James Reynolds – Days Of Our Lives

Q) What are the current projects that you are working on?

A) Besides “Days of Our Lives,”  I am doing work shopping two plays and I am writing two plays. I am also writing a film and working at a theater that my family runs. I coach a women’s basketball team, as well.

Q) What is currently going on with your character on the show?

A) Right now, Abe has had some issues with his wife Lexi. He’s also had some health problems over the last few years. He’s completely healthy now and separated from his wife. He’s very upset and angry with her. It looks pretty dim for the Carvers at the moment, but I have a feeling something pretty exciting is going to happen in the near future.

Q) You’ve been on “Days of Our Lives” for twenty-two years. What has kept you coming back each year?

A) I love what I do. That’s really what’s kept me coming back. It’s one of those things, for not only an actor to consistently have a job (which is a great thing and most actors will tell you that they love that idea), but I like the variety of things that I am asked to do with this character. I love the fact that I can come in and play drama or comedy. I love being able to do the action things and the fights. It’s a fun job to have and it keeps you there. It’s a unique opportunity to play a character that grows over time, just as we grow over time. To make that seem real is something I really enjoy.

Q) How do you feel knowing you have logged more hours on TV than any other African American actor in the US since 1981?

A) That’s pretty cool! That’s really a great thing. I’m very excited and pleased by that since I’ve had the chance to work so much and be in front of the camera so much. When I was a beginning actor, it wasn’t a goal of mine. It still isn’t a goal of mine, but it does show that I’ve been able to create a large volume of work.

Q) You recently took part in a USO tour to Cuba. Why was this venture so important to you?

A) I’ve done a lot of USO tours and, in fact, I am going back to Washington, D.C. for the USO gala and to visit at Bethesda and Walter Reid. I’ve done a lot of USO tours and been in over twenty countries. It’s important to me as a former Marine. I think it’s important to let all of these young men and women know how much we support them and how much we care about them. To take that time to do that is a very easy thing. I draw a great deal of strength and inspiration from when I see them and talk to them.

Q) You got to direct your son in the play National Past Time” How did that make you feel?

A) That was wonderful! That was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in the theater. In directing him, he was wonderful and great to direct. It also had to do with the nature of the play itself, which is about Jackie Robinson who is an American icon. He is a man, who I feel, did a tremendous amount for this country and made it possible for me and millions of others to participate in the American dream. To be able to have the honor to direct that play , have the support of the Robinson family and also to be able to direct my son in that role was a highlight.

Q) How do you feel knowing the play got so much acclaim?

A) I felt tremendous! It’s always great to know that your work is appreciated and that people really do understand and appreciate what you do. It means a lot to know that your vision and thoughts can be communicated well enough to an audience clear enough that they really gave so many accolades to it.

Q) What made you want to open your own theater?

A) It was a great opportunity. We actually owned the building and it had the perfect space for a theater. It’s a tremendous opportunity to do what we love and also allow others to participate (great writers, specifically). It’s great to be able to nurture the scripts of wonderful writers and bring them to life, but also give a chance for actors and directors to work in a really warm environment. We hope that we’ve established this warm atmosphere to help enhance creativity.

Q) What do you do in your spare time?

A) In my spare time, I love to read. I read constantly and I never go anywhere without a book. We’re a basketball playing family, truthfully. I love to play basketball and I go to the gym and work out. My spare time is growing more important to me and I look for those moments to be able to sit down and read or maybe spend a half hour playing football.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A) I am so appreciative of all the people that have supported me over the years. I actually had a dream the other night about fans and how wonderful and warm they’ve been to me. I’m completely appreciative of that!