Days Of Our Lives
Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship
Last week, Days of our Lives celebrated the taping of their 15,000th episode which is tentatively scheduled to air on December 3rd. The story will feature emotional and heart-tugging scenes of Doug Williams funeral and honor his portrayer, the beloved Bill Hayes, who passed away on January 12th at the age of 98.
While the actors, producers, and crew took a lunch time break to pose for some pictures and speak with the press, they knew they would have to get back to taping the funeral, which was going to make it a tough day, but also cathartic for all who loved Bill Hayes.
Several returns have thus far been announced including; Melissa Reeves reprising her signature role of Jennifer Horton (a part she first played in 1985), and Matthew Ashford as Jack Deveraux. Reeves had last appeared on the show back in 2021, and she was replaced by Emmy-winner Cady McClain in her absence when Jennifer was in storylines. In real-life, Melissa had moved full-time to Tennessee along with her husband, Scott Reeves (ex-DAYS, GH, Y&R). Now, and as previously reported, Reeves will first appear back on DAYS for the Thanksgiving episodes with the Hortons.
Photo: JPI
Michael Fairman TV caught up with Matt and Melissa during the 15,000th episode celebration to get their take on: being back for these special episodes, how it has been working with and watching Susan Seaforth Hayes portray Julie’s grief over losing Doug, and how they have supported each other through the years. Check out what they shared below.
Melissa, you are back on the set of Days of our Lives for this very emotional and special moment in the series history. How does it feel?
MELISSA: Oh, my goodness. I am honored. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but to be here for Bill. He was like my real-life dance partner. He taught me how to ballroom dance. And to be here for Susan, of course, who’s just been our sweet hero this whole week. We’re just following her lead. She’s just been this incredibly strong example for us in the midst of this trial and season of her life. She is like just lifting us all up with her. It’s been incredible.
I was at Bill Hayes memorial service which was truly incredible and I know at the time you were in Tennessee. It was moving and celebratory of his life, all at the same time.
MELISSA: That’s all I have heard. I have to watch it on You Tube. They said it was just a real celebration of his life and I love that.
Photo: JPI
This must be difficult for Susan Seaforth Hayes depicting the death of Doug, when she is still grieving the loss of her beloved husband. (Susan pictured above with the returning Stephen Schnetzer who plays her on-screen brother, Steve Olson).
MELISSA: I’m sure Susan has those moments at home by herself, but she’s so good at being a leader and leading all of us. We’re following her, you know, and she’s like, “This is how I want to feel today.” And we’re just going along with her, you know? It’s so sweet.
Photo: JPI
How is it to see Matt Ashford again live and in-person?
MELISSA: You know, Matt and I can go years without talking, or seeing each other, and then the minute we see each other we’re chatting away.
MATT: Melissa was out on set doing a scene yesterday on the phone talking to a stage manager; as she was telling some really tough news on the phone. I’m like crying in the background, literally, I’m off-stage crying.
MELISSA: And then we get like back into normal life, and we’re like, okay, “What’s happening? What’s happening with this … or what’s happening with that?”
I had read, Melissa, that you were in touch with Matt about if there night be a possibility for you to reprise your role as Jennifer for these special episodes?
MELISSA: Yes. Well, Matt was like, “Hey! Would you want to come back? “And I was like, “Matt, you know, I would always come back. ”
MATT: Every time I come here to Days of our Lives, they ask, “Where’s Missy? How’s Missy?” Everybody backstage says, “I miss her.” All of the crew is asking about her and saying, “It would be nice to see Missy. Nothing wrong with you Matt, but …” They said, “Where is she?” I said, “She wants to come!”
Photo: JPI
There are some beautiful photos of Missy and Bill and Susan thorough the years that I found. It just reminded me of just the deep and entrenched history we all have had with the show, personally and professionally.
MATT: Missy is roughly the age where Francis Reid (ex-Alice Horton) was when she started the show, which is just crazy.
Photo: JPI
I’ve always said Missy was going to be the next generation Alice. Do you feel that Jennifer is the heir apparent matriarch of the Horton family?
MELISSA: Yes. I mean, this has been greatest blessing of my life, and that would be great. I told Ken Corday (executive producer, Days of our Lives) when I was 17 that this show would be my life. Ken always told me, “This is your home,” and I’ve always felt like that.
How have gotten through the scenes watching Susan Seaforth Hayes as Julie go through the loss of Doug?
MATT: Susan is bringing her best performance life for her and Bill. I mean, she’s a showbiz baby. She always has been one hundred percent, and she’s doing it for him, and this is who they’ve always been. So, you’re seeing this amazing performance colored by her life. She has her private life as Susan, but she has enough plugged into Julie that she’s done amazing work. The director, producers and writers are giving her room to live in these moments and it’s quite wonderful.
Photo: JPI
Have you already broken down in tears during the taping?
MELISSA: Yesterday, but today’s taping of the actual funeral I think they want us to try and be just more celebratory.
MATT: I mean, it is a beautiful long life for Bill Hayes and his character of Doug Williams, and so it will be about that. Then, you get a bunch of us together in the church pews, and there’s going to be hijinks.
MELISSA: We all have been through the waves of grief. You have that awful cry and then all of a sudden you feel okay. There are those family situations we are portraying where you’re like, “What do we do? What do we do now? You know, no one knows what to do. But, it’s so sweet. I’m looking forward to seeing how the scenes all turn out.
So, are you glad that Matt and Melissa are back for the 15K episode and Doug’s funeral? From what we can tell, it’s going to be quite an emotional journey for Days of our Lives fans, and especially the performance of Susan Seaforth Hayes,Â
I am happy to see Missy Reeves back as Jennifer. She is Jennifer to me. Seeing Matt Ashford back is wonderful too. I am still hoping that Kristan Alfonso comes back as Hope. As much as Hope loved her father, it would be jarring not to see her. I know Peter Reckell said he was sorry he wasn’t at the taping. Will be a tear jerking episode. If anyone hasn’t seen the Memorial Service of Bill Hayes on YouTube, I recommend. I laughed and cried. He was definitely loved by his family and collegues
So glad to have them back. They are a huge part of the show’s history and need to be back full time
Love them so much
Just here to find out if Matt’s back for good but… love Missy with Matt, but just her wouldn’t be a reason to start watching again. No Matt no Days is my motto.
I started watching in earnest in 2011 so I really don’t know Jack, but I absolutely loved Missy Reeves as Jennifer. I believe the character was dating Daniel Jonas back then.
Oh how I would love for her to come back. The replacement lady was good, but wasn’t Jennifer.
Days Of Our Lives
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
On Thursday night May 16th, the daytime community comes together for Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer, streaming live at 8 pm ET/5pm PT.
Stand Up To Cancer, in collaboration with leading daytime community voices Michael Fairman and Alan Locher, are coming together for a first-of-its-kind livestream event, Daytime Stands Up: A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer … We All Have a Story.
The three-hour benefit will feature stars from the world of daytime drama television past and present, musical performances, and stories of emotional on- and off-screen experiences with cancer. Special celebrity guests will also join the effort to encourage viewers to support urgently needed research and new cancer treatments. You can watch live on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel, The Locher Room or the Stand Up To Cancer website.
In support of the event, SU2C will simultaneously launch a 10-day eBay silent auction, from May 16 through 26, for soap opera fans to bid on a wide range of items, including a meet-and-greet experience with the cast of NBC’s Days of Our Lives; an autographed script from the cast of CBS’s The Young and the Restless and signed merchandsise from CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful cast; a 1:1 video call with General Hospital’s Cynthia Watros, Maura West and Laura Wright, and with daytime legends Robert Newman, Vincent Irizarry, Colleen Zenk, and more. Full details will be shared the evening of May 16, at StandUpToCancer.org/DaytimeStandsUp.
As part of the event, you will hear, cancer survivorship stories from General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison and The Young and the Restless’ Colleen Zenk, who will reflect on the impact of publicly sharing their diagnoses; and 2024 Daytime Emmy nominee Eric Braeden, who shares his battle with bladder cancer
Daytime icon Jackie Zeman, who played nurse Bobbie Spencer on General Hospital for 45 years, shared by daughters Cassidy MacLeod and Lacey Gorden.
Elizabeth Hubbard who played the iconic Lucinda Walsh on As the World Turns and Dr. Althea Davis on The Doctors, shared by her on-screen daughter Martha Byrne and real-life son Jeremy Bennett.
Two-time Emmy Award-winner Jerry verDorn (Guiding Light / One Life to Live), shared by widow Beth verDorn and his on-screen wife on Guiding Light, friend and co-star Liz Keifer.
Andrea Evans, who played Tina Lord Roberts on One Life to Live, shared by her husband Stephen G. Rodriguez and daughter Kylie Rodriguez.
Kamar de los Reyes shared by his One Life to Live co-stars Michael Easton (General Hospital) Trevor St. John (The Young and the Restless).
Poignant reflections from actors who have portrayed breast cancer survivors, including Sharon Case and Eileen Davidson from The Young and the Restless; Erika Slezak from One Life to Live; Tina Sloan and Kim Zimmer from Guiding Light and more.
Additional talent slated to participate in the virtual benefit include (subject to change): Eddie and Kristen Alderson (One Life to Live); Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives); The Day Players, featuring Days of Our Lives castmates Carson Boatman, Brandon Barash, Wally Kurth (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee), Eric Martsolf (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee); Kassie DePaiva (One Life to Live); Don Diamont (The Bold and the Beautiful); Linsey Godfrey (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, Days of Our Lives); Leo Howard (Days of Our Lives); Lesli Kay (The Bold and the Beautiful); Eden McCoy (General Hospital); Kin Shriner (General Hospital); and Michelle Stafford (2024 Daytime Emmy nominee, The Young and the Restless).
You can watch the Daytime Stands Up livestream below. Now let us know if you have a cancer story that has affected your life via the comment section below, or how a daytime TV character who went through a cancer battle, gave you strength and courage in your own journey.
Days Of Our Lives
Deidre Hall Featured in COZI TV’s ‘Day of Our Deidre’ Spotlighting Her Early Memorable Roles
While Deidre Hall has become synonymous with Days of our Lives as the iconic Dr. Marlena Evans Black, she also has had quite the television career in other roles.
Hall starred on the NBC drama, Our House from 1986-1988 and also appeared in several series in guest star roles including Emergency! in the role of Nurse Sally Lewis.
In addition, Deidre appeared on Columbo, Kung Fu, S.W.A.T. and of course, later as Electra Woman in Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, to name just a few.
Photo: JPI
Now, COZI TV is set to air a day of some of Dee’s early roles, this Saturday, May 18. It all begins at 8am ET with an episode of Emergency! entitled “Show Biz,” followed at 9am ET, another episode of Emergency! called “Saddled.” That will be followed at 10am ET by Columbo in an episode featuring Hall entitled, “Columbo Cries Wolf.”
Photo: JPI
COZI TV is a haven for beloved sitcoms, dramas and classics from the 1960s to the 2000s. Whether you’re a seasoned fan reliving favorites or a new generation uncovering timeless treasures, COZI offers a warm embrace of comfort and familiarity. Find out where to find COZI TV in your area here.
Check out the COZI TV teaser for ‘Day of our Deidre” below. Now, let us know, other than Days of our Lives, what has been your favorite role of Deidre Hall throughout her career?
View this post on Instagram
Days Of Our Lives
Days of our Lives Favorite Judi Evans Shares Touching Remembrance of Son Austin on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day can be an emotional rollercoaster for many of us, who have either lost a mom, or for mother’s who have lost a child.
Days of our Lives star, Judi Evans (Bonnie) wrote an extremely heartfelt post on her Instagram account. It was accompanied by a video of her late son, Austin, in the role of her on-screen little boy, Dante, when she played Another World’s Paulina.
Evans’ only child, Austin Luciano, died suddenly back in December of 2019 at the age of 23.
Photo: JPI
Evans expressed, “May is a difficult month for me. Mother’s Day and Austin’s birthday are usually about 2 weeks apart. This year, it was also the 60th anniversary of Another World – a show that would provide me with more than I could have ever imagined.”
“Not only was AW a job filled with people I loved and adored, but it led me to my husband, my child, and our family, Judi shared. “One of my greatest joys was having my Austin play my son, Dante Carlino; a treasured memory l have frozen in time forever, one that I wanted to share a piece of with all of you today,” stated Evans.
The Daytime Emmy-winning star concluded with,”There are no parameters on being a mother… of providing love, comfort, safety, and joy to those around you. Here’s to all the forever mothers ♥️”
Sending love to Judi and to all mothers who have lost a child on this day.
Share your thoughts for Judi via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
Patrick Mulcahey OUT as General Hospital Co-Head Writer
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
General Hospital Receives Stage Dedication
Steve Burton Confirms New Relationship
GH’s Wally Kurth on Ned’s Talk To Brook Lynn Before Walking Her Down the Aisle: “Everytime I Read it, I Choked Up. At Rehearsal, I Choked Up”
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: What Shocker Awaits at Chase and Brook Lynn’s Wedding?
Days of our Lives Favorite Judi Evans Shares Touching Remembrance of Son Austin on Mother’s Day
GH’s Nancy Lee Grahn Speaks Out for Jailed Former On-Screen Daughter, Haley Pullos
GH’s Amanda Setton Previews Brook Lynn & Chase’s Wedding: “It’s a Really Satisfying Payoff for the Fans”
Steve Burton Confirms New Relationship
TONIGHT: ‘Daytime Stands Up – A Benefit for Stand Up To Cancer’
Motion Picture Star Chris Hemsworth, a ‘Home and Away’ Alum, Defends Soap Operas, ‘It Used to Bother Me When Actors Would Later Talk About the Show with Guilt or Shame”
‘The Bold and the Beautiful Music from the Series Volume Two’ Released Featuring Dramatic Story Themes
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: What Shocker Awaits at Chase and Brook Lynn’s Wedding?
Jensen Ackles to Make His ‘Tracker’ Debut
-
General HospitalMay 10, 2024John J. York Back at General Hospital
-
General HospitalMay 11, 2024GH’s Adam J. Harrington Reveals the Behind the Scenes Story of Becoming John “Jagger” Cates
-
General HospitalMay 13, 2024GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: What Shocker Awaits at Chase and Brook Lynn’s Wedding?
-
Days Of Our LivesMay 12, 2024Days of our Lives Favorite Judi Evans Shares Touching Remembrance of Son Austin on Mother’s Day
-
General HospitalMay 9, 2024Giovanni Mazza Joins General Hospital as Brook Lynn’s Cousin
-
NewsMay 8, 2024Y&R’s Zuleyka Silver Gets Engaged