Thanks to the loyal and devoted Robin Plate, I “discovered” the actress Jen Lilley last summer, and I was quite pleased to interview her prior to the premiere of her Hallmark film Eat, Play, Love. Nevertheless, it was a last-minute interview, and my plan was to eventually have a more detailed and prolific conversation with this charming, philanthropic, devout woman. Recently, my wish came true, and the dynamic and engaging Jen agreed to do an interview with me in anticipation of her new Hallmark film Yes I Do.

RH: Jen, I am sooo glad I get to talk to you finally after all this time! 

JL: Yes, Ruth, same here, so great to chat with you.

I am very excited about your upcoming Hallmark movie this weekend. Marcus Rosner and I are pretty close, and I feel a sense of responsibility with him because I was one of the first people to ever interview him. It’s been wonderful to see his career rise, but I’ve also loved seeing him mature as a person and an actor. 

Marcus is such a nice guy, and he’s such a gentleman. In fact, he is the epitome of a gentleman. For example, Ruth, when we would run lines… we stayed in separate hotels, which was just kind of a coincidence. I always stay as close as I can to set. I don’t need anything fancy; I just need a bed and a shower. I do need to sleep. I don’t want to be commuting from a fancy hotel to wherever we’re shooting. I always stay closer in, but many of the other actors stay at one of the nicer hotels even if it’s further away. It’s really just a personal preference thing. But I can remember that Marcus wanted to run lines, and he said we could just run lines in the lobby. And I was like, “That’s so awkward because there’s other people around.” I figured we could find a quieter place. But just out of respect for decency versus reading lines in one of our rooms, I was like, “Wow, that’s very gentlemanly of you.” I really appreciated it. I have worked with a lot of gentlemen, but I’ve never worked with someone like Marcus. He’s such a good guy.

Oh, he is. And I’m so excited he finally has his first lead role with Hallmark. And the Hallmark fans are excited too. 

Not only is Marcus handsome, but he’s such a good actor. We worked really well off of each other. And that is something that Christie {Will} and I both noticed. It was lovely to have her directing me again, and obviously, she and I are very good friends. We care about a lot of the same things. We both care a lot about the foster care initiative. There are different things that we both deeply care about and talk about that have nothing to do with the business. When we were both on set and we were watching Marcus or the dailies, we both talked about how Marcus is really good at picking up on my subtle nuances and also reacting subtly. I really like working against him because he’s really present. Just a fantastic actor.

That is great to hear, Jen. I always knew he was a great actor. I’ve seen him in some Lifetime stuff that was very edgy where he was playing the bad guy, and I loved the fact that he was getting the opportunity to act. But sometimes with the smaller roles in Hallmark, I knew he wasn’t getting the same opportunities to really act. He always made the most of every role, but he was usually the rich snob or the jerk who didn’t get the girl.

You know, it makes no sense because he is just so attractive. I’m sorry, but I think he’s the most attractive leading man I’ve ever had.

I think I would agree with you on that.

He’s a pretty stunning man. And he’s so mature for being so young. In fact, I think now that his “leading man” career has officially begun, it could go one easily for another fifteen years or more.

So what can you tell us about the storyline of the movie and your role?

Jen Lilley Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Hallmark Channel

I can tell you several things. It revolves around a girl named Charlotte, and like “runaway bride” Julia Roberts, Charlotte does run away. She’s a runaway bride in this movie. She leaves Marcus’ character, James, at the altar twice. Within the first five or six minutes of the movie, she leaves him at the altar not once, but twice. But unlike Julia Roberts, Charlotte is running away from the same groom. The movie continues with the third wedding being only thirty days away, and Charlotte is terrified. He’s waiting for her to finally be able to do the whole wedding thing. While she’s not afraid of commitment, she is terrified of failure. She’s a perfectionist, and she doesn’t assume she’s good enough for anything.

Jen Lilley Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Hallmark Channel

Charlotte is one who overthinks things and she’s concerned about every little detail. That works great for her business because she’s a chocolatier. So it’s actually a play on the name. Instead of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” it’s “Charlotte and the Chocolate Factory.” Unfortunately, though, this doesn’t work as well for relationships.

Beau Daniel, Jen Lilley, Jessica Lowndes Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Hallmark Channel

Then Jessica Lowndes’ character comes in because she owns this magazine called Chocolate Monthly. She’s doing a national competition to find Amerca’s best chocolatier. When she interviews Charlotte, Charlotte comes up with these creative creations. Jessica’s character says she really thinks Charlotte has a shot at winning the competition. Again, Charlotte doesn’t think she’s good enough to win. When they run into James, even more issues come up, but I’ll stop there and not spoil any of the story.

This was the first time you worked with Jessica Lowndes, correct?

Yes, and she’s amazing.

This is one Hallmark movie I am really looking forward to seeing.

It’s really fun!

If I remember right, you also went back to Days Of Our Lives for a time fairly recently.

Yes, I was only there filming November, December, and January, and the shows are airing now.

Days of Our Lives

I have not been one who has religiously watched soap operas, but I have a great deal of respect for the actors who do them. And in your case, Jen, I love the fact that reach out to a demographic that truly needs the message you’re providing.

Yes, I see it as an outreach to those who need it. As we spoke about last time, that is exactly why I do it. The Holy Spirit said to me, “Jen, this is exactly the condition of the world of the people I died for. And these people need to know that they’re not beyond redemption.” I want people to know that there is no pit so low that His love can’t find you still.

I remember you talking about that, and it’s so cool to hear that from an actress. It’s not about the money or anything else. I’ve heard from some actors who do the soaps because it’s a good paycheck. 

Well, I can say that it’s a steady gig, and I know some people do it for that. But in my case, that is not why. But it’s a lot of work.

That is something I have come to appreciate in talking with actors who have been on soap operas. I know it’s an insane schedule, and I have no idea how people memorize all those lines as fast as they do. But I commend you for doing soap operas and doing them for the reason that you do.

Thank you, Ruth.

I know you also did a Lifetime movie recently.

Twin Betrayal

Yes, I was in the movie Twin Betrayal. And I really enjoyed that one. It was awesome.

And Off the Menu is another one that is available to stream. And I think Hallmark audiences would like that one too.

Yes, for sure. That one is super cute. I’m not a lead in that one; I’m supporting.

Off the Menu

I always like to give the fans some other options where they can see you. I know you know this, but Hallmark audiences just love you.

Yes, and that is just so great. I am so grateful for them. I’m honestly like, “Please, put me in more Hallmark films.”

I know we would love to see you in more Hallmark films. My mom remembers you from Eat, Play, Love.

You know, I love all three of my Hallmark films that are out, and Eat, Play, Love seems to be quite the favorite amongst fans. My role was so different in Eat, Play, Love since I played such a nerd. My other two films, Dash Of Love and Harvest Love were such lovely ones too, and it’s hard to actually pick my favorite.

Eat, Play, Love

Well, I had other reasons for enjoying Eat, Play, Love. It was Jason Cermak‘s first lead role with Hallmark, and I’ve been following him almost from the beginning.

Oh, Jason’s so great!

But I love all your Hallmark movies. I never get tired of watching you. In fact, speaking of Harvest Love, Christie was really proud of that one since she co-wrote it and directed it. I think she was the first woman in Hallmark to do that.

Yes, she was.

I know you’re also working on an album, and that process has been going on for awhile.

Yes, it’s finished, and I’m now in the launch phase. I’m not exactly sure when it’s gonna come out because I have had other family responsibilities that have kept me from figuring everything out. I’ve been so busy lately. I’m hoping for September 1st, but I would say early fall release. It’s not an indie release; I’m trying to do it on a massive scale. It’s produced by Adrian Gurvitz. I have some great people connected with it. Dianne Warren, who needs no introduction, wrote one of the songs. Lauren Christy, who won writer of the year last year, wrote a bunch of the songs. Adrian Gurvitz and Sir Jones wrote songs on it. Rosie Danvers, who is Adele’s orchestra, she and her fifty-piece orchestra are on it. Some of Adele’s musicians from London flew in and were on it as session players. It’s definitely a massive undertaking. It’s sixties style, but modern, all original songs. Very like Motown cute. Very girl power. It’s a CD about love, breakups, loss, and winning them back. And being fine with being on your own.

That sounds so cool! I know my mom and I loved your Christmas album. So I am looking forward to this upcoming album.

Thank you.

Where do you find the time to do all of this?

Well, that’s why it took two years. In between filming and when my child is at school.

Speaking of children, I love the fact that you are such a foster child advocate. I admire that you put your time and resources towards that. I greatly commend you.

Thank you.

I know a lot of foster parents. In fact, there are a couple of families in our church who are always taking in foster kids, and it’s amazing to watch. I don’t know how…

It’s by the grace of God. That’s how you do it.

I think it’s also definitely a calling. Not everybody is suited to do it, but we can at least support those who do. You are definitely an inspiration, Jen. 

Thank you.

Is there anything else upcoming that you can mention?

Well, at the TCA’s in January, Bill Abbott said I was doing a Christmas movie for Hallmark, but that hasn’t happened yet. I do have another movie offer right now that I’m trying to figure out. It’s a movie I really want to do, even though it’s not a Hallmark movie. It’s a really great script, but the main concern is that if I accept this other film that it doesn’t conflict with filming a Hallmark Christmas movie. I really want to do a Hallmark Christmas movie, but I want to do this other film also.

That would be phenomenal! And Hallmark does film their Christmas movies late sometimes.

Yeah, I know. They were still filming Christmas movies in October, I think, last year. We just want a definite answer because I would love to do both.

Well, we’ll just keep hoping and praying that all comes to pass. I know I’m speaking for Hallmark audiences when I say we’re not going to get tired of seeing you on the network.

Oh my gosh, I hope not! I just did change my hair color. I try to switch up the hair color every time you see me.

Hallmark fans love you, Jen, and you come across as being such a likable person with a sense of humor. I think for most of us Hallmark fans, it is a delight to see you on screen. 

Thank you so much, Ruth, that’s so nice to hear. And I hope everybody feels that way.

Well, I know I can’t speak for absolutely every fan, but what I can say is your name comes up and people jump on that and say all sorts of nice things. I don’t see, “she can’t act,” or “we don’t want to see her anymore.”

{laughs} Good!

People never come to me publicly or privately to say negative things about you. And I am so excited to see you in as many Hallmark films as we can. But I do want to say one more thing. I am so grateful for people like you in the business who are Christians and are open about their faith, but it does not limit you. All too often, people think of Christians as being narrow-minded and self-righteous, and speaking as someone who used to be judgmental, it means so much to see you living your faith as you do.

You know, Marcus and I had a lot of interesting discussions. He was like, “You love Jesus, but you love people.” And I was like, “Yeah, you should know that I’m a Christian because I love people, not wonder if I love people because I’m a Christian.” That makes no sense, but it does make sense because we all get where he’s coming from. So Marcus and I had some really deep conversations.

That is so cool. I can imagine because Marcus is a very deep thinker. 

Very deep, yeah.

Well, Jen, I just want to thank you for your positive outlook and being so inspirational and genuine. I really appreciate that. 

Thank you, Ruth.

You’re welcome, and I sincerely say that. I don’t know how to be insincere.

Me neither. I don’t have time for it.

Honestly, I don’t know what I can add about Jen other than what has previously been affirmed by a multitude of other journalists, fans, and colleagues alike. Jen’s reputation is easily one of the most stellar in the business as she continues to “practice what she preaches.” While countless people of faith who are involved in the entertainment industry may be reluctant to proclaim their belief system lest they expose themselves to indiscriminate censure on both sides, Jen never worries about that. In fact, she is one whose boundless effervescence and unconditional love gushes unrestrainedly from her innermost being, and everyone is cognizant of her unquestioned allegiance to her calling in this world–to love God AND to love people. Some people in her position might use an analogous platform to advance rhetoric, doctrine, and creed. Not so with Jen. She utilizes her time in the spotlight to further the tenets of the gospel through action rather than mere speech.  Not only is Jen an inspiration and beacon of light to her wealth of fans worldwide, but she is an ambassador for God who demonstrates that faith and daily life can work in tandem to spread the correct and sincere message of the gospel to a world that is inundated with hopelessness, negativity, and depravity. As Jen herself stated, NO ONE is beyond redemption. Indeed, on a personal level, Jen is an extraordinary inspiration to me, and I regularly look to her example as she is, in my opinion, the implicit embodiment of the gospel in the way she chooses to live her life.

Therefore, I hope that every household in the U.S. will tune into the Hallmark Channel tonight (June 30th) for the latest Hallmark Channel offering entitled Yes I Do as we luxuriate in the prowess and expertise Jen brings to the screen every time we have the honor to witness her in action. Additionally, I would invite every person who reads this interview to visit all of her links below and consider following her (immediately) where applicable. While there exists in the world today a myriad of incredible talents, exemplary representatives, and motivational individuals, I can promise you that Jen Lilley is a conspicuous exception in that she is committed unequivocally to consistently fleshing out the values and principles she claims as her core beliefs. While I know Jen doesn’t claim to be perfect (she is human, after all), as far as I’m concerned, she is the paragon of true Christianity who motivates and encourages scores of people due to the manner in which she lives her life while authentically spreading the veracity of the gospel message through a medium in which she is uniquely skilled to reach the masses.

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