Apparently, people with the show began to suspect something was wrong when Missy did not show up for the Days 30th anniversary party on November 11. She announced her departure a few weeks later, catching everyone by surprise. In the past, Melissa has praised Days, saying that her job was the best she could ever want. She had been on Days for 10 years, and seemed to be looking forward to 10 more.
She left the show because of what she termed "personal reasons." Here's the statement that she issued to the press: "It is with deep regret that I've chosen to leave my role as Jennifer on Days of our Lives. This was entirely my decision, and not the show's. I thank all the fans for their support, and I ask them to understand my need to be with my family right now. We're all healthy, but there are times when families need to be together, and I'm at a point in my life where I need to spend more time with my husband Scott, and our daughter, Emily."
Scott Reeves, her husband, (Ryan, Y&R) also issued a statement: "I realize there will be much speculation as to why Melissa left, but I'd like to think that people who know us, know what we're about. If people truly care about us, they'll let us move on with our lives."
Days executives are calling her departure temporary. Executive producer Ken Corday said that Reeves is having "immediate personal problems and needs some time to correct the situation. We look forward to her speedy return to work." At the same time, they signed Stephanie Cameron, the new Jennifer to a three year contract. While this means little in the soap business, because she can be terminated at the end of a 6 or 13 week cycle in her contract, it does seem that the recast is relatively permanent.
Melissa's last airdate was December 18.
Stephanie Cameron was seen on December 19 as Jennifer on the
show.
In a short story in Soap Opera Digest, Scott speaks about Missy's life since Days. He says "Missy's doing wonderfully, and the family is great." Sccott recently performed in a Las Vegas musical revue with another Y&R star and Melissa was at his side. "Wherever I have to go, Missy and Emily can come with me. And now there's no added pressure on her to be doing something. She enjoys the fact that, if she wants, she can stay in the hotel room and read, watch TV or just be with Emily. It's kind of neat."
Missy also brings Emily home to New Jersey for frequent visits with her family, and spends time with her in-laws, who live close to LA. The couple also hopes to enlarge their family. "We really want to have another baby," says Scott. "When it happens, it'll be great." They also prefer to leave LA eventually, to get away from the "hustle and bustle" of LA.
Finally, Scott says that Missy is not ruling out a return to acting, although whether or not she'd go back to Days is unclear. The show has had no contact with her. "Missy's going to take as much time as she feels she needs," Scott explains. "Hopefully, in the future, she'll be back somewhere, working and acting. She wants her fans to know she's feeling great and everything's good."
This is entirely my opinion, but there are some things I find extremely suspect in these statements from Scott. First of all, why is he talking for her? It makes me think there is something wrong in their marriage, or something they are trying to hide. The comments about Missy going where he goes and not having anything to do seems extremely egotistical to me. It seems that his career is all that matters, not hers. Why is Missy taking Emily home to New Jersey often? Is there something she is running away from in LA? Is their hope to have a second child an effort to repair their marriage? Why hasn't she been in contact with Days at all? Is something wrong there?
(Those are just my feelings and questions. There are a lot of unanswered questions.)
Apparently Missy Reeves was sleeping with her co-star Jason Brooks for months. Her husband, Scott Reeves walked in on them making love in her dressing room. Scott threatened to take custody of their daughter Emily if she did not leave the show. Missy opted to quit and to try and repair their broken marriage. They intend to start a larger family in hopes that it will bring them back together.
Missy can not return to Days until Jason quits or is fired. A side note. This source says that Missy Reeves is a real b*tch, and everyone at Days and Y&R knows it, and that she was responsible for getting Matt Ashford fired.
After the incident occured Jason Brooks did a lot of publicity about how great his marriage is. This was to illustrate to the press/industry that his marriage is still okay, and he's still got a job. Apparently his wife knew nothing about the affair.
Last, sources say Missy Reeves was seen at the
General Hospital studios. A role is being cast that she and Sarah
Michelle Gellar (ex-AMC) are competing for. Since Matt Ashford is one
the show, she will probably not get hired.
(This comes from Dustin Cushman, who got it from a Soap industry
insider)
A person from Days wrote Dustin and told him that Missy never had any problems with anyone on the set, and that the rumor about her sleeping with Jason Brooks is untrue. The source said Missy is genuinely a nice person.
According to Deborah Corey, Corday Productions is taking legal action against Missy for walking out on her contract without any warning. (Info from Dustin Cushman)
A Missy Appearance
In early 1996, Missy accompanied Scott to a singing engagement in Las Vegas. She spoke of her time at Days and her need for a break from the show. For the full text of the article, see Stacy's Melissa Reeves site.
From the same anonymous source who says that Missy's life was being threatened, I received info about Missy's personality. Apparently Missy is a demanding actress with a rather large ego. This person's source says Missy is generally a nice person, but has a rather lofty opinion of herself. This person could not confirm or deny the rumor of a lawsuit.
In an April issue of Soap Opera Weekly, a Days spokesperson confirms that Corday Productions and Sony TV Entertainment are suing Missy for breach of contract and are seeking damages in the amount of the remaining salary in her contract. It also mentions that Scott declined to comment on the issue.
This following article was written by Rebecca Lisa of the Daily Journal (legal newspaper in Los Angeles). It appeared in the September 16, 1996 issue. Copyrights given to Rebecca Lisa and the Daily Journal.
Life, it is said, imitates art. But at other times life imitates soap - or, at least, that seems to be the case for former daytime drama star Melissa Brennan Reeves.
At this time last year Reeves was enjoying a leading role on the hit soap "Days of Our Lives." Her character, Jennifer, had just been married and the honeymoon was about to begin.
The real-life story for Reeves, one of the most popular actresses in daytime television, also was a soap opera, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court by Corday Productions, which produces the show. Corday v. Reeves, BC157246.
In mid-November, Reeves dropped off the screen, accoding to Star magazine soap opera columnist, William Heller. "Melissa Reeves really was huge soap star," he said. "When she left it was so sudden. A lot of rumors were circulating in the soap world."
According to the suit, a tearful Reeves telephoned Corday's head of business affairs last November telling him that she would not be able to come to work. Reeves' real-life husband insisted that she quit her job because of an extramarital affair between her and a "significant male performer" on the show, the suit contends. She has not appeared on the show since. During the call, Reeves said that she regretted leaving the soap and that although the affair had been over for two months, "her husband was nevertheless insistent that she leave," the suit said.
Reeves could not be reached for comment Friday and a spokesperson for Corday Productions said it could not comment on pending litigation.
Giving up the gig was more than a minor move for Reeves, who was being paid $500,000 a year by Corday, according to the suit. And her departure had major ramifications for the show, Corday contends.
Reeves was among the highest "Q-rated" actresses on the show, a term which measures a performer's public recognition, the suit said.
The hit soap was celebrating its 30th anniversary around the time that Reeves quit. Her action forced writers and directors to search for a replacement and to write around her sudden disappearance. Episodes of the show focusing on "Jennifer's" honeymoon had already been written and were ready for filming, the suit said.
Corday contends that by quitting the show
Reeves breached her contract, which was not set to expire unitl
November 1996. The company is seeking $770,000 in actual damages and
an injunction to prevent her from "using her unique skills on behalf
of a competitor while still obligated under contract with
Corday."
(from Cheryl via Dustin Cushman)
[I just had to voice my opinions on this
latest piece of info. It seems that this is the most legitimate
source so far. When a legal newspaper quotes information from a
pending lawsuit, I find it hard to deny what they cite. I have been
trying to deny the rumors for months, but I wonder if we really can
at this point. I think it's been in the back of our minds for a long
time now, and it may be time to admit that the angel we knew as Missy
Reeves and Jennifer Deveraux, may not be so perfect.
I still love Missy as an actress, and as a person, even if she did
make some poor choices. I'll never fully believe that anything went
on behind the scenes that was inappropriate, but it may be like the
JFK assassination--it's possible we'll never really know the truth
about why she left.]
The following is an article that appeared in the Oct. 22, 1996 issue of Soap Opera Digest. It repeats some of the above info, but also provides some new info.
On Sept. 12, Corday Productions, Inc. (co-owners of Days) filed a breach of contract suit against Melissa Reeves, the wife of Scott Reeves, in Los Angeles Superior Court.
The suit, which is a matter of public record, seeks: Actual damages expected to be in excess of $770,000, according to proof; to prevent Reeves from acting on another daytime drama while still under contract to Days; all legal fees pertaining to the case; and for such other and further relief to the extent that the court deems it proper. "Ms. Reeves' services and her role on Days of Our Lives were truly unique," states the suit.
Reeves, whom the suit alleges "was being paid in excess of $500,000 per year by Corday...and was one of the two lead female characters on Days," stopped reporting to work early last November. Although the actress was contractually bound to Days for one more year, the filing alleges that in a phone call on November 10, 1995, "Ms. Reeves was crying, and stated that the reason she could not come to work was that her husband, Mr. Reeves, had insisted that she leave the show because of a previous extra-marital affair between Ms. Reeves and one of the other significant male performers on Days." Said performer was not named.
The suit continues: "Ms. Reeves stated that she regretted having engaged in the estramarital affair and that the affair had concluded at or around Labor Day weekend."
After Reeves's departure, Days "suspended and extended" her contract for the amount of time "necessary for her to work out her personal difficulties and return to Days." The suit further alleges: "During November 1995 through February 1, 1996, Ms. Reeves did not provide any feedback to Corday as to when, if ever, she would return to Days. Ms. Reeves's agent informed Corday during this time that Ms. Reeves had changed her telephone number and was not accessible."
Although Reeves's future with Days is unclear, apparently, her marriage has benefited from her time away from the show. In the 4/9 issue, Scott Reeves said, "Missy's doing wonderfully, and the family is great. Missy wants her fans to know everything's good." Several other sources have also reported that the couple seems very happy together.
Industry insiders ahve speculated that the lawsuit may be withdrawn should Reeves return to Days, although one source at the show deemed a return highly unlikely.
A spokesperson for Days had no comment on the suit. Repeated calls to Scott and Melissa Reeves and their attorney were not returned at press time.
[Another thought from me...Is it possible that this "significant male performer" was not Jason Brooks, but Mark Valley (Jack)? He is also what one would describe a significant male performer, and had many scenes with Missy. He's not married, so things on his end aren't as complicated. Just a thought...]
The following article appeared in the Oct. 22,
1996 issue of SOD:
Given Reeves's alleged contractual obligation to Days and Corday's
lawsuit which, if won, enjoins Reeves from acting for "a competitor"
(i.e., another soap) while still under contract to Corday, it seems
legally impossible for her to appear on another daytime drama in the
near future.
Still, there is some speculation within the industry that Reeves may turn up on NBC's new soap, Sunset Beach. "There has been no discussion regarding Melissa Reeves being on another [NBC] show," refutes NBC daytime publicist Diane Passarelli. "It's not a name waiting on the back-burner to be released for any other NBC show." It seems doubtful that Reeves would join Y&R, as both Days and Y&R are co-owned by Columbia. Another network and/or produciton company might prove more hospitable, should Reeves be contractually free to work. "I know her from her work on Days," says veteran GH Casting Director Mark Teschner. "I think she's a talented, lovely actress. If the right role came up, she would be considered--as would any actress who is interesting and dynamic."
The following article appeared in the Nov. 26,
1996 issue of SOW:
Despite persistent rumors that she is joining the cast of B&B,
Melissa Reeves will not be appeared on B&B or any other soap, for
that matter--in the immediate future, her lawyer tells Soap Opera
Weekly. The story that was circulating was that the actress was
settling her breach of contract lawsuit with Corday Productions in
order to take a roles on B&B.;
"I can definitely deny that she is going to B&B," her lawyer,
Robert Crocket, says. "From what I understand, she wants to take some
time off for a while and raise children." [I find the use of
"children" interesting, since Missy only has one child, daughter
Emily. Is another on the way?]
Crocket also tells SPW that at press time, Reeves had no plans to
settle out of court. "If there is a settlement, I don't know about
it, and I would know about it if it were happening."
Don't look for Melissa Reeves on GH2. According to her attorney, "There has been activity pursued by Melissa's agents to get her back to work, but Melissa has refused many of their attempts to get her to work again. She does not intend to go back to work, and all of these stories we've been hearing are completely untrue." (SOW January 1997)
This is an article from the June issue of
Playgirl:
From the life-is-stranger-than-fiction files, DAYS OF OUR LIVES'
Melissa Reeves, who's long-played the role of the squeaky-clean
Jennifer Horton, was at home and allegedly smack in the middle of a
cozy tryst with semi-newly married co-star Jason Brooks when her
husband, Scott Reeves, walked in on them. Needless to say, this
little scene didn't go over too well with a steamed Scott, who plays
Ryan on THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, because he then supposedly gave
her an ultimatum: Quit the show or he'd boot her out and keep their
little kid. Gee, and we thought stuff life this only played out on
soap operas!"
(Info from Rick Rashid via Susen McBeth)
In the July 16 issue of SOD, Jason Brooks denies the story in Playgirl, saying, "I couldn't deny the validity of it any more...it's just not true." Brooks goes on to say, "I'm not sure why they elected to print thIonnleI can say about tt. I really don't concern myself with that kind of stuff. I know what is true and not true. I'm not stupid--I know what's being said out there. Everybody thinks they know what's going on and nobody knows anything and that's they way it will stay."
In the same article, Missy, speaking through her lawyer says, "This is so ludicrous I wouldn't dignify it with a response." It also cites a source at Days who has spoken to Missy several times since she left the show and reports that she sounds happy with her new job as a stay-at-home wife and mother.
As a Matt fan and someone that has discussed
the situation surrounding his departure from the show I will say that
he has nothing but great things to say about Melissa. She had nothing
to do with him being fired and was even going to quit the show
because TPTB completely blind sided them by letting him go. Matthew
always says how nice Missy is, and when one fan asked if she was
difficult on the set he said that there could be nothing furter from
the truth and that she was so sensitive that she would probably cry
if she heard a fan ask that. I think that Missy was SOOO dependent on
Matt during their six years (he would talk to TPTB for her, help her
with interviews, etc) that when he left she was left a little unsure
of what to do next. I don't defend her actions but I can understand
them. Jason took Matt's role on the set, defending her, making her
laugh -- he reminded her a lot of her own brother who is living on
the east coast and who she was very close to (she said this at
Greenville) -- and she works with him 12 hours out of the day. You
can form very close bonds to people that you work with that
closely.
(Info from Susen McBeth)
"Missy and I do keep in contact, although we've both been rather busy. She is a very dear person and, of course, is very missed on this show." (Kristian Alfonso, 12/9/96, TV Guide Online)
On-screen mother Jaime Lyn Bauer (Laura) has apparently tried to contact Missy numerous times since she left the show and she hasn't responded.
Don't look for Melissa Reeves on GH2 or any other soap for that matter. According to her attorney, "There has been activity pursued by Melissa's agents to get her back to work, but Melissa has refused many of their attempts to get her to work again. She does not intend to go back to work, and all of these stories we've been hearing are completely untrue." (Soap Opera Weekly, 1/97 via ShadySha)
Since Missy left Days, the word was that she and Scott were concentrating on spending time with Emily and trying to have another baby. Missy is now expecting another child, due this fall. (Soap Opera Magazine, Feb. 25, 1997)
It has been confirmed that Missy and Scott are expecting a boy in August.
I thought it was interesting to note that in the Jan. 19, 1993 issue of Soap Opera Digest, in an article called "Bum Raps?" Missy is on a list of 10 actors with good reputations. The magazine proclaims, "Here's our list of ten soap stars you'll never hear a bad word about: Stars with good reputations." I guess everyone has their faults. We've now heard many a "bad word" about her, whether true or not.
New York-- May 20, 1997: There was Jenn-uine excitement at YOUNG AND RESTLESS' annual Daytime Emmy bash this afternoon, when beaming Supporting Actor nominee SCOTT REEVES (Ryan) walked into the posh Rainbow Room with his beautiful -- and ultra pregnant -- wife, MELISSA REEVES. It marked one of the couple's first public appearances since Missy walked off her soap, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, in the fall of 1995 amidst reports of family and backstage troubles. (According to the 5/13/97 issue of Soap Opera Digest, DAYS' lawsuit against Missy for breach of contract "is continuing, but without the limelight.")
Today, both of the Reeves team looked brighter than the sunshine streaming through the panoramic windows on 30 Rockefeller Plaza's 65th floor. The rock solid couple were greeted by friends and well wishers on every side. While Missy talked with Scott's co-stars, Scott bounded right over to our Soap Opera Digest Online table to chat with his devoted AOL following -- and share some happy exclusives. He announced that the couple's second child, a boy, is due on August 12, and they intend to name him Lawrence David Reeves. (The duo already have a daughter, Emily.) In response to an AOL member's question if Scott planned to take any "family leave" from the show when his son is born, the actor replied, "Probably whatever time I happen to have. I probably won't request any time off."
One online surfer eagerly asked, "How is Missy? Think she'll ever come back to DAYS?" The actor smiled and responded, "Missy's sitting right across from me at the moment... 7 months pregnant... doing wonderfully... probably will never return to DAYS... not to say she won't return to another show." FYI: In recent months, there has been much speculation in the press about possible new job opportunities for the popular young star. Right now, there is industry talk (a little premature perhaps?) that she'd make a perfect Vicky Hudson on ANOTHER WORLD, should Jensen Buchanan leave this fall. All other considerations aside, that would involve a pretty big leap of geography: AW tapes in New York, and the couple -- thanks to Scott's Y&R success -- remain LA based.
"I miss soaps," admitted the very pregnant Missy at the 1997 Emmy Award celebrations. Missy says she would consider coming back to soaps after her second child is born, though she admits her departure from Days was difficult. She can't wait to give birth. The baby boy will be named after her father and brother.
"The press really burned me," Reeves admits. "One minute the magazines were printing damaging, false statements about me and the next day they were asking me to pose for their covers! Scott and I couldn't believe it."
Which soap would Missy sign with if she returns? "As long as the role is interesting and challenging that's all that matters," Missy says. "I couldn't do an East Coast soap and leave my family. I've become such a California girl. Though my parents do live in New Jersey. I guess they could take care of the kids," the actress teases. One soap producer even told SOU, "Any soap would be lucky to have Missy on their show. She's extremely talented and beautiful. We'd love to hire her." (SOU June 24, 1997)
(From SOD Online, via ShadySha and JSweit)
Melissa and Scott welcomed their son, Lawrence David, on August 4, 1997 at 12:32 pm. Lawrence, who has a 5 -year-old sister, Emily, weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. (Info from Kate and ShadySha)
On the cover of the August 26, 1997 issue of Soap Opera News at the very top is the headline......"Scott Reeves On Missy's New Baby". My question is why are they referring to this as "Missy's New Baby" and not "Our New Baby." This seems like yet another attempt by Scott to keep Missy from talking and not associate with her in the daytime press. However, maybe I'm just reading too much into this. I still think something strange continues...
I spotted Missy in the audience of America's Funniest Home Videos on March 2, 1998. I can't imagine what she was doing there. Neither Scott nor the children were with her, but it was definitely her. She was right behind host Daisy Fuentes as she introduced a clip. She looks about the same as she did when she left Days. I recognized her smile immediately.
This
family picture was taken at the 1997 Y&R/B&B holiday party.
Baby Lawrence is just a few months old and Emily is 5 1/2.
Soap Opera Digest (3-10-98) reports that a West Coast soap is "quietly pursuing" Missy. [Side note: Could this be Days trying to bring her back to the role of Jennifer, since Stephanie Cameron is leaving? I doubt it, but it's always possible I suppose.]
Y&R's SCOTT REEVES (Ryan) told talk show host Rosie O'Donnell (during a March 98 appearance) that his wife, Melissa Reeves (ex-Jennifer, Days), is happy at home, tending to their children, Emily, 6, and Larry, 8 months.
Another return rumor
Once again, Scott speaks about what Missy does and doesn't want to do with virtually no word from her at all. This time it's prompted by Stephanie Cameron's leaving. Stacy's posted the full text of the May 12, 1998 SOU article at her Missy site.
Missy dismisses return rumors
Putting a rest to all the rumors that Melissa
Reeves (ex-Jennifer, DAYS) is returning to daytime, the actress says,
"I acted for so long that I felt like I was really fulfilled. I felt
good about it. Sometimes I do miss it, though. I said to my husband
Scott (Reeves, Ryan on Y&R), 'You know, honey, this is awful, but
you know what I really miss? I really miss people doing my makeup and
my hair'. Now I bring my daughter Emily to school in the morning, and
I don't wear makeup at all. My hair always looks like...well, I
always look like a nut. I wouldn't trade being home with the kids for
anything in the world," Reeves continues. "Emily goes to school every
day, so now I get the little guy (Lawrence, 10 months) all to myself.
I adore him."
(written by Anne Maria Alloca, 6/9/98 issue of Soap Opera
Magazine)
Stacy's posted a second article on this topic at her Missy Reeves Page
Scott speaks for her again
Longtime "Days Of Our Lives" fans have never
gotten over the abrupt, 1995 departure of beloved 10-year veteran
Melissa Reeves (ex-Jennifer). Now there may be reason for hope. With
the recast Stephanie Cameron having been let go in April, there could
be room for Reeves to return in the near future. So will she?
"Missy's not sure what she wants to do at this point," says Reeves'
husband, The Young and The Restless' Scott Reeves (Ryan). Though he
says anything is possible, it's unlikely that she will come back to
Days, which sued her for breaking her contract when she left. (The
suit was settled out of court). Plus, says her husband, "She's more
interested in film and primetime right now." Since leaving soaps,
Reeves has been at home with the couple's six year old daughter Emily
and eight month old son Lawrence David. "She definitely wants to stay
home with the baby until he goes to preschool," Scott says. "At the
same time, she's keeping her feelers out. She's been offered a few
different jobs, but nothing that she's seriously considered taking."
We'll keep you posted if she changes her mind..which we and her fans
hope she does!
(June 9, 1998 issue of Soap Opera Update via Mandy M.)
The Silence is Broken!
Missy speaks to Soaps in Depth in an exclusive article. Read it on the Missy Reeves page
The Same Old Rumors
Nothing has been posted on this page for a while because the only time Missy has popped up in the news, it's the same old rumors. The latest ones have her going to NBC's new soap, Passions. There's also been talk about her returning to Days. There have been questions about whether or not she was truly approached about a return to the show.
Half a Dozen Babies
Scott and Missy co-starred for the first time together since their few scenes on Days when they appeared in the May 1999 TV movie, Half a Dozen Babies, based on the lives of Keith and Becki Dilley, the parents of the first surviving set of sextuplets. It was the first time Missy had acted since leaving Days in late 1995.
Scott
Speaks Again
(June 1999)
From soapstarworld.com via Mandy...
In an exclusive interview with Soap Star World, Scott Reeves confirms that DAYS approached Missy about a return "as recently as two months ago." At the moment, says Scott, his wife is enjoying her role as a real life mom to the couple's two children and in no rush to get back to the daily grind of soaps at this moment. He laughs, "And the offers have been very, very generous." Other offers have come from Passions and Sunset Beach and Aaron Spelling has said that he would want Melissa in any of his primetime projects, too.
MELISSA REEVES'
DAYS RETURN!
From SoapStarWorld.
(August 2000)...
She's back........! And Soap Star World is proud to say that we
presided over the happy reunion.
Soap Star World has learned that Melissa Reeves, the beloved daytime star who played Jennifer Horton Deveraux Blake [or is that Blake Deveraux?] on DAYS OF OUR LIVES for a decade before abruptly leaving in November 1995, is returning to the soap. In fact we heard that her deal was signed on Friday (August 11). Both DAYS and NBC were unavailable for comment.
Reeves' return, of course, will send shockwaves through the daytime industry. The popular 33-year-old actress, married in real life to YOUNG AND RESTLESS star Scott Reeves [Ryan], was sued by Columbia Pictures [DAYS' producers] in 1996 for breach of contract for leaving the role without notice.
The show scrambled to recast the actress and hired Stephanie Cameron, who was, at the time the reported girlfriend of producer [now producer/head writer] Tom Langan's trainer. Cameron played the role for several years, but viewers always clamored for Reeves' return.
In her nearly five year absence from daytime, Reeves was reportedly up for roles on SUNSET BEACH, PASSIONS, BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL and just about every other soap. Rumor also had her appearing on several primetime Spelling shows [he's said to be a fan] as well. Scott Reeves recently joked with SSW that it was something of a happy "problem" to have the phone ringing all the time with million dollar offers for his wife to return to work.
Melissa Reeves appeared in a TV movie with her husband of ten years, about the real-life Dilley septuplets, and told reporters then that she wanted to get back to work. In a 1995 interview before she left DAYS, in fact, she said, "I can't imagine just staying home. It would drive me nuts."
She told SSW late last year that she wasn't sure, as a stay-at-home mom, whether she wanted to work in primetime or daytime but knew that daytime's hours would be more conducive to raising her two kids. Reeves said she enjoyed working in TV movies and thought she would concentrate her efforts on finding work in telemovies.
But at a tribute to Bill Bell held at the TV
Academy in North Hollywood last October, Soap Star World introduced
Reeves to DAYS' publicist David Sperber [who formerly handled PR
for BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL]. The two hit it off immediately and
Reeves intimated that the door was open for her to return. Sperber
(seen here with Reeves minutes after we made the introduction) asked
for her phone number and gently inquired whether she would be open to
a phone call from the show's powers-that-be. She said she was. The
path of her return was first forged that night. In the interests of
privacy, Soap Star World, before now, kept much of the goings-on that
evening private. The always-shy star very sweetly, and modestly, made
it clear that she didn't want to come in and bigfoot anyone out of a
storyline and didn't want to appear that she was playing hardball on
a return as a negotiating ploy. First and foremost in the actress'
mind was getting a schedule that would allow her to have lots of time
to be with her kids, Emily, and Larry, who is named for her father.
We don't need a broker's fee, just chalk up another coup for SSW.
(a note from me...people are asking me if this is really true this time since there have been so many rumors about her return before. I've talked with people at SoapStarWorld today and they confirm that it is true. They've known it was in the works for a while, but were very skeptical. They're attitude is "they'll believe it when they see it," but they have every reason to believe it's a done deal. Remember, SSW were the same people who broke news of Louise Sorel and Jensen Ackles' exits long before anyone else.)
MELISSA REEVES'
DAYS RETURN!-WHAT'S THE HOLD UP?
From SoapStarWorld...(August
2000)
Okay.
So, what's the holdup? Is it money?
Melissa Reeves, the mega-popular actress who played Jennifer Horton Deveraux Blake [or is that Blake Deveraux?], on NBC's DAYS OF OUR LIVES has been telling friends and intimates that she was returning to the role she left nearly 5 years ago. And she told these same friends that she was thrilled at the prospect of returning. For their part, the show was thrilled with her possible return. [A scenario, if you missed our earlier story, that SSW helped broker. CLICK FOR ORIGINAL STORY ]
As SSW broke last week, Reeve's return was all but a done deal. So what's the hold up on the official announcement?
Sources familiar with the negotiations say the i's have not been dotted and the t's have not been crossed, but both sides are still very much wanting to make it happen. But they are not close yet.
Of course, both sides are now in a position to play hardball because the word is out and a dance of strategy is taking place.
Reeves told SSW last Fall that she was willing to come back but didn't want to hold up the show for big bucks or big foot anyone out of a storyline. Is that still the case? When she left the show before, salaries [and ratings] in daytime were a lot higher than they are now. She told SSW that her main concern was getting time off to be with her kids. DAYS has been known to be very liberal on this time off for mothers policy in regards to superstars like Deidre Hall [Marlena.] Given that, it would appear that the stumbling blocks are related to either money or time off. Clearly the show knows that Reeves means box office. How much box office is what they are trying to ascertain before they cut a check. If after TOO much back and forth they feel it won't be worth the money at the end of the day, we could very well see this deal die. And Reeves is married to Y&R star Scott Reeves [Ryan]. She's not exactly hurting for money. If this deal does die, what a shame that would be for all concerned-especially the fans. Reeves, of course, left the show nearly five years ago and Columbia Pictures, the owners of DAYS, tried to sue her. That case was later quietly dropped. Insiders say, what could have been bad feelings on both sides, have long since been abated.
We will keep you posted on the very soapy-like on-goings in the continuing negotiations and report officially when the ink is dry.
REEVES RETURNS
from TV Guide Online...(September 1)
It's official. Melissa Reeves is returning to Days of Our
Lives, the show that made her a household name. "She is
returning," confirms her manager. "The deal just happened." Reeves
played the role of Jennifer Devereaux from 1985 to 1995.
Since leaving the show, Reeves has starred in the TV-movie Half a Dozen Babies with her husband, Scott Reeves (Ryan, Y&R). Reeves has auditioned for several other daytime and prime-time projects, but this marks her return to the soap canvas. Look for Michael Logan to have exclusive details in an upcoming issue of TV Guide.
From esoapstars.com (formerly soapstarworld.com)...
Yes, you have heard it before. Yes, you have waited. Yes, you have had your hopes up. Yes, you have reason to "believe it when you see it". Well, tune in early October and you will see Melissa Reeves reprise her role of Jennifer. Sources close to the negotiations say that Reeves and NBC have worked out the last minute details and indeed a deal has been cut with the popular actress. It's not CLOSE. It's indeed a deal. The show will not comment on Reeves return. Could it be that they want to hold the suspense for her near sweeps return? Yes. We can tell you that Matt Ashford will NOT be part of the return package. However, we are like you know, we will believe THAT when we see it or don't see it too. ESOAPSTARS helped engineer her return to the show.
This page was mentioned in Inside Soap (an aussie mag) in Feb 2001. There was a mini-review with a link to this section of my site.