Livonia’s Judy Greer Shines in New Holiday Film ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’

Livonia’s Own Judy Greer Returns with Holiday Cheer!

It’s been a while since Judy Greer has wandered around her hometown of Livonia, Michigan, and she’s filled with excitement and nostalgia as she reconnects via a Zoom call. The first question that pops up? “Is Bates’ Burgers still there?” A deep breath of relief follows the cheerful confirmation that the beloved little hamburger stand at Five Mile and Farmington Road is still serving up its signature burgers. Crisis averted!

Mark Your Calendars: A New Holiday Classic!

Greer is zooming in to chat about her latest movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which hits theaters this Friday. This film marks her first significant holiday venture, and she’s buzzing about it. “I don’t think that I’ve been in a big, family-style Christmas movie,” she reflects. With over 170 credits to her name spanning the past 25 years, it’s easy to understand why she sometimes needs a refresher on her own impressive résumé!

For those unfamiliar, Judy Greer carved her niche in Hollywood with roles intertwined in romantic comedies and big-screen hits like The Wedding Planner, 13 Going on 30, and 27 Dresses. She even playfully acknowledged her typecasting in a memorable Funny or Die video, Judy Greer Is The Best Friend.

A Starring Role in a Timeless Tale

In her new film, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Greer takes center stage as a mother tasked with organizing her town’s annual Christmas celebration. The film brings to life the beloved 1972 children’s novel, blending a feeling of nostalgia with modern appeal. Greer loves that it’s “timeless,” appreciating the absence of technology in the storyline. “It’s something that literally everyone can see,” she adds, emphasizing how families can come together to enjoy it.

Connecting Through Christmas Traditions

Judy reminisces about her own childhood Christmas traditions—after attending Christmas Eve Mass, her family would make homemade pizza and cozy up to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles, even if it is technically a Thanksgiving flick. “I don’t know, we just watched it on Christmas Eve!” she chuckles.

Growing up in Livonia’s Kimberly Oaks Estates, Judy fondly recalls her first job serving at Olga’s in the Laurel Park Place mall. She has warm memories of the Livonia Spree, an annual celebration, though she admits to some less-than-fond moments driving by the local turkey farm, a pivotal reason for her choice to stop eating meat. “I think I just saw too many turkeys!” she jokes.

A Journey to Stardom

Greer’s journey to fame began with ballet classes and an early role in The Nutcracker, which sparked her love for the stage. While she admits she wasn’t the best dancer, she transitioned naturally into acting. At Churchill High School, she took part in the creative and performing arts program and landed a lead role in The Pajama Game. This was her stepping stone into the acting world.

Advocating for the Theater Experience

Although Judy has not returned to Livonia lately—for her parents now reside in a charming little town south of Toledo—she’s ready for a visit back home, inspired by memories of Bates’. Meanwhile, she passionately advocates for the theatrical experience, urging everyone to unplug from their devices and engage with the magic of cinema. “We need to support theaters,” she insists. “If we don’t take advantage of it, it might just slip away!”

So mark your calendars and grab some popcorn for Judy Greer’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a heartwarming film that just might become a cherished holiday tradition for many families!