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!
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
