Breaking News: Jen Lilley Returns as Theresa—Fans Rejoice Over This Epic Comeback! 🎉

Jen Lilley, who originally played Days of our Lives’s Theresa Donovan from 2013 to 2016, returned in 2018, and last appeared in 2023, continues to thrive in projects outside the daytime world. She’s currently starring in two new holiday movies, A Little Women’s Christmas on Great American Family and Operation Mistletoe on Hulu, while her 2023 film, A Paris Christmas Waltz with Matthew Morrison, is now available on Netflix. In addition, the actress is set to launch Raise the Reel, an innovative crowdfunding platform that empowers fans to directly fund their favorite film projects, while getting the opportunity to step onto the set, earn IMDB credits, win once-in-a-lifetime raffle prizes, and be part of the filmmaking process. Lilley chatted with Soap Opera Digest about her busy career and weighed in on the possibility of returning to DAYS.

Soap Opera Digest: You have two new holiday films out this season, A Little Women’s Christmas and Operation Mistletoe, and A Paris Christmas Waltz is now streaming on Netflix. What do you enjoy most about doing these movies and are there any highlights that stand out from any of them?

Jen Lilley: Holiday movies are pure joy to make. They bring so much warmth, hope, and nostalgia. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket and sharing a moment of happiness with the world. Each film has its own highlights, but for A Paris Christmas Waltz, dancing in Paris was an absolute dream come true. The city is so magical, and the choreography was challenging but so rewarding. A Little Women’s Christmas also holds a special place in my heart, because of the classic story it honors and the incredible cast I got to work with. And Operation Mistletoe was just all around fun. I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed so much on set, and I think Grace [the character I play] is most like me in real life.

Digest: Do you ever watch these movies as a family with your children, Kayden, Jeffrey, Julie and Jacqueline?

Lilley: I’ve tried, but let me tell you, it’s hilarious how confused my kids get about my job. When we sat down to watch A Paris Christmas Waltz, they had so many serious questions. They asked if I’m Emma [her character] every time I leave town for work and if Matthew Morrison is my “other husband”! I had to gently explain that I only have one husband and that Mommy is just really good at pretending. It’s one of those moments where you realize how funny and surreal this job can look through a child’s eyes.

Digest: Where did the idea for Raise the Reel come from and what inspired you to launch it?

Lilley: I realized that traditional film financing is incredibly risky and often forces artists to compromise their creative freedom. It’s a tough reality for filmmakers who pour their hearts into their work. At the same time, I started thinking about the fans — how they love these movies and would absolutely jump at the chance to be a part of them, whether that’s spending a day on set, acting as a background townsperson, or even getting a speaking role. It’s a dream for so many people. Raise the Reel is about bridging those two worlds: Giving fans an opportunity to experience the magic of filmmaking firsthand, while empowering filmmakers to tell their stories without sacrificing ownership or creative vision.

Digest: It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for an aspiring actor or actress.

Lilley: This is the kind of opportunity I would have given anything for when I was first trying to break into Hollywood and acting. The fact that people can now guarantee themselves a speaking role in a movie with an award-winning cast and an accomplished director, plus earn IMDB acting and producing credits, and tickets to the premiere where they’ll walk the red carpet… It’s absolutely mind-blowing to me. It’s the kind of experience that can open doors and create memories that last a lifetime.

Digest: Will you briefly explain how it will work – from fans funding a film to getting the opportunity to be on set?

Lilley: Absolutely! It’s super-simple and accessible. Fans can visit RaiseTheReel.com and scroll through current opportunities to find a project they want to support. Once they click on a project, they’ll see a variety of packages tailored to different levels of involvement. The smaller packages offer fun perks, like blooper reels or autographed scripts, as a thank-you for helping to finance the film. The higher-tier packages guarantee something unforgettable, like a walk-on role, set visits, or even an associate producer credit. And the cherry on top? Every single purchase automatically enters fans into a sweepstakes to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For instance, we just gave away the Picture Perfect Christmas package, a fully decorated Christmas tree, catered dinner, keepsakes, and more, along with a walk-on role including a close-up in my upcoming Christmas movie, Holiday Hearts.

Digest: So fans will have the opportunity to do more than just observe, they’ll actually get to participate in the filmmaking process?

Lilley: Oh, they’ll absolutely get to participate. Fans can choose their level of involvement, from being an extra in a fun scene to earning a full speaking role or even becoming an associate producer on the project.

Digest: What are your thoughts on actually getting to work with fans?

Lilley: I love working with fans. I truly have the best fans in the world. They’re so kind, generous, and supportive. Bringing them into the process makes the whole experience feel even more special. It’s not just about making a movie, it’s about creating memories together.

Digest: What are some of the once-in-a-lifetime prizes?

Lilley: The My Christmas Movie Moment prize this year was such a fun one. The winner got everything they need for their ultimate Christmas movie moment: A beautiful, decorated tree, gorgeous holiday decor, a fully catered Christmas dinner, and personalized keepsakes. On top of that, they won a guaranteed walk-on role with a close-up in Holiday Hearts. We even covered their airfare and accommodations to make the whole experience seamless. These prizes are all about bringing fans into the magic of the movies they love.

Digest: Are there any film projects currently in the works?

Lilley: Yes. The opportunity to be part of Holiday Hearts will be available until April 15, 2025. Beyond that, I’m working on a couple of exciting projects that I’ll be announcing in the new year. So stay tuned.

Digest: On the DAYS front, Theresa has been off the canvas for a while. Emily O’Brien, who last played her, will be returning to the show in 2025 — but as Gwen, not Theresa. Have you spoken to anyone at DAYS about returning to the role at some point and would you be open to the idea?

Lilley: I’d definitely be open to returning to the role, even for a longer arc, but soaps shoot all year, versus prime-time series or movies that only film for a few months and have a hiatus. Soaps demand a whole other level of commitment. Right now, my family comes first, and I’m prioritizing this season of life with my children. So, while I’d love to come back in smaller arcs when the timing is right, I’m not in a position to take on the full-time commitment that DAYS demands.

Digest: Does Theresa remain a character that is special to you and near and dear to your heart?

Lilley: Theresa is my favorite character I’ve ever played. She’s so layered; tough on the outside, but tender and vulnerable underneath. Playing her gave me so much empathy for people in general. She taught me to look beyond first impressions and recognize that everyone is carrying their own battles and burdens. It was such an honor to bring her story to life for over 400 episodes and to work with such an incredible cast and crew.

Digest: Have you spoken to Emily about the character when she took it over, and did you get to see any of her work as Theresa?

Lilley: I gave Emily a few pointers in the beginning, and I watched her first scene during the big Theresa reveal. Beyond that, I haven’t kept up. But I did hear at Christmas Con that Theresa kidnapped a baby [Victoria], and I was genuinely shocked. Considering everything Theresa went through with Tate being kidnapped, that storyline felt really out of character to me. I’m curious to understand how the writers made that decision, because by the time I left, Theresa had grown so much as a person.

Digest: Are you still in touch with anyone at DAYS?

Lilley: Absolutely. I keep up with Eric Martsolf [Brady] pretty regularly. He’s such a great friend. I’m also very close with Meredith Scott Lynn [ex-Anne], and I stay in touch with Missy Reeves [Jennifer] now and then. I recently caught up with Deidre Hall [Marlena] briefly after Drake’s [Hogestyn, ex-John] tragic passing. The DAYS cast is like family, and every time I reconnect with someone, it feels like no time has passed. That’s the kind of bond you build when you work on a show like this.