Lillee Jean Trueman (born April 18, 2001, in New York City) is an American actress, director, filmmaker, writer, and producer. Lillee Jean is best known for her award-winning celebrity talk show, Lillee Jean TALKS! Live, which features iconic Hollywood stars such as Donny Most, Shelley Wade, Neil D'Monte, Staci Layne Wilson, Charlie "Chick" Allan, John Callas, and Aaron Kai. A celebrated Gen Z voice in film and television, Trueman is praised for her indie credits, which include the award-winning, globally screened micro-short film The Mission is Complete, Angelique.
As a strong directorial voice, the star headed the acclaimed documentary film Project Bullyish, which tackles the vital issue of criminal online harassment. The gritty documentary film, continuing its well-received viral message in France, has further screened globally, with a premiere at the KIIFF Film Festival in California. With a foundation in the Meisner Technique and British dialects from New York City's prestigious T. Schreiber Studio, Lillee Jean's performances are a testament to her professional training and strong educational background in film and television.
Trueman’s work includes a role on HBO's The Gilded Age, and in 2024, a recurring guest-star position on The FNL Network Talkshow. Looking ahead, Lillee Jean is slated to direct the highly anticipated book-to-TV series, Write to Kill, set to film in iconic locations across London and New York. She is known for her trademark big blue/green eyes and red hair, which define her striking appearance. Raised and born in New York City, her diverse heritage spans Russia, Ukraine, France, England, and Germany. She has a rich family history rooted in the world of entertainment, with her manager, Laura Rene Marks-Trueman, being a prop runner/buyer/researcher on Mad Men, the Men in Black trilogy, Public Enemies, Gotham, and The Alienist, and her great uncle-in-law, William Wadsworth "Bill" Zielor prominently managing the J. P. Harris Downtown Theatre, Century Theatre, and having been a Universal Artists Executive.
BIOGRAPHY
Lillee Jean Trueman (born April 18, 2001, in New York City) is an American actress, director, filmmaker, writer, and producer. Lillee Jean is best known for her award-winning celebrity talk show Lillee Jean TALKS! Live, featuring award-winning Hollywood stars Don Most, Shelley Wade, Staci Layne Wilson, Miriam González Durántez (Lady Clegg), Neil D’Monte, Emmy Nominee John Callas, Aaron Kai, and Charlie "Chick" Allan. The show has been awarded twice at indie film festivals for Best Podcast (Pageant Film Festival) and Best Web Series (Gothamite Monthly Film Awards).
In 2025, Lillee Jean Trueman's acclaimed micro-short film, The Mission is Complete, Angelique, garnered three significant global awards, from Best Director to Best Actress, and achieved international screenings in South Asia and America.
Trueman's expansive portfolio of films and TV work has continued to transcend globally, with her sci-fi comedy indie film, 'The Trapper Trap - The Rise of Princess Glamourite', earning dozens of awards across North America, South America, Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Trueman's distinctive Gen Z comedic flair has earned her accolades, including Best Actress nominations (Elegant International Film Festival, Cine Vista Oasis Film Festival, All That Moves Film Festival), Best Costume Design (Gothamite Monthly Film Awards), and Best Trailer (Critics' Choice International Film Festival, CinePlay International Film Festival).
From the streets of Paris to Athens, Lillee Jean’s indie rom-com film, The Chorus in Our Eyes, has garnered several Best Actress nominations and wins from the Clown International Film Festival, Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival, Global Visionaries IFF, and Spring Time International Film Festival.
Further demonstrating her versatility as a director, her viral, award-winning documentary Project Bullyish (2024) tackles vital issues of criminal harassment. Trueman's impactful documentary film has screened internationally, earning prestigious accolades. Lillee Jean's film work has garnered her several international recognitions, with her projects being screened and awarded across North America, South America, Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Lillee Jean's television work includes HBO's (HeyDey Productions LLC.) "The Gilded Age" S3, as well as a recurring guest-star role (March-May, 2024) on 'The FNL Network Talkshow'. Her outstanding contributions to the entertainment sector were recognized when she received a Special Achievement Honoree award in the Entertainment and Lifestyle News category at The TASTE AWARDS. Slated for 2026 filming, Trueman signed on to direct the highly anticipated book-to-TV series "Write to Kill," adapted from the novel by David P. Perlmutter. The series, where Trueman is Executive Producer as well, will be filmed in iconic locations across London and New York.
Trueman has trained at the prominent T. Schreiber Studio in New York City, extensively studying the Meisner Technique with Nicolas Landry, and various British dialects with Page Clements. She was also trained by Hollywood actors Michel Corbiere and Edgardo Rubio, to perfect her natural comedic talent and wide range of voiceover skills. To refine her delicate and airy voice, she underwent training at the Liz Caplan Vocal Studio with Sheela Ramesh.
Born and raised in New York City, Lillee Jean is Ashkenazi Jewish and Lutheran, with a strong European ethnicity that spans Russia, Ukraine, France, England, and Germany. Her ancestors immigrated to the United States from Europe at the turn of the century. Her mother, Laura Rene Marks-Trueman, is her manager. Trueman's prior background includes supplying props to studios as a prop runner for studios such as Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. Her work includes Mad Men, the Men in Black trilogy, Public Enemies, Gotham, and The Alienist. Diamond Earl Trueman, Lillee Jean's father, had a notable career in the music industry. As a drummer, his band was signed to RCA Records before the Vietnam War ultimately led to its breakup. Trueman continued to play throughout the 1970s and '80s as a session drummer. His family also has roots in entertainment, as his uncle, William Wadsworth "Bill" Zielor, was a prominent figure who managed the J. P. Harris Downtown Theatre, Century Theatre, and was a Universal Artists Executive.
CAREER
Lillee Jean's passion for the craft of acting and filmmaking manifested at quite an early age. Her foundational experiences began with creating intricate stop-motion films. There, Trueman meticulously developed character sketches and storylines, serving as director, voice artist, and producer for her early works. This paved the way for her extensive early-stage career. In school, she honed her performance skills in various productions, including The Nutcracker and a Wizard of Oz-themed performance. Trueman's well-rounded stage training encompassed ballet, jazz, and modern dance.
At just 16 years old, while actively auditioning for roles, Lillee Jean Trueman significantly expanded her pursuits, channeling her talents in writing, acting, and directing into filmmaking. Among her earliest produced short films were Women's Makeup Throughout History (2017), a visual exploration of historical standards and societal perceptions, as well as No to Plastic Straws (2018), a documentary short tackling environmental advocacy.
In 2020, she produced a popular celebrity talk show webseries called Lillee Jean TALKS! Live, where she interviewed award-winning directors, acclaimed actors, and famous singers. Notable guests included Donny Most, known for his role in "Happy Days," Sony storyboard artist Neil D'Monte, z100 radio host Shelley Wade, Emmy Nominee John Callas, Lady Clegg, and Hollywood fight coordinator Chick Allan.
Of many talents, Trueman has gained further recognition as a director, writer, and actress for her roles in her early indie productions such as The Pauper of Shoes, Peony & Violet, and the award-winning Miss Roxie, which received the Best Women’s Film award at the FilmNest International Film Festival. In addition to her expansive work in film, TV, and stop-motion production, Lillee Jean has showcased her talents in the recent ongoing nominated TV show So Lillo Qui, (Clown International Film Festival screening of Sir! Move! in Paris), which emphasizes her skills in monologues and dialogues.
Starting in 2024, Trueman directed and produced the viral documentary film, Project Bullyish, which screened internationally. The gritty documentary boasts a Finalist Award from Humro Film Festival, an Official Selection Award from Filmnest, and an Official Selection Award from KIIFF for Best Feature Documentary, screening abroad. In the Summer of 2025, Trueman's impactful documentary touched French viewers through livestreams globally, amplifying discussions on coordinated criminal harassment attacks.
In 2025, Trueman signed on to direct the Book To TV series, “Write To Kill”, filmed in prominent locations including London and New York. The highly anticipated television series is based on the book by David P. Perlmutter, a best-selling author and actor. Trueman's body of work reflects her commitment to her craft and her continuous growth as an actress, writer, director, and producer, making significant contributions to both independent and mainstream entertainment.
ACTING APPROACH
Lillee Jean Trueman brings a distinctive Gen Z presence and wide range to her roles. Her acting style is rooted in rigorous training from T. Schreiber Studio, blending the depth of the Meisner Technique with the immersive truth of Method acting. This has allowed her to deliver truthful and authentic performances. Recognized for her trademark expressive blue/green eyes, Trueman's versatility spans compelling comedic timing to nuanced dramatic portrayals.
Her commanding screen presence and timeless aesthetic make her particularly well-suited for a diverse array of genres. These include period pieces set in the Gilded Age, Victorian Era, early 20th century (1900s-1930s), mid-century (1950s-1970s), and ancient/medieval eras, where her talents allow her to embody characters with historical authenticity and contemporary resonance. Lillee Jean's professional acting type and range is defined by her commanding versatility in emotionally intense and historically grounded roles. She excels at portraying strong, independent, and fierce women—a skill demonstrated in roles riddled with sarcasm, independence, and not afraid to say the obvious. She has a profound ability to embody complex dramatic figures, handling scenes involving shock, deep trauma, and "controlled" intense emotional discipline. Her dramatic depth complements her flair for dark comedy/drama, where she leverages authentic East Coast or Queens NYC accents for "quick-fused" characters.
DIRECTING, WRITING APPROACH
Lillee Jean Trueman's directorial signature is characterized by its dynamic, earthy, impactful, and visually telling style. Lillee Jean blends raw authenticity with her own vibrant energy, demonstrated across her diverse body of work. Trueman's award-winning documentary, Project Bullyish, showcases her fearless commitment to highlighting critical social issues with an unflinching honesty. The gritty documentary has been globally screened, notablly going viral in France.
Her series So Lillo Qui which features sharp, entertaining, and edgy monologues, demonstrates her crystal clear, impactful range in narrative and sketch. As the executive producer and host of Lillee Jean TALKS! Live, she cultivates engaging, Hollywood conversations that have resonated with industry figures for years.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Lillee Jean Trueman is an internationally recognized multi-hyphenated Gen Z talent, celebrated for her powerhouse acting and distinctive unique vision as a director and writer. Over the years Trueman has amassed a significant portfolio of industry distinctions in the indie film circute. Her impactful directorial work is notably highlighted by the celebrated viral documentary, Project Bullyish (2024), which earned three Best Documentary awards but also achieved screenings in California, and France, with viral recognition. Her award-winning celebrity talk show, Lillee Jean TALKS! Live, has received two honors for an episode featuring Donny Most, resonating across North American and South Asian markets. This was followed by her newest indie micro-short film, The Mission is Complete Angelique (2025), which to date has earned several global awards and achieved extensive international screenings across South Asia. Further showcasing her range, years of training, and work on set, her feature film, The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024), has garnered over ten awards for acting, creative direction, and costume design. Her dramatic and comedic talents were also recognized with a Best Women's Film Award for Miss Roxie (2023), and three Best Actress awards for her performance in the rom-com The Chorus in Our Eyes (2024), with this film achieving official selections and wins across North America, Europe, and Asia. Trueman's contributions to the industry were additionally acknowledged with a Special Achievement Honoree award from The Taste Awards for her co-starring role on The FNL Network Talk Show.
-
Award Winner/Best Trailer - The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - Stingray International Film Festival - March 2024
-
Award Winner/Best Trailer - The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - Critics' Choice International Film Festival - March 2024
-
Finalist/Best Trailer - The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - FilmNest International Film Festival - March 2024
-
Award Winner/Best Women's Film - Miss Roxie Film (2023) - FilmNest International Film Festival - March 2024
-
Special Achievement Honoree - The FNL Network Talk Show - The Taste Awards (2024)
-
Award Winner/Best Trailer - The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - CinePlay International Film Festival - April 2024
-
Award Winner/Best Comedy Short - The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - Gothamite Monthly Film Awards - April 2024
-
Award Winner/Best Costume Design - The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - Gothamite Monthly Film Awards - April 2024
-
Award Winner/Best Poster- The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - Gothamite Monthly Film Awards - April 2024
-
Award Winner/Best Web Series - Lillee Jean TALKS! Live With Don Most (2022) - Gothamite Monthly Film Awards - April 2024
-
Finalist/Best Short Film - Macbeth Is The Language (2024) - Script Symphony Awards - June 2024
-
Official Selection/Best Documentary (Short/Narrative) - Project Bullyish (2024) - FilmNest International Film Festival - June 2024
-
Finalist/Best Documentary Film - Project Bullyish (2024) - Humro Cinema Film Fest (2024) - June 2024
-
Nomination/Best Actress Nominee: Lillee Jean Trueman - The Trapper Trap - The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - Elegant International Film Festival (2024) - September 2024
-
Award Winner/Best Podcast - Lillee Jean TALKS! Live with Don Most - Hollywood Actor & Jazz Singer (2022) - Pageant Film Festival (2024) - September 2024
-
Finalist/Best Actress Nominee: Lillee Jean Trueman - The Chorus in Our Eyes (2024) - Spring Time International Film Festival (2024) - October 2024
-
Finalist/Best Actress Nominee - Lillee Jean Trueman: The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - Cine Vista Film Festival - October 2024
-
Award Winning/Best Female Actor - Lillee Jean Trueman: The Chorus in Our Eyes (2024) - Clown International Film Festival - September 2024
-
Official Selection/Best Trailer - The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite (2024) - All That Moves Festival (2024/Screens 2025)
-
Honorable Mention/Best Acting Nominee - Lillee Jean Trueman: The Chorus in Our Eyes (2024) - Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (2024/Screens 2025)
-
Finalist/Best Actress (Lillee Jean Trueman) The Chorus in Our Eyes (2024) - Global Visionaries Film Festival (November 2024)
-
Finalist/Best Photographer (Lillee Jean Trueman) Spring Cherries (2024) - Global Visionaries Film Festival (November 2024)
-
Finalist/Best Actress (Lillee Jean Trueman) - The Chorus in Our Eyes (2024) - Fusionfilm International Film Festival (November 2024)
-
Official Selection/Best Feature Documentary - Project: Bullyish (2024) - Kurdistan International Independent Film Festival - (December 2024)
-
Finalist/Best Actress (Lillee Jean Trueman): The Mission is Complete, Angelique (2025) - Silverlens Film Awards - July 2025
-
Award Winner/Best Actress (Lillee Jean Trueman): The Mission is Complete, Angelique (2025) - Humro Cinema Film Fest | April-August 2025 - Received August 2025
-
Finalist/Best Director (Lillee Jean Trueman): The Mission is Complete, Angelique (2025) - Elegant International Film Festival - August 2025
-
Finalist/Best Short Film: The Mission is Complete Angelique (2025) - Chalachitra International Film Awards - October 2025
-
Finalist/Best Drama: So Lillo Qui: SIR! MOVE! (2025) - Clown International Film Festival (Paris) - November 2025
Lillee Jean Trueman has leveraged her expertise as an actress, director, producer, and writer to address projects she passionately supports. In 2021, she authored a major Op-Ed article addressing anti-Semitism and the complex problem of criminal harassment. This culminated in the production and direction of the globally acclaimed documentary film, Project Bullyish. The award-winning, gritty documentary film achieved immense significant global recognition, with notable screenings at the KIIFF Film Festival in California. This led to her film gaining viral traction across Europe, most notably in France.
Trueman's directorial portfolio has consistently shown a commitment to global issues, giving her depth and edge as a director and writer. Her early work focused on societal matters, notably the short documentary "No to Plastic Straws" (2018). In 2018, she was in conversation with the Norway-based company Choose Today to develop and execute a powerful video and photo campaign. Further work includes 2021, when Trueman was in conversation with Inspiring Girls, which included hosting their global ambassador, Miriam González Durántez, on her talk show, Lillee Jean TALKS! Live. Her work focused on the empowerment of young women entrepreneurs.
Beyond her primary career as a producer, director, actress, and filmmaker Lillee Jean Trueman possesses a formidable array of talents essential to modern production. Being Gen Z, she is a skilled artist, editor, photographer, and graphic designer. Trueman serves as the chief designer of all visual assets for Lillee Jean Productions. Her artistic prowess has garnered global recognition, notably through her poster for The Trapper Trap: The Rise of Princess Glamourite, which won "Best Poster" at the Gothamite Film Festival in NYC.
Additionally, her "Spring Cherries" photo series earned her a Finalist award for "Best Photographer" at the Global Visionaries Film Festival in November 2024. Thanks to her special skillset, word-of-mouth praise for Lillee Jean TALKS Live posters can be seen widespread, after each episode has a fantastic debut.
Lillee Jean's distinct artistic style, evident in both digital and traditional mediums, features bright colors, curved lines, and a signature large, sparkly eye in her portrait pieces. Several of these original works by Trueman are properly registered with the Library of Congress and have achieved considerable public recognition over the years. She is the conceptual artist and designer behind the iconic "Queen Lillee" logo for Lillee Jean Productions.