Jennifer Lilley (born August 4, 1984[1][2][3]) is an American actress and singer. Lilley played a supporting role in the 2011 film The Artist, temporarily portrayed Maxie Jones on the ABC soap opera General Hospital from September 2011 to August 2012, and has played the character of Theresa Donovan on NBC's soap opera Days of Our Lives from July 2013 to November 2016 and again from May to July 2018. She has also starred in several television films from Hallmark Channel and Great American Family Channel.[4]
Jen Lilley | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Lilley in 2013 | |
| Born | Jennifer Lilley August 4, 1984 Roanoke, Virginia, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, singer |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Spouse |
Jason Wayne (m. 2007) |
| Children | 4 |
In March 2024, Lilley was awarded the Childhelp Inspirational Award along with Ale Boggiano for their work with Christmas Is Not Cancelled. [5]
Early life
editLilley was born in Roanoke, Virginia to Ellen and Vincent Lilley. She is the second oldest of four children. She has two brothers, Michael and Ryan, and one sister, Katherine.[6] Lilley graduated from Cave Spring High School.[7] She went on to attend the University of Virginia and graduated early with magna cum laude honors.[8][better source needed]
Career
editActing
editIn 2011, Lilley had a supporting role in director Michel Hazanavicius's silent movie The Artist.[4] She also appeared as Monie in the iCarly TV movie, "iParty with Victorious".[9]
In the fall of 2011, Lilley took over the role of Maxie Jones, as a temporary recast for Kirsten Storms on General Hospital while she was on medical leave for endometriosis. She made her on-screen debut on September 28, 2011.[10] In August 2012, Lilley confirmed that she had finished taping and made her on-screen exit on August 20, 2012;[11][12][13] Storms later returned on September 5.[14]
In April 2013, Lilley joined the cast of Days of Our Lives as a newly created character.[15] She made her on-screen debut as Theresa Donovan on July 3, 2013.[16] In June 2016, she confirmed she was exiting the soap due to the demanding filming schedule hindering her ability to pursue other commitments and opportunities.[17][18] Lilley reprised her portrayal as Theresa in May–July 2018.[19]
In November 2016, Lilley appeared in a film for the Hallmark Channel titled A Dash of Love.[20] In June 2018, she played Charlotte in the Hallmark Channel film Yes, I Do,[21] followed later that same year by playing Molly in the Hallmark Channel holiday film Mingle All the Way.[22] In 2022, Lilley ended her association with Hallmark Channel, and signed a four-film deal with GAC Media, the owners of Great American Family channel.[23]
Singing
editIn the summer of 2014, Lilley traveled to Georgia, where she hosted and sang in a benefit concert with SOWEGA Art Performance to raise funds for ONEless Ministries,[24] and in December of the same year, sang at the 3rd Annual Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans Concert in New York.[25]
On November 24, 2015, Lilley released her first Christmas album, "Tinsel Time". The album's title track premiered on TV Guide's TV Insider.[26] On October 5, 2018, Lilley debuted her studio single, "King of Hearts" from her forthcoming album, Lilley.[27]
Personal life
editOn May 26, 2007, Lilley married Jason Wayne.[28] In 2016, Lilley and her husband became foster parents through the organization, Childhelp.[4][29][30] In June 2019, Lilley and Wayne adopted their two foster sons and in July 2019, she gave birth to a daughter.[31][32] In May 2022, Lilley gave birth to the couple's fourth child, another daughter.[33][34]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Changeling | Switchboard Operator | |
| 2009 | Robinson Crusoe: The Great Blitzkrieg | Robinson's Computer | Video |
| A Step Toward Heaven | Wife | Short | |
| 2009 | Flicker | Lydia | Short |
| 2010 | Fiddler in the Darkness | Lisa Coryelle | Short |
| 2011 | Head Over Spurs in Love | Daisy Spur | |
| Obsolescence | Obsolescence | Short | |
| The Artist | On-looker | ||
| The Sticky Chocolate Kingdom | Audrey | Short | |
| iParty with Victorious | Monie | TV movie | |
| 2012 | Love Refreshed | Angel | Short |
| The Olivia Experiment | Felicia | ||
| 2013 | Isolated | Ambassador for Peace | |
| One Small Hitch | Larissa | ||
| Revelation Road: The Beginning of the End | Rachel McManus | ||
| The Book of Esther | Esther | ||
| Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire | Rachel McManus | ||
| 2014 | Turn Around Jake | Jessica Henry | |
| 2015 | The Spirit of Christmas | Kate Jordan | TV movie |
| 2016 | Where Are You, Bobby Browning? | Patsy | |
| Crossing Streets | Cate Anderson | ||
| 2017 | Mommy, I Didn't Do It | Kimberly Bains | TV movie |
| A Dash of Love | Nikki Turner | TV movie | |
| Eat, Play, Love | Dr. Carly Monroe | TV movie | |
| Harvest Love | Luna Gilson | TV movie | |
| 2018 | Snatched | Aubrey Lewis | TV movie |
| Off the Menu | Lauren | ||
| The Wedding Do Over | Sandy Brantwell | TV movie | |
| Twin Betrayal | Jessica & Alessandra | TV movie | |
| Yes, I Do | Charlotte | TV movie | |
| Mingle All The Way | Molly Hoffman | TV movie | |
| 2019 | Winter Love Story | Cassie | TV movie |
| Paris, Wine & Romance | Isabella Ricci | TV movie | |
| Love Unleashed | Hailey Goode | TV movie | |
| Love on Repeat | Amber | TV movie | |
| Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday | Hannah Pressman | TV movie | |
| 2020 | USS Christmas | Maddie Contino | TV movie |
| 2021 | Snowkissed | Kate Daniels | TV movie |
| A Little Daytime Drama | Maggie Coleman | TV movie | |
| Royally Wrapped for Christmas | Lindsay Peterson | TV movie | |
| 2022 | Where Your Heart Belongs | Mackenzie Sullivan | TV movie |
| B&B Merry | Tracey Wise | TV movie | |
| 2023 | Paris Christmas Waltz | Emma Harris | TV movie |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Hannah Montana | Swimsuit Model | Episode: "That's What Friends are For" |
| 2008 | Two and a Half Men | Bridesmaid #4 | Episode: "Rough Night in Hump Junction" |
| Ingles Ya! | Sirena/Mandy | Main Cast | |
| 2009 | Criminal Minds | Megan Chertow | Episode: "The Eyes Have It" |
| 2010 | Castle | Julia Foster | Episode: "Punked" |
| 2011 | Rules of Engagement | Barista | Episode: "The Power Couple" |
| Disaster Date | Herself | Recurring Cast: Season 4 | |
| PrankStars | Herself | Episode: "Something to Chew On" | |
| 2011–12 | General Hospital | Maxie Jones | Regular Cast |
| 2013 | The Crazy Ones | Claire | Episode: "Bad Dad" |
| The Dark Knight Retires | Carly | Recurring Cast | |
| 2013–23 | Days of Our Lives | Theresa Donovan | Regular Cast |
| 2014 | Dating in LA and Other Urban Myths | Chloe | Main Cast |
| 2014–15 | Youthful Daze | Natalie Cardin | Main Cast: Season 3, Recurring Cast: Season 4 |
| 2016 | Grey's Anatomy | Kara | Episode: "I Ain’t No Miracle Worker" |
| The Encounter | Nora Huber | Episode: "Just Believe" | |
| 2023 | Chicago Med | Jodie Dunner | Episode: "It Is What It Is, Until It Isn't" |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Association | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Indie Series Awards | Best Lead Actress – Drama | Youthful Daze | Nominated | [35] |
References
edit- ^ Allen, Mike (July 18, 2014). "Arts & Extras: Roanoke County-raised actress Jen Lilley reveals her age for charitable causes". The Roanoke Times. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
- ^ "Birthday Spotlight: Jen Lilley (ex-Theresa, DAYS)". Soap Opera Digest. August 4, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
- ^ Lilley, Jen (November 23, 2019). "She's here!! LINK TO FULL STORY IN BIO. Thank you @ people for being so supportive and lovely the entire journey!". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Jen Lilley on Making Music That Gives, 'Days of Our Lives' & Her New Hallmark Holiday Movie". TV Insider. October 18, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
- ^ "Fundraising Powered by OneCause, creator of BidPal". one.bidpal.net. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
- ^ "ACT TWO". Soap Opera Digest. August 12, 2013. p. 39.
- ^ "Free Lilley." Soap Opera Digest. May 8, 2012. p. 55.
- ^ Durrell, Angela (August 26, 2015). "Slicing: Pie with Jen Lilley - Interview". Retrieved October 4, 2013.
- ^ Norris, Jane (May 27, 2011). "UVa graduate gains notice in Hollywood". The Daily Progress. Archived from the original on January 20, 2013. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
- ^ Kroll, Dan J. (September 14, 2011). "Illness sidelines Kirsten Storms, forces Maxie recast". Soapcentral. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
- ^ Kroll, Dan J. (July 22, 2012). "Emotional Jen Lilley thanks fans for support". Soapcentral. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
- ^ Roots, Kimberly (July 23, 2012). "General Hospital Casting News: Kirsten Storms to Return! Jen Lilley Out!". TVLine. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
- ^ Simms, Richard M. (July 23, 2012). "Storms Is Back As Maxie". ABC Soaps In Depth. Archived from the original on July 26, 2012. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
- ^ "Kirsten Storms Back To Work At GH". Soap Opera Digest. August 21, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE! Jen Lilley joins DAYS". Soap Opera Digest. April 6, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
- ^ "Comings and Goings". Soap Opera Digest (July 9, 2013). 2013.
- ^ Pederson, Erik (June 6, 2016). "Days Of Our Lives Star Jen Lilley Exiting After 3 Years". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
- ^ Allen, Mike (December 6, 2016). "Arts & Extras: Life after 'Days of Our Lives'". The Roanoke Times. Archived from the original on June 17, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
- ^ SOD (November 17, 2017). "Exclusive! Jen Lilley Back To DAYS!". Soap Opera Digest. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
- ^ Cushman, Dustin (February 1, 2017). "Days' Jen Lilley unveils photos from Hallmark's 'A Dash of Love'". Soap Central.
- ^ Haven, Riley (June 28, 2018). "First Look and Exclusive Interview with Yes, I Do's Jen Lilley". Parade. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ Clifford, Kambra (September 10, 2018). "DAYS' Jen Lilley and Brant Daugherty team up for holiday film". Soapcentral. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ Petski, Denise (January 10, 2022). "Jen Lilley Inks Multi-Picture Overall Deal With GAC Media, Will Star In Four Movies". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ "Actress in town for anti-human trafficking awareness". Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
- ^ "Days' Jen Lilley At Westchester All Stars Christmas Concert". Soaps.sheknows.com. September 3, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ Logan, Michael (November 18, 2015). "First Listen: Days of Our Lives Star Jen Lilley Gets Into the Holiday Spirit With New Christmas Album". TV Insider.
- ^ Rose, Kamille (November 14, 2018). "Jen Lilley's Move to Music Pays Off". Hers Magazine. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
- ^ "Wed Alert". Soap Opera Digest. 39 (20). American Media, Inc.: 40 May 19, 2014.
- ^ Campell, Angie (May 9, 2017). "One on one with actress and foster mom Jen Lilley". Upstate Parent. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
- ^ Eades, Chris (October 17, 2018). "Jen Lilley Reveals How Fostering, Adoption, and Her Miscarriage Have Changed Her Life". CBS Soaps in Depth. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
- ^ Harmata, Claudia; Leon, Anya (March 20, 2019). "Jen Lilley Pregnant with Baby Girl After Fostering to Adopt Two Sons – Why She's 'Relieved'". People. United States. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
- ^ Juneau, Jen; Warner, Kara (August 1, 2019). "She's Here! Jen Lilley and Husband Jason Wayne Welcome Daughter Julie Evangeline". People. United States. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
- ^ Slater, Georgia; Patterson, Charmaine (May 13, 2022). "Jen Lilley Welcomes Baby Girl with Husband Jason Wayne After a Surprising and Dramatic Arrival". People. United States: Meredith Corporation. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ SOD (May 14, 2022). "DAYS Alum Welcomes a Second Daughter". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ^ "6th Annual Indie Series Awards Nominees". indieseriesawards.com. 2014. Archived from the original on August 3, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
External links
edit
- Jen Lilley at IMDb
- Jen Lilley on Disaster Date