Jen Lilley, best known for her portrayal of Theresa Donovan on Days of Our Lives from 2013 to 2016 and briefly in 2018 and 2023, is thriving in projects outside the daytime drama sphere. The actress currently stars in two festive films: A Little Women’s Christmas on Great American Family and Operation Mistletoe on Hulu. Additionally, her 2023 movie A Paris Christmas Waltz, co-starring Matthew Morrison, is now streaming on Netflix.
Beyond acting, Lilley is pioneering a new venture, Raise the Reel, a crowdfunding platform designed to empower fans to directly support film projects. This initiative allows supporters to step onto film sets, earn IMDb credits, and even participate in once-in-a-lifetime filmmaking experiences.
In a recent interview with Soap Opera Digest, Lilley discussed her bustling career, her joy in creating holiday films, and the possibility of returning to Days of Our Lives.
Holiday Movies: Joy and Highlights
For Lilley, holiday movies are a source of warmth and nostalgia. “It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket and sharing happiness with the world,” she shared. Each project brought unique memories, such as dancing in Paris for A Paris Christmas Waltz, a challenging but rewarding experience. A Little Women’s Christmas stood out for its homage to a classic story and an incredible cast, while Operation Mistletoe provided lighthearted fun and plenty of laughter on set.