Actress Jen Lilley, who’s played Theresa Donovan on “Days of Our Lives” since 2013, opened up about her impeding departure from the soap opera on Monday, saying that she’s departing on “the best of terms,” but also admitting that the idea of not playing the character “pains me.”
“It is with bittersweet sentiment that I find myself making this statement 6 months too soon,” Lilley began her statement. “First, I would like to say your comments, support, and well wishes regarding my recent departure from the iconic daytime drama, ‘Days of Our Lives, have melted my heart. Second,’ I have never enjoyed playing a character so much. I absolutely love Theresa, and the idea of not playing her pains me.”
Lilley added that there’s “no one to point your finger at” in her departure from the series, citing “other commitments and opportunities that I wanted to pursue.”
The actress added that she’s “taking time right now to be with my family, advance the charitable causes I believe in, and pursue additional career opportunities.”
In her statement, Lilley also hinted that the future of her character is up in the air.
“As we all know in the world of soaps, good bye for now isn’t always good bye forever, who knows what the future has in store for Theresa,” Lilley said.
Lilley did note, however, that there “are six more wonderful months of Theresa to enjoy,” and that her exit “will have you on the edge of your seat, laughing, crying, cheering, screaming, clapping, and bewildered.”
Read Lilley’s full statement below.