This week, Jen Lilley returned to Days of our Lives as Theresa Donovan returns for Victor Kiriakis (the late John Aniston) memorial service and more. Thus far, Theresa has run into her ex Brady (Eric Martsolf) and shared scenes with him.
In addition, Theresa has shared some snarky scenes with Xander (Paul Telfer). Needless to say, Theresa’s arrival in Salem has not been met with, after all the machinations she pulled through the years.
As previously revealed by Lilley herself, she wound up taping 12 episodes or so, for this return. After that, and to continue the story, the DAYS powers-that-be made the decision to recast the part, something Lilley was originally unaware of, in order to fulfill the amount of episodes that were written for the show. Jen had let the soap opera know she was only available for 3 or 4 weeks.
Photo: JPI
Taking to her Instagram, Lilley shared some pics with Eric Martsolf and Paul Telfer and shared: “Ha! I’m cracking up because I saw this first press photo and had to confirm with @ericmartsolf that this was us between takes quickly judging and absorbing some redirection we didn’t seem to agree with . I think it was something like, just remember they don’t like each other that much Swipe. So happy to share the screen again with this powerhouse actor for a dozen or so #Days episodes. You’re a treasure sir! And I had to throw in a screen cap of me and my buddy @paultelfer because I distinctly remember us not making eye contact in fear we’d burst out laughing at the horrible things our characters say to each other.”
Jen also added, “Excited for all my #DOOL episodes this week and very happy for the lady taking over the role of Theresa. Be kind to her. She’s a stellar performer and being a recast is super hard. We’re all family and I got nothing but love for all my @dayspeacock people.”
Being concerned for her recast stems from Lilley’s experience when she stepped- n for Kirsten Storms as Maxie Jones on General Hospital and was not treated well by fans. Lilley replaced Storms for almost year from September 2011 to August 2012, before joining Days of our Lives as Theresa in July of 2013.
While we get to see Lilley’s deliciously portrayed antics as troublemaking Theresa, one can’t help but wonder, just who is coming in to take over the role on screen in a few weeks? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section, and if you are enjoying seeing Jen back on DAYS.
I’ve seen rumors on another site (one not exactly known for accurate spoilers & predictions) about who the recast is. I don’t believe it, so I won’t bother saying who they claim it is… but let’s just say it would be another “Ben turns into Alex” situation.
And if that’s the case, it wasn’t worth the trouble of bringing Theresa back at all, if they’re just using Jen Lilley as a bait & switch to bring back the character in an unneccesary recast form.
Except, that’s not exactly true. Jen Lilley reached out to TPTB with the idea of Theresa returning for Victor’s memorial… and they returned to her with the idea of a twelve-week stint that had been written. She told them she couldn’t do twelve weeks, but three. So, they said they’d have to recast, so she wrote a letter to TPTB (via her agent’s delivery) that she wished the role to not be recast and if they did, she’d like to talk to them, knowing how it feels to be a recast (Maxie on General Hospital). So, some time passed, and they came to Lilley would the idea of filming twelve weeks of material within a three-week period. Even cast were told this was happening. So, she gave them four weeks of time, and by the second weeks, scripts had paused, and she went to the former co-EP, and he informed her they had recast the role to complete the storyline.
This is the problem with taping your show 6 months (or more) in advance…
Albert Alarr screws up the show 666 ways from Sunday and you still have to work through the damage he’s done, long after he’s gone.
Bottom line Jen lilley was a great recast I watched the show then she was great ! KS has issues i have not watched the show in four years who is playing Maxie ? I asked they said KS and I don’t recognize her and if you start your crap with fat shaming I’m done she has gained a lot of weight and that’s dangerous it is from the medication and I know that ! But if you think this is healthy ??? Talk to a cardiologist
Bella – KS HAD BRAIN SURGERY in 2021 and the medications she needed to take resulted in weight gain. AND a cardiologist is always consulted when these drugs are given to a patient after brain surgery. Anything to say now!
They were referring to Lily’s stint on GH where she was a recast of Maxie Jones. As for this switcheroo, rumor has it that the actress playing Gwen will throw on a wig and take over the role. Emily is an amazing actress but I actually like Gwen!
She did play Theresa and came back to reprise the role but she cannot do more than a few episodes so someone will take on the role of Theresa, Hope that clears this up for you.
That’s not entirely true, Ginger. She was only able to take three weeks off to film for them; she ended up taking four, and they were planning on shooting twelve weeks worth of material in that one-month of time. However, after two-weeks, Albert Alarr and co. decided to no longer use Jen Lilley and forge with a recast for the final weeks of filming.
Momo
8 months ago
I don’t like this and don’t know why Days is doing this.
Days is like a bargain basement show. They are constantly switching actors and laying off actors for long periods of time to save money but make more money in the long run. And sometimes the bait and switch backfires on them. Example I loved Ben but can’t stand Alex. They should either commit to high quality programming or give it up
Gwen is taking the role of Theresa I can’t see it don’t like Gwen for the role she is leaving days and coming back as Theresa poor decision Days writers never going to pull it off
Fiona
8 months ago
I can’t even WATCH a Hallmark movie she’s in! She talks through her teeth, and you can’t understand a word she’s saying through that constant smile. No thank you
Richard
8 months ago
It’s rumored that Emily o Brian will assume the role of there’s
Jen Lilley could only commit to do a certain amount or shows because of her contract with Great America Country Channel. Many of us really like the actress that plays Gwen but unfortunately that writer that was fired, had written the Gwen, Leo, Dimitri storyline there was no where for Gwen to go afterwards but leave Salem. I think Emily 0’brien will do an amazing job playing Teresa! I’d rather her play this role than to leave all together….
Do not bring her back please as Theresa that aweful.
Susan
8 months ago
They need to bring Days back to prime time good old fashioned TV !! Have not seen an episode since they went to peacock !! They should realize who their audience is and it’s not “the younger” generation…they don’t follow anything… btw..Jen was great as Theresa back in the day…watch her on Hallmark TV now.
Days was renewed for another 2 years and the ratings have been so good on peacock so the writers are obviously doing something right! If you don’t watch and support the show why are you even commenting??
Ms Weiss
8 months ago
I wish they were able to keep her. I remember when she started also. I also remember she was the recast on DOOL the original girl was a skinny brunette very tiny. She plays in movies now haven’t seen her in a soap since she left, but this Teresa took over and she did an awesome job. I was happy to see your come back too bad she’s not sticking around.
Monnie
8 months ago
Love her doesn’t matter what show she is on ,but I think she belongs to her movies.and if they are going to try and replace her, with the one laying Gwen wrong thing to do ,she will never be accepted,
People love Emily O’Brian and will be happy she will still be on Days! Her current storyline had her character backed into a wall with no where to go but leave Salmen! She’s too good of an actress to loose! Days needs her. I’m looking forward to the direction she will go with Teresa!!! @goteamEmily!
Emily should grab Greg Rickart and go back to Y&R and become the original couple they played there. It’s no more far fetched than what they’re suggesting here.
Deidre Hall Featured in COZI TV’s ‘Day of Our Deidre’ Spotlighting Her Early Memorable Roles
May 13, 2024
While Deidre Hall has become synonymous with Days of our Lives as the iconic Dr. Marlena Evans Black, she also has had quite the television career in other roles.
Hall starred on the NBC drama, Our House from 1986-1988 and also appeared in several series in guest star roles including Emergency! in the role of Nurse Sally Lewis.
In addition, Deidre appeared on Columbo, Kung Fu, S.W.A.T. and of course, later as Electra Woman in Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, to name just a few.
Photo: JPI
Now, COZI TV is set to air a day of some of Dee’s early roles, this Saturday, May 18. It all begins at 8am ET with an episode of Emergency! entitled “Show Biz,” followed at 9am ET, another episode of Emergency! called “Saddled.” That will be followed at 10am ET by Columbo in an episode featuring Hall entitled, “Columbo Cries Wolf.”
Photo: JPI
COZI TV is a haven for beloved sitcoms, dramas and classics from the 1960s to the 2000s. Whether you’re a seasoned fan reliving favorites or a new generation uncovering timeless treasures, COZI offers a warm embrace of comfort and familiarity. Find out where to find COZI TV in your area here.
Check out the COZI TV teaser for ‘Day of our Deidre” below. Now, let us know, other than Days of our Lives, what has been your favorite role of Deidre Hall throughout her career?
Days of our Lives Favorite Judi Evans Shares Touching Remembrance of Son Austin on Mother’s Day
May 12, 2024
Mother’s Day can be an emotional rollercoaster for many of us, who have either lost a mom, or for mother’s who have lost a child.
Days of our Lives star, Judi Evans (Bonnie) wrote an extremely heartfelt post on her Instagram account. It was accompanied by a video of her late son, Austin, in the role of her on-screen little boy, Dante, when she played Another World’s Paulina.
Evans’ only child, Austin Luciano, died suddenly back in December of 2019 at the age of 23.
Photo: JPI
Evans expressed, “May is a difficult month for me. Mother’s Day and Austin’s birthday are usually about 2 weeks apart. This year, it was also the 60th anniversary of Another World – a show that would provide me with more than I could have ever imagined.”
“Not only was AW a job filled with people I loved and adored, but it led me to my husband, my child, and our family, Judi shared. “One of my greatest joys was having my Austin play my son, Dante Carlino; a treasured memory l have frozen in time forever, one that I wanted to share a piece of with all of you today,” stated Evans.
The Daytime Emmy-winning star concluded with,”There are no parameters on being a mother… of providing love, comfort, safety, and joy to those around you. Here’s to all the forever mothers ♥️”
Sending love to Judi and to all mothers who have lost a child on this day.
Share your thoughts for Judi via the comment section below.
‘Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit For Stand Up To Cancer’ Live Virtual Event Announced; Featuring Soap Opera Notables and Moving Tributes
May 2, 2024
Stand Up to Cancer in collaboration with Alan Locher and Michael Fairman, will come together for a a three-hour livestream benefit, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
Several stars from from daytime drama television past and present are scheduled to participate for an evening of stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer, and moving tributes to beloved daytime favorites who lost their battle plus musical performances.
Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story, streams live on Thursday, May 16, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET/5 to 8 pm PT simultaneously on StandUpToCancer.org and YouTube channels The Locher Room and Michael Fairman Channel.
Photos: CBS and JPI
Tune-in for cancer survivorship stories with General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his cancer journey as well his memories of beloved The Young and the Restless co-star Meg Bennett, who passed from cancer April 11; and more.
Moving tributes to soap stars who’ve lost their cancer battles, including: Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden, a tribute to Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, as shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett, two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding LightOne Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keife, the iconic Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez and Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton(General Hospital)Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Photo: MEastonFacebook
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (*subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, Featuring Days of OurLives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); LesliKay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (GeneralHospital); Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
Courtesy/LaceyGorden
“Daytime television invites viewers into the private lives of characters, often bringing important issues like cancer screenings into living rooms and around water coolers. Soaps debuted the first cancer storyline in 1962 – years before the topic was discussed in the mainstream, and it left an indelible impact: a whole generation of women who scheduled a potentially life-saving Pap smear for the first time,” said Daytime Stands Up host Alan Locher. “For so many viewers, this brought the issue front and center,” added co-host Michael Fairman. “Today, it’s become almost impossible to avoid; but there is hope with cancer research, thanks to organizations like Stand Up To Cancer.”
SU2C Co-Founder Sue Schwartz, SU2C President and CEO Julian Adams, Ph.D., and SU2C Health Equity Committee Member Elizabeth Jaffee, M.D., will also participate to speak to the importance of early detection, exciting scientific breakthroughs, and the ongoing work yet to be done to make screenings and treatment equitable for all.
“This year, an estimated 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, presenting an opportunity for the public to stand with us and rise to the occasion,” said Adams. “We’re thankful to Alan Locher, Michael Fairman and our friends from the daytime television community, who will raise critical funding to honor those we’ve lost – and to propel new scientific breakthroughs for current and future patients. Everyone has a story, and we’re grateful to all of you for sharing yours.”
For over 15 years, SU2C has leveraged its relationship with the entertainment community – which includes more than 1,100 celebrity ambassadors – to generate public donations, increase awareness and fund cutting-edge cancer research. SU2C research has contributed to the development of more than 10 scientific breakthroughs that have significantly impacted the field and provided new treatment options for breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, pancreatic, pediatric and prostate cancers.
Photo: SUTC
In support of the event, SU2C will also be launching a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for fans to bid on items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of Young and Restless and signed merchandise from the Bold and Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, on Stand Up To Cancer’s website.
Are you looking forward to this very special one-night only virtual event to help benefit cancer research and shed light on the stories, performances and lives of the people we love and have loved in daytime TV? Comment below.
