Judy Greer’s Heartwarming Return to Hometown Roots and Holiday Cheer
If you’re in Livonia, you might want to brush up on your holiday cheer, because Judy Greer is back in town—at least virtually! The beloved actress, known for her extensive career in Hollywood, took a moment during a recent Zoom call to check in on some local favorites, starting with the classic Bates’ Burgers. A wave of relief washed over her when she learned that the iconic hamburger stand at Five Mile and Farmington Road is still up and running. “Crisis averted!” she exclaimed, adding a touch of her trademark humor.
Getting Ready for The Holidays
Greer is buzzing with excitement about her new holiday film, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, set to light up theaters this Friday. This charming family film marks a new chapter in her career as it’s her first major holiday movie. “I don’t think that I’ve been in a big, family-style Christmas movie,” she confessed, laughing at the thought as she scrolled through her impressive filmography that boasts over 170 credits! “Sometimes I have to look at my own IMDb page to remind me,” she added, a testament to her vast array of roles.
A Familiar Face
If you’ve ever watched movies like The Wedding Planner, 13 Going on 30, or 27 Dresses, chances are you’ve seen Judy Greer. Initially cast in the friend or sidekick role, she has gracefully transitioned into supporting roles in big blockbusters, including the Jurassic World franchise and the Ant-Man series. It’s hard not to recognize her—you might not know her name immediately, but her face is undeniably familiar. She even cheekily titled her memoir I Don’t Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star, capturing this very sentiment!
A Timeless Holiday Movie
In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Greer plays a mother tasked with organizing her small town’s annual Christmas celebration. Based on the classic 1972 children’s novel, the film has a delightful timeless quality to it. “I love that there’s no technology in this movie,” Greer said, emphasizing how it brings families closer together in a way that is both nostalgic and modern.
“I hope it becomes a little Christmas tradition for people,” she shared, revealing that the film was made with the hope that audiences would enjoy it as an annual family viewing. “Sometimes I feel like it’s silly to say, ‘I think we’re making a timeless Christmas classic,’ but that’s the goal!”
Holiday Memories and Growing Up in Livonia
Reflecting on her own childhood traditions, Greer fondly remembered Christmas Eve in Livonia. After attending Mass, her family would whip up a homemade pizza while enjoying Planes, Trains and Automobiles (yes, on Christmas Eve, even if it’s a Thanksgiving movie!). Growing up in the Kimberly Oaks Estates subdivision, Greer recalled her first job at Olga’s in the nearby Laurel Park Place mall and the excitement of attending the annual Livonia Spree.
However, not all memories are sweet as she shared her not-so-fond experiences with the Ropertis Turkey Farm, citing it as a key reason she now refrains from eating meat. But it was her early love for ballet that paved the way toward acting—a transition she describes as “kind of natural.”
A Passion for Cinema
Now, she’s a staunch advocate of the cinematic experience. “We have to support the things that we believe in,” she implores, emphasizing the importance of preserving theaters for future generations. “I believe in turning my phone off and fully engaging with a piece of art for two hours,” she added with genuine enthusiasm.
Before signing off, Greer mentioned that she hasn’t been back home in quite some time—her parents have moved to a small city south of Toledo, but she vows to make a trip back soon. For now, she’s channeling her Livonia roots into her heartfelt performance in what she hopes will become a treasured holiday classic, inviting everyone to join her in celebrating the magic of the season.
