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]
Jen Lilley | |
---|---|
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]
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.[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]
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".[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]
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,[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]
On 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]
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 |
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) |
Year | Association | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | Indie Series Awards | Best Lead Actress – Drama | Youthful Daze | Nominated | [35] |