Jen Lilley Shares Faith-Based Marriage Insights and Career Decisions

Hollywood is known for high-profile breakups, but Jen Lilley attributes her nearly 20-year marriage success to values apart from fame and romance. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, the “Jimmy” star emphasized the role of faith, stating that putting Jesus first has guided her and her husband through challenging times.

Lilley, married to engineer Jason Wayne since 2007, highlighted that her strong faith helps maintain their relationship’s strength. She believes that keeping Jesus at the core of their marriage has been crucial during difficult periods.

Lilley explains, “For us, keeping Jesus at the center of our marriage has really been what has gotten us through extremely difficult times.”

Her commitment to family extends to her career choices. Lilley prioritizes family over career opportunities, even if it means declining roles. She values making decisions that benefit her children and marriage.

“I think the values that I hold onto are common to most people, but I really value my family,” Lilley shared. “There have been times I’ve had to turn down a role or something because it just doesn’t fit what I need in this season.”

Lilley’s recent project involves portraying Gloria Stewart, wife of Hollywood icon Jimmy Stewart, in the biopic “Jimmy.” She found their off-screen love story more compelling than Hollywood glamor.

Lilley discovered that Jimmy Stewart, previously dubbed Hollywood’s eternal bachelor, found lasting love with Gloria, who brought two sons from a prior marriage. Stewart later adopted the boys, and the couple had two daughters together. Their marriage endured challenges, including Stewart’s World War II-induced PTSD symptoms.

The actress learned important lessons from the Stewarts’ relationship, such as the importance of trust and laughter in a marriage. Their strong foundation included shared humor and being each other’s safe haven against life’s challenges.

“I think what made their marriage work was the trust they had and a lot of humor,” Lilley noted.

Lilley, a Hallmark star, describes portraying Gloria Stewart as fulfilling. She has always admired Jimmy Stewart’s films and philosophy, making the role particularly rewarding.

Beyond acting, Lilley is active in advocating for foster children, leveraging her experiences as a foster parent. She co-authored “Called to Foster” to inspire others to welcome foster children into their homes. Her “Christmas Is Not Canceled” campaign, originating in 2020, supports delivering gifts to children, aiming for high community involvement in 2026.