Days in the Life of Alum Jen Lilley Opens Up About Coming Back as Theresa After Scandal
Days in the Life of Alum Jen Lilley Opens Up About Coming Back as Theresa After Scandal
Jen Lilley is open to returning to the show if the timing was right because she’s prioritizing her family over work these days.
Fans were shocked when Theresa was sent to prison on Days of Our Lives. At the time, Emily O’Brien played the part after Jen Lilley was recast in 2023. However, that hasn’t kept Lilley down. She’s got many other irons in the fire and recently discussed a possible return to the fan-favorite role.
A Family Reunion
Lilley talked with Soap Opera Digest about DAYS and noted what most actors in the soap world feel, “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.” Indeed, fans are still asking whether she would ever bring Theresa back to Salem.
It’s been reported that Emily O’Brien will be returning this year as Gwen, and SOD asked Lilley if she would consider reprising Theresa. To the glee of fans, she responded, “I’d definitely be open to returning to the role, even for a longer arc.”
Family First
However, DAYS shoots episodes almost a year in advance and has a grueling recording schedule. Lilley explained that at this time in her life, her family comes first. She remarked, “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.” The actress stays in touch with various erstwhile castmates, and she even gave O’Brien some tips on playing Theresa when O’Brien took over the part.
The big thing for Lilley was that playing Theresa helped her grow as a person in real life and not judge a book by its cover because people have all sorts of reasons for doing what they do. “It was such an honor to bring her story to life for over 400 episodes,” she added, “and to work with such an incredible cast and crew.”
Fans all over are keeping their fingers crossed that Lilley will eventually return to breathe new life into Theresa, who’s been off the canvas since she went to jail over the summer.
