Virginia native Jen Lilley has a leading actress in Hallmark Channel holiday movies for years, and makes movies seen on Great American Family Channel, Hulu, and Netflix. While the parts may not win the 40-year-old actress any Oscars, she values the films and their ability to provide joy.
As the 2024 holiday season kicks off, the former daytime soap opera star talked with Northern Virginia Magazine about some of her new Christmas movies, how important the holidays are, how fans can be in a movie with her, and about growing up in Roanoke.
Tell us more about your work on holiday movies, particularly with Hallmark and Great American Family. How long do they take to film? How do they get everything decorated so meticulously? Who are some of your favorite costars?
Holiday movies are so fun. My favorite part about them is the profound impact they have on viewers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met a fan at Christmas Con who has told me one of my Christmas movies was the only 90 minutes they didn’t cry all season because they’ve experienced a recent death in their family. I cry tears of awe and gratitude every time I hear someone say that. So, while these movies might not garner an Academy Award nomination, they’re a genre I’m extremely grateful to be part of because they’re impacting lives and bringing people peace and joy!
The movies take anywhere from two to three weeks to film, which is very fast. I’m obsessed with the on-set decorations — our set decorators are absolute geniuses. I take so many photos to inspire my own home décor every year. This year, for example, I’m including dried orange slices on my Christmas tree, which I took from my upcoming movie Operation Mistletoe.
I have had the pleasure of working with so many incredible actors and actresses over the course of my career. If I had to list my top three male co-stars from the holiday movie genre, I’d say Jesse Hutch, Matthew Morrison, and Trevor Donovan, although it’s tough to narrow the list down to three.
Operation Mistletoe is in post-production, as is A Little Women’s Christmas. When should we expect to see those movies?
Operation Mistletoe is available on Hulu and A Paris Christmas Waltz is available on Netflix. A Little Women’s Christmas premieres on Great American Family on November 23.
Tell us more about your upcoming projects like Holiday Hearts.
I am beyond excited about Holiday Hearts! Holiday Hearts is a holiday romance written by Bill True and is based on a novella by Dana Volney. We have an amazing cast on board, including six other award-winning and iconic actors I’m not allowed to announce yet. We’re set to start shooting in January for a 2025 holiday release.
This project is incredibly special to me. The script is one of the most powerful and moving stories I’ve ever read. I play Dr. Silver Morgenstern, a heart surgeon who returns to her hometown after sustaining an injury rendering her incapable of continuing as a surgeon. She meets Fisher Tibbs, a man who’s dedicated his life to helping underprivileged children while battling a terminal heart condition and in need of a heart transplant. The story explores their connection and how it leads both characters to rediscover hope and purpose in a tremendously powerful and layered way.
Aside from an incredible script and star power Holiday Hearts is the first in a potential trilogy, making this a holiday franchise for years to come. The film focuses on themes of second chances, charity, and love, which are perfect for the holiday season. My work in foster care and philanthropy adds extra depth to my connection and love for this film.
Here’s the most exciting part of all: fans can be IN the movie with me by going to RaiseTheReel.com and joining the “My Christmas Movie Moment” sweepstakes campaign!
What did you like to do growing up in Virginia? Do you have any favorite things to do or places to visit?
Virginia is beautiful. I loved growing up with all four seasons and visiting apple orchards in the fall. I loved being able to ride my bike in my neighborhood and knowing all our neighbors. I loved sledding when school was canceled due to snow. I loved the quality of my education and football games to show my over-the-top enthusiasm for each of the schools I attended. In general, I adore that Virginians can be direct like East Coasters while maintaining Southern hospitality.
What do you love most about the holiday season? Will you be coming to Virginia to spend time with family? What draws you to want to be in holiday movies?
I love that the holidays are a time where you can slow down and focus on your family and friends. I love making and decorating cookies and gingerbread houses with my kids, making the ugliest Christmas sweaters we can muster up, playing a holiday version of Minute to Win It and of course, having Christmas movie nights with popcorn, hot chocolate, and a candy bar. I also love meeting all of my fans at Christmas Con. I love making and delivering gifts for our neighbors and I think my favorite part of the holidays is prioritizing others and providing gifts to children and families in need that my family and I might never meet. That’s so special. And yes, I will be coming to Virginia to visit family, and I cannot wait!
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Feature image courtesy Jen Lilley
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