MHS Alumni Bring HERSHEY to the Big Screen
Long before HERSHEY reaches theaters this Thanksgiving, a few familiar faces and names from the Milton Hershey School community had already participated in its development. From on-screen appearances to behind-the-scenes craftsmanship, their experiences reveal just how personal the project became.
Andrew Brody ’78
Growing up at Milton Hershey School, Andrew Brody ’78 often felt Milton and Catherine Hershey deserved a place alongside the great American success stories told through cinema, like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. So, when the opportunity arose to be an extra in the HERSHEY movie, he didn’t hesitate. He knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment to help introduce the world to a story unlike any other.
“When I heard this film was greenlit to be made, I was instantly filled with excitement, and I knew I needed to be part of it,” he said.
Being on set transported Brody back in time. Surrounded by actors in period clothing, antique vehicles, and meticulously reimagined scenes from early Hershey, Pennsylvania, he felt as though he had stepped through a portal into the past. One of the most memorable experiences came when he met Finn Wittrock, who portrays Milton S. Hershey in the film. Dressed in vintage attire and standing in a constructed version of Hershey’s town square, Brody shared his MHS story with him before shaking his hand.
“I felt like I was having a conversation with the real Milton Hershey,” he recalled.
The experience became even more rewarding because Brody was able to share it with fellow MHS alumnus and lifelong friend John Connor ’78. The two met in kindergarten at MHS and remained close, from performing together in chorus and Glee Club to serving as co-captains of the gymnastics team. Decades after beginning their MHS journeys together, they found themselves side by side on the set of a major motion picture celebrating the legacy that brought them together as children. Brody hopes the film introduces millions of people to Milton and Catherine Hershey’s extraordinary vision and compels viewers to see a Hershey’s chocolate bar as something far greater than just candy.
Lori Livingston ’92
Some phone calls stay with you. For Lori Livingston ’92, one of those calls came when her agent shared news about the upcoming HERSHEY movie. She immediately knew that being part of the project would be incredibly special and unforgettable.
“As an alumna, I had to do something in this movie,” she said.
Livingston was considered for multiple scenes and chose to portray one of the wealthy Black women of the South, embracing a role that reflected the elegance and social stature of the era. Being part of a film centered on the Hersheys’ story was a profound way to honor the legacy that made her story possible.
The production’s commitment to authenticity left a lasting impression on her. While Livingston was already familiar with much of Milton Hershey’s life through her MHS experience, she appreciated learning additional details about his family and witnessing the extensive research undertaken by the cast and crew. She was equally struck by the realities of bringing the early 20th century to life through costume. Beneath the film’s beautiful gowns were layers of petticoats, corsets, stockings, padding, and undergarments that gave her a new appreciation for the women of that time.
One of the most memorable parts of the experience was the reaction she received when members of the production crew learned she was an MHS alumna. As one of the first alumni actors to appear on set, Livingston found herself answering questions from crew eager to learn more about the school and the living legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey.
“The way that crew rolled out the red carpet for me once they were aware that I was an alum was so beautiful,” she said.
She appears in a cameo during a scene where Milton Hershey visits Louisiana, but she hopes the film’s impact extends far beyond any individual performance. Livingston believes the movie offers a chance for a new generation to discover the story behind one of the world’s most recognizable brands.
“I believe this generation has lost the ability to know the person behind the Hershey brand,” she said. “It is so much more than just the best chocolate.”
Livingston wants audiences to walk away from this film acknowledging Milton Hershey as a visionary who persevered through setbacks and ultimately created a remarkable legacy.
David Brunner ’63
Not all MHS connections to the HERSHEY movie appeared on screen.
More than 60 years after David Brunner ’63 arrived at MHS, his family found an unexpected way to be part of the legacy once again. This time, it wasn’t David who was bringing that story to life. It was his son, Douglass.
As a set painter on the HERSHEY film, Douglass Brunner helped transform modern Pennsylvania towns, including Brownsville and Latrobe, into beautifully convincing snapshots of another era. From storefronts to streetscapes, his work helped create the authentic atmosphere that made the film’s settings feel like their own characters in the story.
When Brunner learned that his son would be working on a film about Milton and Catherine Hershey, he was ecstatic. Watching his son work on this production created a powerful tie between the legacy he received as an MHS student and the legacy he would pass on to the next generation.
“I started telling my son more about Mr. Hershey so he could recognize some of the details being portrayed in the movie,” Brunner said.
The project was a natural fit for Douglass. Having worked with the production company on previous films and television shows, he eagerly joined the team for this project. Through his son’s involvement, Brunner gained a few new insights of his own, including learning about Milton Hershey’s younger sister, Sarena, who passed away at a young age. He was also impressed by the amount of work required to recreate the world depicted in the film. While much of Douglass’ artistry is woven throughout the movie, David believes viewers can more clearly spot some of his son’s work in scenes featuring the prominent Hershey sign above the candy store.
“Because I am a brother of the chocolate blood, it was an honor and a privilege to have my son work on this film,” Brunner said.
Brunner hopes the movie helps viewers learn about the passion behind one of America’s greatest philanthropists and better understand the impact of his generosity. Beyond the success of the chocolate company, he wants people to see the character of the man himself and the lasting difference his vision continues to make in the lives of countless young people through MHS.