Jen Lilley
Lilley in 2013
Born
Jennifer Lilley

(1984-08-04) August 4, 1984 (age 39)
Roanoke, Virginia, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Virginia
Occupation(s)Actress, singer
Years active2007–present
Spouse
Jason Wayne
​
(m. 2007)​
Children4

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.[4]

Early life

Lilley 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.[5] Lilley graduated from Cave Spring High School.[6] She went on to attend the University of Virginia and graduated early with magna cum laude honors.[7][better source needed]

Career

Acting

In 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".[8]

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.[9] In August 2012, Lilley confirmed that she had finished taping and made her on-screen exit on August 20, 2012;[10][11][12] Storms later returned on September 5.[13]

In April 2013, Lilley joined the cast of Days of Our Lives as a newly created character.[14] She made her on-screen debut as Theresa Donovan on July 3, 2013.[15] 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.[16][17] Lilley reprised her portrayal as Theresa in May–July 2018.[18]

In November 2016, Lilley appeared in a film for the Hallmark Channel titled A Dash of Love.[19] In June 2018, she played Charlotte in the Hallmark Channel film Yes, I Do,[20] followed later that same year by playing Molly in the Hallmark Channel holiday film Mingle All the Way.[21] 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.[22]

Singing

In 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,[23] and in December of the same year, sang at the 3rd Annual Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans Concert in New York.[24]

On November 24, 2015, Lilley released her first Christmas album, "Tinsel Time". The album's title track premiered on TV Guide's TV Insider.[25] On October 5, 2018, Lilley debuted her studio single, "King of Hearts" from her forthcoming album, Lilley.[26]

Personal life

On May 26, 2007, Lilley married Jason Wayne.[27] In 2016, Lilley and her husband became foster parents through the organization, Childhelp.[4][28][29] In June 2019, Lilley and Wayne adopted their two foster sons and in July 2019, she gave birth to a daughter.[30][31] In May 2022, Lilley gave birth to the couple's fourth child, another daughter.[32][33]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2007 Suburban Skies Janey Richardson
2008 Changeling Switchboard Operator
2011 The Back-up Bride Daisy Spur
2011 The Artist On-looker
2011 The Sticky Chocolate Kingdom Audrey
2012 One Small Hitch Larissa
2012 The Olivia Experiment Felicia
2013 Revelation Road: The Beginning of the End Rachel McManus
2013 The Book of Esther Esther
2013 Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire Rachel McManus
2014 Turnaround Jake Jessica Henry
2016 Crossing Streets Cate Anderson
2018 Off the Menu Lauren
TBA Where Are You, Bobby Browning? Patsy Completed

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2007 Hannah Montana Swimsuit Model Episode: "That's What Friends are For"
2008 Two and a Half Men Bridesmaid No. 4 Episode: "Rough Night in Hump Junction"
2008 Ingles Ya! Sirena / Mandy Main role
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"
2011 Disaster Date various Recurring role
2011 iParty with Victorious Monie Television film (Nickelodeon)
2011 PrankStars Herself Episode: "Something to Chew On" (premiere)
2011–2012 General Hospital Maxie Jones Series regular
2012 The Dark Knight Retires Carly Web series; recurring role
2012 Petty Offense Laura Television film
2013 The Crazy Ones Claire Episode: "Bad Dad"
2013–2016, 2018, 2023 Days of Our Lives Theresa Donovan Series regular: July 3, 2013 to November 18, 2016; May 3, 2018 to July 19, 2018
2014 Dating in LA and Other Urban Myths Chloe Main role
2014–2015 Youthful Daze Natalie Cardin Web series; recurring role
2015 The Spirit of Christmas Kate Jordan Television film (Lifetime)
2016 The Encounter Nora Huber Episode: "Just Believe"
2016 Grey's Anatomy Kara Episode: "I Ain’t No Miracle Worker"
2017 Mommy, I Didn't Do It Kimberly Bains Television film (Lifetime)
2017 A Dash of Love Nikki Turner Television film (Hallmark)
2017 Eat, Play, Love Dr. Carly Monroe Television film (Hallmark)
2017 Harvest Love Luna Gilson Television film (Hallmark)
2018 The Wedding Do Over Sandy Brantwell Television film (PixL)
2018 Evil Doctor Aubrey Lewis Television film (Lifetime)
2018 Twin Betrayal Jessica & Alessandra Television film (Lifetime)
2018 Yes, I Do Charlotte Television film (Hallmark); also known as For Today I Do
2018 Mingle All The Way Molly Hoffman Television film (Hallmark)
2019 Winter Love Story Cassie Television film (Hallmark)
2019 Paris, Wine & Romance Isabella Ricci Television film (Hallmark)
2019 Love Unleashed Hailey Goode Television film (Hallmark)
2019 Love on Repeat Amber Television film
2019 Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday Hannah Pressman Television film (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)
2020 USS Christmas Maddie Contino Television film (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)
2021 Snowkissed Kate Daniels Television film (Hallmark)
2021 A Little Daytime Drama Maggie Coleman Television film (Hallmark)
2021 Royally Wrapped for Christmas Lindsay Peterson Television film (GAC Family)
2022 Where Your Heart Belongs Mackenzie Sullivan Television film (Hallmark)
2022 B&B Merry Tracey Wise Television Film (GAC Family)
2023 Paris Christmas Waltz Emma Harris Television Film (GAC Family)

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Work Result Ref.
2014 Indie Series Awards Best Lead Actress – Drama Youthful Daze Nominated [34]

References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ "Birthday Spotlight: Jen Lilley (ex-Theresa, DAYS)". Soap Opera Digest. August 4, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2018.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "ACT TWO". Soap Opera Digest. August 12, 2013. p. 39.
  6. ^ "Free Lilley." Soap Opera Digest. May 8, 2012. p. 55.
  7. ^ Durrell, Angela (August 26, 2015). "Slicing: Pie with Jen Lilley - Interview". Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ Kroll, Dan J. (September 14, 2011). "Illness sidelines Kirsten Storms, forces Maxie recast". Soapcentral. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  10. ^ Kroll, Dan J. (July 22, 2012). "Emotional Jen Lilley thanks fans for support". Soapcentral. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
  11. ^ Roots, Kimberly (July 23, 2012). "General Hospital Casting News: Kirsten Storms to Return! Jen Lilley Out!". TVLine. Retrieved July 23, 2012.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ "Kirsten Storms Back To Work At GH". Soap Opera Digest. August 21, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
  14. ^ "EXCLUSIVE! Jen Lilley joins DAYS". Soap Opera Digest. April 6, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  15. ^ "Comings and Goings". Soap Opera Digest (July 9, 2013). 2013.
  16. ^ Pederson, Erik (June 6, 2016). "Days Of Our Lives Star Jen Lilley Exiting After 3 Years". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ 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.
  19. ^ Cushman, Dustin (February 1, 2017). "Days' Jen Lilley unveils photos from Hallmark's 'A Dash of Love'". Soap Central.
  20. ^ Haven, Riley (June 28, 2018). "First Look and Exclusive Interview with Yes, I Do's Jen Lilley". Parade. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  21. ^ Clifford, Kambra (September 10, 2018). "DAYS' Jen Lilley and Brant Daugherty team up for holiday film". Soapcentral. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  22. ^ 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.
  23. ^ "Actress in town for anti-human trafficking awareness". Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  24. ^ "Days' Jen Lilley At Westchester All Stars Christmas Concert". Soaps.sheknows.com. September 3, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ Rose, Kamille (November 14, 2018). "Jen Lilley's Move to Music Pays Off". Hers Magazine. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
  27. ^ "Wed Alert". Soap Opera Digest. American Media, Inc. 39 (20): 40. May 19, 2014.
  28. ^ Campell, Angie (May 9, 2017). "One on one with actress and foster mom Jen Lilley". Upstate Parent. Retrieved November 18, 2018.
  29. ^ 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.
  30. ^ 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.
  31. ^ 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.
  32. ^ 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.
  33. ^ SOD (May 14, 2022). "DAYS Alum Welcomes a Second Daughter". Soap Opera Digest. United States: American Media, Inc. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  34. ^ "6th Annual Indie Series Awards Nominees". indieseriesawards.com. 2014. Archived from the original on August 3, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2015.

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