Photo credit: Jen Lilley

Jen Lilley may be known to soap fans as playing the scheming Theresa Brady on Days of Our Lives and subbing for Kirsten Storms as Maxie on General Hospital, but in real life, she speaks openly about her faith and what it means to live it out.

Walking In Faith

The actress recently announced the news that she has written a devotional. Lilley posted on her Instagram, “I’m beyond humbled and honored to reveal the cover of my very first book, Wake Up Your Faith: 365 Daily Encounters with Jesus. Do you ever feel like you’re sleepwalking through life? Wonder where God is in the middle of it all? Maybe you believe in Him, but you’ve never truly experienced His presence. This book is for you.

“My prayer in writing it was simple: that it wouldn’t just be another book on your shelf, but a companion that draws you into the heart of God every single day,” she continued. “That it would stir your heart and faith in a way you’ve never experienced. That it would call you to greater depths and understanding of who He is and ignite you with a passion and deep yearning to love God and people more sincerely than ever before,” alongside a video of her showing the cover.

Lilley has become as well known for her charitable work as for her acting. She serves as Vice President on the board of the Tulsa Girls’ Home, part of Project Orphans in Oklahoma, which provides safe housing and transitional support for teenage girls in foster care.

Lilley also co-founded Christmas Is Not Cancelled, an initiative that has provided thousands of toys and school supplies through campaigns like “Camp Christmas in July,” though she recently shared that she is scaling back its events.

A longtime ambassador for Childhelp USA, she continues to advocate for children impacted by abuse and neglect. She also launched the #VoicesThatGive contest to benefit Project Orphans and raise awareness during National Foster Care Month. Beyond these efforts, Lilley has supported organizations such as Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Mission, and the Thirst Project, making child welfare a consistent focus of her advocacy.

Wake Up Your Faith is currently available for preorder and will be released on November 4, 2025.

The actress announced in August that she would be starring in a new film, Jimmy. The actress will be portraying Gloria Stewart, the wife of actor James Stewart, who will be played by Riverdale alum KJ Apa.

Days Gone By

Lilley played the role of Theresa on DOOL from July 2013 to November 2016, reprised the role from May to July 2018, and then came back briefly in August 2023 to honor the late John Aniston’s character of Victor, before the role was recast with actress Emily O’Brien, and the character is currently off the canvas. Earlier this year, Lilley opened up about returning to the role.