Days of Our Lives alum Jen Lilley is starring in her latest holiday film, which she describes as “offbeat.” If she could compare it to any movie, it would be the classic comedy, Napoleon Dynamite.
Key Takeaways
- Lilley said goodbye to her DAYS character, Theresa Donovan, in 2023.
- Since then, she’s appeared in over 20 holiday movies.
- Her latest film, A Chrismystery, is a unique film, which Lilley describes as the “Napoleon Dynamite of Christmas movies.”
Fresh Take On Classic Christmas Movies
In an interview with Remind Magazine, Lilley described her latest film. She’s one of the reigning Queens of Christmas actresses, starring in over 20 holiday movies. After so many years, it can be hard to keep track of them all.
Her latest film, A Christmystery from Vision Films, is available to watch now on major transactional VOD platforms. Lilley admitted that she loves filming Hallmark holiday movies. However, her favorite ones are the “offbeat” ones, which are a little more unusual.
“It’s like the Napoleon Dynamite of Christmas movies, and I thought that was just different and fun,” the former soap star exclaimed. What also made it different this time is that it was filmed in December rather than the summertime, when most holiday movies are produced.
It was so cold that Lilley kept reapplying her lip balm. For those who don’t usually watch holiday movies due to the feel-good factor or romance, Lilley assures that this one is different from all the others. “This is the Christmas movie for people who hate Christmas movies. This is not Hallmark. It’s not a walking Christmas card. It’s anything but,” she added.
In the movie, Lilley plays Annie, a police officer who returns to her hometown with her daughter after her husband dies. Annie must uncover the mystery of who’s stealing the Christmas lights and decorations. This film has plenty of heart and humor.
Booked and Busy
Lilley has been busy filming movies since her departure from DAYs in 2023. Her next project is a biopic about Jimmy Stewart, starring alongside KJ Apa. Lilley stars as Gloria Stewart, who was married to the legend.
The movie is slated for release in November 2026. When she got the script, she cried, and she feels the film will resonate with others as well. “It is one of those movies that’s going to get people in the mood for the holidays, even though it’s not explicitly a holiday movie,” Lilly explained.
This month, Lilley released her devotional book, Wake Up Your Faith: 365 Daily Encounters with Jesus. She’s keeping busy by juggling different projects. Would she love to go back to her DAYS roots?
“In a heartbeat,” Lilley said. Filming a soap would be challenging this time since she’s a mother to four kids. In the interview, she gave a shoutout to Emily O’ Brien for winning a Daytime Emmy for her portrayal of Theresa Donovan.
“I’ve got no beef with anybody. I just love all of them, and I’m grateful that I got to be part of something so iconic,” Lilley concluded. She’s grateful for her time on the show, and for what 2026 brings.
