Jen Lilley is one of the kindest human beings around. Her glass is always full, her joyful light shines bright, and she’s just one of those people who makes you happier when you’re around them.

From Hannah Montana to Queen Esther to modern day soap operas, Jen stays busy! Plus…there’s always philanthropy, table saws, recording music, and her love of Dean Martin to keep her occupied, just in case learning 30 pages of dialogue a day isn’t enough for her.

When did you decide to become an actor?
“During the spring semester of my second year in college. I auditioned for an independent film on a whim and booked the lead female role. When I got on set, I fell in love with the crew and the movie making process from start to finish. So, naturally, I decided to learn as much as I could about acting as a career.

“I wondered why some actresses were successful when so many were not, and I deduced that the answer is most actors don’t treat acting as a business, but simply as a means to acquire fame and accolades. I’m more interested in the art of story-telling and how it affects an audience, and having a platform to talk about kindness and helping others. I set about learning as much as I could about the business of acting and approach acting as a business as much as an art form. Eight years later, I’m still loving every moment!”

Continue reading…

I’ve added 1,050 images from “The Book of Esther” to the gallery. These include promos, stills, and screencaps of the film.

The Book of Esther: Gallery Additions

For two weeks in April, television audiences will be treated to an unprecedented collection of inspirational movies and mini-series when UP once again presents “The Greatest Stories of The Bible” in honor of the Easter season. America’s favorite network for uplifting entertainment will mark the holiday for a second year with an Unforgettable programming schedule. Starting on Monday, April 7 and continuing through Easter, Sunday, April 20, UP will air 21 classic stories from the New and Old Testaments (11 never-before-seen on UP), plus one all-new UP Original Movie during prime time, totaling more than 123 hours of programming.

The complete list UP’s “The Greatest Stories of The Bible” includes:

The Book of Esther – Chosen as queen consort to King Xerxes of Persia, the Jewish maiden Esther discovers a plot to exterminate her people and must outwit her enemies. (2013) Stars: Jen Lilley, Linda Bisesti. Saturday, April 12, 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT.

See full press release and list of movies being aired by clicking here.

Why did you choose to work on this project?

I’ve always loved the story of Esther; I feel like Esther is such an encouraging story to people for several reasons. She was so unqualified to become Queen (she was adopted) and she was just an unlikely candidate… you see that throughout the Bible. God used Moses, Joseph, and others that were probably not expected. The film, and Esther’s story, really resonated with me because she was a woman; I think it’s important for women to know that even though the Bible uses male language, God has a plan and purpose for women. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I have a plan and a hope for you.” It doesn’t matter what your upbringing is… God has a purpose and plan for each and every one of us.

What was it like slipping into Queen Esther’s sandals?

It was a little intimidating because there is not a lot of information about Esther, except for the Biblical information. I studied the Jewish and Persian cultures at the time, but that’s mainly hearsay, people analyzing what/how people were in those times. I prayed every day on my way to set, “God, you know Esther, you created her… you ordained this whole thing… give me the spirit of Esther.”

What did you learn from portraying such an icon?

It solidified the scripture (Matthew 10:16) that says, “Be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove.” I feel that Esther was so smart, had to pray about everything, including how to speak to the King. She really had to pick her moments, and in the best way, epitomizes that Scripture as it is meant to be interpreted.

How do you think Queen Esther would fit into today’s society?

Sometimes, not to be presumptuous, I feel like Esther in the entertainment industry. I have a heart for it, but I thought I was going to be a teacher… In college, God told me to be an actress. I tested the spirit to make sure that it was God and not me; I gave myself seven years to see, and it’s only been five-and-a-half. In the entertainment industry, even from the five years that I’ve been here, things have drastically changed. Nudity is now commonplace rather than frowned upon. I am not giving in to that. There are so many things in the entertainment industry that they expect you to compromise; you have to be wise with your responses because you don’t want to offend them, but you need to be a light and respond with graciousness.

I’m going to be on “Days of Our Lives,” and just began filming. That opportunity came from the Lord. I prayed and fasted to decide whether I would accept the role or not, but this is the one that I was to take. I had other offers, and they all fell through, so I’m grateful that I took the opportunity to be on “Days.” At the time, I asked for certain things in my contract that people said would be impossible. But I stood on my faith, and against all odds, I got those things. I daily pray for God to help me be a peacekeeper and help me through my scenes; my character is so evil that it’s just unlike me. And obviously there is a lot of sex on the show. When the time comes, I’m going to use it as an opportunity to show abstinence, which I fully believe in. I don’t understand how my friends can do things in this industry without faith. I can’t do things without prayer. (Source)

Jen did a new photoshoot today and has posted some behind the scenes images I’ve added to the gallery. Looks like a fun shoot! We’ll keep you posted on where these will be featured.

Session 13

If you haven’t yet, make sure to pick up The Book of Esther on dvd or blu-ray at Wal-Mart, Amazon, or rent it at Netflix.

The Book of Esther will be released in June.