifies not only personal triumph over adversity but also the power of community and advocacy in raising awareness for heart conditions.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated
- Wikipedia: Damar Hamlin
- Heavy
- Google Search: Damar Hamlin Buffalo Bills
- WIVB
- Google Scholar: Damar Hamlin heart health
- Bleacher Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Damar Hamlin
- The New York Times
- Google News: Damar Hamlin movie
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
