- - 'Days of Our Lives' Alum Jen Lilley Addresses Possible Return

Johnathon KornbleeDecember 31, 2025 at 8:41 PM

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Jen Lilley joined Days of Our Lives in 2013, stepping into the role of legacy character Theresa Donovan. Now, the actress is reflecting on her time on the soap and addressing whether she would ever consider returning to the Peacock streaming series.

Theresa Donovan quickly became a fan-favorite character during Lilley’s original run, thanks to the characters complicated family ties, romantic entanglements and dramatic storylines involving Brady Black and the Kiriakis family.

Lilley recently spoke with journalist Deanna Barnert for Woman’s World, where she discussed her latest movie role, her devotional work, and upcoming projects with Hallmark.

Lilley briefly returned to Das of Our Lives in 2023, reprising Theresa Donovan, after a five-year absence, as the character paid tribute to Victor Kiriakis following the death of his portrayer, John Anison. Her appearance lasted several weeks before the role was later recast with Days of Our Lives co-star Emily O’Brien.

Reflecting on learning that O’Brien would be taking over the role, Lilley said, “When I found out that Emily (who also plays Gwen) was going to take over for Theresa, I ran down to her dressing room and gave her a huge hug,”

The actress emphasized that there is no bad blood between her and the show following the recast, adding, “No bridge has been burned with me and Days of our Lives,”

Lilley also shared how much the role still means to her, saying, “Theresa’s my favorite character I’ve ever played. I love her. I love that cast.”

So, would the fan-favorite consider returning? Lilley said she “would go back in a heartbeat,” though she noted that it likely wouldn’t be anytime soon, explaining she would be open to returning “in a few years or so.”

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Lilley made her professional debut in 2007 on an episode of Hannah Montana. Her first major role came in 2011 when she joined the cast of General Hospital in the role of Maxie Jones, as she filled in for Kirsten Storms. Lilley then joined Days of Our Lives in 2013, and has since made guest appearances on other popular series such as Grey’s Anatomy and Chicago Med.

Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock.

This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”