Jen Lilley
American actress and singer (born 1984) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
In 2025, Lilley and Billy Hallowell launched the podcast Into the Supernatural. [6]
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.[7] Lilley graduated from Cave Spring High School.[8] She went on to attend the University of Virginia and graduated early with magna cum laude honors.[9][better source needed]
Career
Summarize
Perspective
Acting
In 2011, Lilley had a supporting role in director Michel Hazanavicius's silent movie The Artist, which won five Academy Awards including Best Picture.[4] She also appeared as Monie in the iCarly TV movie, "iParty with Victorious".[10]
In autumn 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.[11] In August 2012, Lilley confirmed that she had finished taping and made her on-screen exit on August 20, 2012;[12][13][14] Storms later returned on September 5.[15]
In April 2013, Lilley joined the cast of Days of Our Lives as a newly created character.[16] She made her on-screen debut as Theresa Donovan on July 3, 2013.[17] Lilley was a principal cast member when Days of Our Lives won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. [18] 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.[19][20] Lilley reprised her portrayal as Theresa in May–July 2018.[21]
In November 2016, Lilley appeared in a film for the Hallmark Channel titled A Dash of Love.[22] In June 2018, she played Charlotte in the Hallmark Channel film Yes, I Do,[23] followed later that same year by playing Molly in the Hallmark Channel holiday film Mingle All the Way.[24] 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.[25]
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,[26] and in December of the same year, sang at the 3rd Annual Westchester All Stars Christmas for Wounded Veterans Concert in New York.[27]
On November 24, 2015, Lilley released her first Christmas album, "Tinsel Time". The album's title track premiered on TV Guide's TV Insider.[28] On October 5, 2018, Lilley debuted her studio single, "King of Hearts" from her forthcoming album, Lilley.[29]
Personal life
On May 26, 2007, Lilley married Jason Wayne.[30] In 2016, Lilley and her husband became foster parents through the organization, Childhelp.[4][31][32] In June 2019, Lilley and Wayne adopted their two foster sons and in July 2019, she gave birth to a daughter.[33][34] In May 2022, Lilley gave birth to the couple's fourth child, another daughter.[35][36]
Filmography
Film
| 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 |
| 2024 | Operation Mistletoe | Grace | TV movie |
Television
| 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
| Year | Association | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Indie Series Awards | Best Lead Actress – Drama | Youthful Daze | Nominated | [37] |
| 2024 | Movieguide Awards | Epiphany Prize | Paris Christmas Waltz | Nominated | [38] |
| 2024 | Movieguide Awards | Best Television Episode for Families | Paris Christmas Waltz | Won | [38] |
| 2025 | Movieguide Awards | Best Television Episode for Families | A Little Women’s Christmas | Won | [39] |
Humanitarian & Advocacy Awards
- 2024: Childhelp Inspirational Award - For her work with Christmas Is Not Cancelled and national child advocacy [40]
- 2024: Childhelp For the Love of a Child Award - Presented in recognition of extraordinary compassion and impact in the lives of at-risk youth [40]
- 2023: Barbara Harrison Award Presented by: Comfort Cases - For improving the lives of children in foster care
- 2023: Community Achievement Award Presented by: Junior League of Los Angeles - For philanthropic work supporting foster youth and her initiative Christmas Is Not Canceled [41]
- 2022: Toys for Tots Recognition - Honored for her outstanding charity work serving children and families in need
- 2020: Childhelp Children's Friend Award - Recognizing her commitment to children in foster care and abuse prevention [42]
- 2019: Happy Trails Super Star Award - Recognizing her ongoing efforts in foster care and child advocacy
- 2018: Childhelp Sweetheart Award - Honoring her early dedication to child welfare and loving advocacy
- 2001: National Educators Award – Guatemala - For performing concerts for underprivileged Guatemalan youth
References
External links
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