Livonia’s Own Judy Greer Returns for the Holidays
Livonia, Michigan, has been buzzing with excitement lately, especially with the return of one of its favorite daughters, actress Judy Greer. Yes, we’re talking about the same Judy Greer who has graced our screens in countless films and TV shows! After a lengthy time away, she’s back on our screens with her new holiday film, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” opening in theaters this Friday.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
During a recent Zoom chat, Greer kicked things off with the ultimate Livonia question: “Is Bates’ Burgers still there?” Relief washed over her when she learned that this beloved burger joint is still flipping patties in town. If there’s one thing Judy knows, it’s that a trip back home isn’t complete without a visit to try their fries!
As we dove into conversation about her newest project, Greer shared, “I don’t think that I’ve been in a big, family-style Christmas movie,” reflecting on her impressive filmography that spans over 25 years and includes more than 170 credit roles! Talk about a decorated career!
Stepping into the Holiday Spirit
In “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Judy stars as a mother tasked with organizing a quaint town’s holiday celebrations. This heartwarming film, based on a classic children’s book, blends a timeless feel with a sprinkle of modern charm, minus the distractions of technology. She passionately remarked, “I love that there’s no technology in this movie. It’s something that literally everyone can see.”
Greer envisions this film becoming a cherished holiday favorite, a movie that families watch together every year. She expressed a deep hope, saying, “Sometimes I feel like it’s silly to say, ‘I think we’re making a timeless Christmas classic,’ but that’s the goal.” And who wouldn’t want that cozy family vibe during the holiday season?
Celebrating Traditions
Growing up in Livonia, Greer reminisced about her own cherished Christmas traditions. After attending Christmas Eve Mass, her family would whip up homemade pizza while watching the classic film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” even though she admits, “I don’t know, we watched it on Christmas Eve.” Through her eyes, we’re transported back to a time when holiday traditions were simple yet meaningful.
From Ballet to Acting
Greer’s path to Hollywood began in Livonia. Taking ballet classes opened the door to her passion for performing arts. “I really liked being on stage, and I knew I liked being in productions,” she recalled. While she wasn’t the best dancer, that experience naturally led her to acting. A breakthrough role in a high school production of “The Pajama Game” solidified her passion. Greer later attended DePaul University to study theater, launching her career in the film industry.
The Importance of Movie Theaters
Now, as an advocate for the theatrical experience, Greer champions the importance of supporting local cinemas. She passionately stated, “We have to support the things that we believe in, and I believe in movie theaters.” She called on all of us to turn off our phones and soak up the magic of a film in a communal setting. “If we don’t take advantage of it, it will go away,” she cautioned.
Livonia, We Miss You!
Although Greer hasn’t been back home lately, she still feels an attachment to her roots. After her parents moved south, she hopes to revisit Livonia and indulge in some nostalgia, starting with a trip to Bates’ Burgers. “I’m so overdue for a trip home,” she confessed.
As “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” hits theaters, so does the joy of seeing Livonia’s own Judy Greer take center stage during this festive season. Grab your family, grab your friends, and head to the movies this Friday for a heartwarming holiday experience that truly captures the spirit of the season!
