OnlineHost: Your emcees for this event are AOLiveMC15 (Bob) and AOLiveMC3 (Sheilah)

OnlineHost: It's not many acting hopefuls who get the chance to personally quiz the likes of Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas and Peter Fonda on how to make it "big" in Hollywood, so when a young James Reynolds got the opportunity, he grabbed it. Welcome to AOL Live!

AOLiveMC15: James Reynolds, welcome to AOL Live and Old's Celebrity Circle!

JmsReynlds: Hi! How is everyone? It's good to see you and I'm ready for your questions.

AOLiveMC15: Your first question comes from Stormdays: Do you have trouble getting through your scenes when you have scenes with Eileen Davidson's Susan? Do you laugh a lot through those scenes?

JmsReynlds: No, I don't have trouble getting through. I laugh a great deal during those scenes because Eileen is a wonderful actress and a wonderful person, so we all tend to laugh a lot during those scenes.

AOLiveMC15: And another from Stormy: Have any "Days" actors play any practical jokes on you?

JmsReynlds: Yes. When Wayne Northrup was on the show, we're very good friends. He'd pull some jokes occasionally. Christie Clark is also a great practical joker.

AOLiveMC15: JimsPumpk sends this next question: Is Susan staying on the show I love her!

JmsReynlds: Well, Susan will soon be leaving the DiMera mansion, but I believe she will be on the show as long as Eileen is on the show.

AOLiveMC15: POrdong sends this question: Hi! I've been a "Days" fan since I have memories. Keep up the good work. Do the actors ever get tired of the storylines that go on forever like the Sami/Austin/Carrie triangle? Most of us want that story to end!

JmsReynlds: Well, thank you for your kind words. The actors talk about the story just like the fans do. You'll notice that even though stories go on, sometimes for months, that they're always little twists thrown in to keep you interested.

AOLiveMC15: Stormdays asks another: If you had to choose a storyline for Abe, what would it be?

JmsReynlds: Well, that's a question I get asked a lot. I have several that I've thought of over the years. But perhaps an old flame of Abe's might return to town and cause some trouble for he and Lexie.

AOLiveMC15: A cyber q asks this question: Are you like anything on your character on television?

JmsReynlds: I think Abe and I have some things in common. He's probably a better person than I am.

AOLiveMC15: JMcdan133 wants to know: What ever happened to Celeste on the show? Do you all ever do scenes together any more?

JmsReynlds: Yes. Watch the show in the next couple of weeks and you'll see Celeste again.

AOLiveMC15: MarchNSin sends this question: James, hello, I love "Days" and watching you and Lexie together so I wanted to know will you and Lexie be having a child any time soon? Rock, PA.

JmsReynlds: Well, thanks for watching us. I hope we have a child. I know Renee certainly hopes we have a child. So all of you fans keep writing the writers and producers and tell them that you'd like to see the Carvers become parents.

AOLiveMC15: Another from JimsPumpk: How long have you been on "Days?"

JmsReynlds: 14 years.

AOLiveMC15: What was your first acting gig?

JmsReynlds: I haven't had one yet.

AOLiveMC15: LOL

JmsReynlds: LOL. Gosh, back when I was in college, I was hired to do a "meller" drama called "The Drunkard."

AOLiveMC15: Chris1273 sends this: Is it possible to get an autographed picture sent to me?

JmsReynlds: Absolutely! Write me in c/o NBC, 3000 West Alameda, Burbank, CA., 91523.

AOLiveMC15: And another from Stormdays: How many hours do you work each day?

JmsReynlds: It varies anywhere from an easy day of 3-4 hours, to very long days of 12-18 hours.

AOLiveMC15: A cyber q sends this question: Do you have any say in what kind of material you use on "Days?"

JmsReynlds: Very little. Our input is limited to after we get scripts, and sometimes we remember things that our characters have done that the writers forget. But that input is after we have our scripts in hand.

AOLiveMC15: Stormdays wants to find out: Do you hang out with any "Days" actors outside of the studio? If you do, which actors?

JmsReynlds: Yeah, actually a number of people over the years have become good friends of mine. We sometimes see them socially. Charles Shaughnessy, John Anniston, Drake Hogestyn, Patsy Pease.

AOLiveMC15: Hellduk asks: Mr. Reynolds. On the show are you and Drake Hogeston going to find Dedra Hall locked up in the secret room?

JmsReynlds: Mr. Drake Hogestyn to you ;> Keep watching. Pretty soon, all will be revealed. Actually, within 2 weeks

AOLiveMC15: Stormdays must be a devout fan, here's another: Is it true that John and Susan have an Elvis wedding? That must have been fun to tape, right?

JmsReynlds: Yes, it is true and you'll see it soon. And yes, it was great fun.

AOLiveMC15: Aug16 would like to know: Do you think Carrie Brady and Mike Horton will get together?

JmsReynlds: Well, I don't know. What about Austin?

AOLiveMC15: Bttrfly00 sends this question: I love "Days!" Can you tell us what's up next for your character?

JmsReynlds: Well, I'm not sure. As usual, I'm going to find myself in the hunt for Stefano. That I know for a fact. I'm hoping that there's an adventure in store for Abe and Lexie.

AOLiveMC15: This from PondforKo: Welcome James, I really enjoy watching you on "Days." You are a great inspiration on the show.

JmsReynlds: Thank you very much for those kind words!

AOLiveMC15: Fuzzball would like to know: How did you get started in your acting career?

JmsReynlds: Should I call you Mr. Ball or Fuzz? I started in college.

AOLiveMC15: And another from Fuzzball: What other celebs or athletes have you meet that you admire?

JmsReynlds: Oh, that's a very good question, Mr. Ball. I've met a number of people that I've met that I admire, both in the artistic world and the political world.

AOLiveMC15: Could you tell us a little about some of your charity work James?

JmsReynlds: Yes. I'm very involved with a number of charities. For a long time, I was the spokesperson for the National Jewish Hospital for children's asthma in Denver. I've involved with Haven House, a home for abused women and children. As a matter of fact, my family and I have just started a business called Big Man, in which we sell shirts and caps with legends on it like "Big Men Don't Hit, They Hug," or "Big Men Don't Swear, They Care." A portion of the sale for this apparel will go to charities dealing with abuse.

AOLiveMC3: RBent 28 asks: What did you do before you became an actor?

JmsReynlds: I was a journalist.

AOLiveMC3: Yaya195 wants to know: James(ABE) how long of a day do you have at work. Meaning how long does it take to make 1 scene?

JmsReynlds: Well, it depends. Scenes are much shorter these days than they used to be. 10 years ago, but it could take 10 to 15 minutes for a 3 page scene, or maybe 30 minutes to an hour for a 10 page scene. And from the difficulty of shooting it.

AOLiveMC3: Bttrfly00 asks: Do you have any other projects coming up other than working on "Days?"

JmsReynlds: Yes, I do. I have a production company in Kansas called Free State Productions. We're producing a feature based on "The Buffalo Soldiers."

AOLiveMC15: This question comes from Teddeee: How do you think "Days" compares with other soaps, in terms of the quality of the writing and storylines?

JmsReynlds: Teddeee, "Days" is different. Each show has its own style. "Days" is more of a real life romance novel and so the style of writing and production is different. I think what "Days" does is extremely good. And I'm not sure any other shows could do it as well.

AOLiveMC15: Sayr Ch sends this question: Do you actually watch "Days" or any other soap opera?

JmsReynlds: Yes, I do. I do watch "Days" and I check in on some of the other shows occasionally.

AOLiveMC15: A cyber q sends this: What is your favorite plot?

JmsReynlds: I guess back when Abe was hunting Chief Gates, who had killed his brother and kidnapped Marlena.

AOLiveMC15: CL90210 sends this: Hi Mr. Reynolds. I think "DOOL" is the best, and you do a great job portraying Abe.

Question: There is nothing more I want out of life than to be on "Days." How can I go about pursuing my life long dream as an actress?

JmsReynlds: Wow. Well, thank you for all the nice things you've said. I tell all actors to get involved in theater. Don't limit your ambitions to "Days." You may become the next great movie star.

AOLiveMC15: Plyso would like to know: I have been watching "Days" for 21 years. It's my favorite Soap. I think you are excellent in it. Do you enjoy doing that kind of show better then primetime?

JmsReynlds: Well, thanks Plyso! I enjoy doing "Days" a great deal. I can't compare it to a night time shows. When I had been on night time series, that was a great deal of fun as well, but they're different.

AOLiveMC15: How did you get started with your reporting?

JmsReynlds: I always wanted to be a writer from the time I was a small child. When I was in the Marine Corps., my MOS or Military Occupation Specialty was journalism. They taught me how to write a complete sentence.

AOLiveMC15: What's your next piece on?

JmsReynlds: Right now, I'm in the middle of writing a book.

AOLiveMC15: Fry OJ No sends this question: James, will you be on the "Days" celeb. cruise in August?

JmsReynlds: No, I'm afraid not. I've always enjoyed the cruises and hopefully will be on one again in the future.

AOLiveMC15: Another from Mr. Ball: What are the ups and downs of acting?

JmsReynlds: Oh gosh, there are many. The ups are the applause from an audience. When you've completed a performance of a play in a role that you love. And the downs are waiting for that next job.

AOLiveMC15: Moenard wants to find out: You have done theater, television & film. Which do like best? Why?

JmsReynlds: Well, that's a hard thing to say. I really like them all. Theater because of the process involved. It's very actor friendly in the immediate response of the audience. Film, because of the potential of creating a complete character. And television because of the frequency and the instantaneous decisions that must be made as an actor.

AOLiveMC15: Sheilah wants to know: You seem to have a lot of energy. Who inspired you to be such a giving person?

JmsReynlds: I don't know who inspired me. I always have felt that to have a safe and orderly society, we all have a responsibility to care for others and things in that society.

AOLiveMC15: Tgmjkm asks this question: How much do the writers listen to the fans? Many of the story lines are too long and drawn out.

JmsReynlds: The writers listen a great deal to the fans. Letters are really taken very seriously by the writers and producers of the show.

AOLiveMC15: Bethris would like to know: James, the question I want to ask is have you recently lost a lot of weight?

JmsReynlds: People always ask me that. No, I stay within 5 pounds of the same weight.

AOLiveMC15: Another from Moenard: Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

JmsReynlds: I would guess my mother, who worked very hard raising myself and my brother.

AOLiveMC15: Can you tell us about your production work?

JmsReynlds: A great deal will happen in the next 2 weeks on the show, and many of your questions about John and Marlena, Bo and Hope will be answered soon on the show. My production company is called Free State Productions, and we're headquartered in Kansas, where I grew up. We'll be making feature films and documentaries primarily dealing with subjects from that part of the country.

AOLiveMC15: MikeDawn9 would like to know: When we see someone talking say to you on the phone and we don't see you does that mean you are not there that day or filming another scene?

JmsReynlds: LOL. Dear Mike, actually it sounds like a funny question but it isn't. The truth is, sometimes we do shoot one show over several days. However, more often we shoot one entire show each day. So yes, there are times when you may not see me on a show that I may have been on.

AOLiveMC15: Whylecyote would like to find out: Do you also go into deprived areas and work with youth on acting projects?

JmsReynlds: I don't actively work on acting projects with young people, but I do work with young people in a variety of other ways.

AOLiveMC15: Are there any big screen parts in your near future?

JmsReynlds: Yes, I hope so!

AOLiveMC15: Another from Whylecyote: As an African American, was it difficult to get a decent part?

JmsReynlds: Yes. Certainly when I began, it was hard for African Americans to get work. Even now, it's extremely hard for African American actors to get work.

AOLiveMC15: CainsAngel would like to know: Have you ever regretted quitting college?

JmsReynlds: No, because I've been successful. Had I not been, I would have regretted it.

AOLiveMC15: Another from Whylecyote: What roles has your wife performed in?

JmsReynlds: She's in a great many. She produced her own movie called "Say Yes" a number of years ago, and has been in a number of television and stage roles.

AOLiveMC15: DallassD sends this question: Do you think your Character's storyline is the "right" one for you to play?

JmsReynlds: Well, that's an interesting question. I enjoy playing my character.

AOLiveMC15: This from Riahanon: Did the Midwestern background help you to develop into a strong focused person?

JmsReynlds: Absolutely. I think growing up in a small town and coming from the Midwest gave me a strong sense of self and an independent strength that helped me deal with the difficulties of this business.

AOLiveMC15: Tiger4794 would like to know: How did you feel about the Devil Story Line?

JmsReynlds: It was a very popular storylines. It was one of those stories that one either loved or hated. Will you be on the "Days" cruise?

AOLiveMC15: Did you discover anything about blacks in the old West while working on "Buffalo Soldier?"

JmsReynlds: Oh, yes. A great deal. I've always loved American history and African American history, so I knew a great deal about blacks in the west and the settling of the country, but I've discovered a great deal more.

AOLiveMC15: Tgmjkm asks this question: What would you think of an "Abe the Bad Cop" type of story line, I think it would be a breath of fresh air.

JmsReynlds: Well, I think Abe should certainly have some parts. I think I would only want to see him become a bad cop if there was some form of redemption at the end.

AOLiveMC15: MrTSwan19 sends this: Do you feel that more men are starting to watch soap operas?

JmsReynlds: Oh, yes. Absolutely. Soaps have a huge male audience. Almost every professional athlete watches daytime TV, and many many young men in college watch our show. I always run into police and FBI agents and even a few CIA agents who watch "Days."

AOLiveMC15: LoisLaneP would like to find out: Are Kristen and Susan the same actress or do they really have an impersonator?

JmsReynlds: Well, Lois, you better find Clark. Do you know Clark and Superman are the same guy? Yes, Eileen Davidson has done a wonderful job of portraying both Susan and Kristen.

AOLiveMC15: Do you and Lissa actually teach the classes at Classes Unlimited?

JmsReynlds: No, we don't. We don't teach any classes. We have wonderful instructors who do that.

AOLiveMC15: MprDimple asks this: Are you and the cast aware that there is a chat room here on AOL called "Days Of Our Lives Fan Club?"

JmsReynlds: We've heard about it. ;> again!:}

AOLiveMC15: Sno In IL wants to find out: You have not aged in the 15yrs on the show! how Do you do it?

JmsReynlds: I have a picture in my attic.

AOLiveMC15: A cyber q asks this: Do you enjoy having fans to support you in all you do?

JmsReynlds: Yes, I do. I have some very good friends who are fans of the show, and "Days" fans are the best!

AOLiveMC15: Sayr Ch asks: What is your favorite storyline that you've been involved in?

JmsReynlds: As I told someone earlier, the Chief Gates story :>

AOLiveMC15: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now James?

JmsReynlds: That's a good question!

AOLiveMC15: ::G::

JmsReynlds: I see myself continuing to act. Hopefully producing and doing a little more writing.

AOLiveMC15: Thou4art asks this question: What keeps you so grounded?

JmsReynlds: I think my wife and my son.

AOLiveMC3: There is time for one more question. Sayr Ch asks this question: Would you ever consider being a politician?

JmsReynlds: Yes, I am fascinated with politics. I really do enjoy it. I have been asked to run for office several times.

AOLiveMC15: Any closing comments for your fans James?

JmsReynlds: Thank you all for showing up this evening and I hope to hear from you. Drop me a line at NBC. Sue Ireland, who is my fan club president, passed away yesterday. I know some of you know her, and I want you to know that. Send mail to James Reynods c/o Days of Our Lives NBC, 3000 West Alameda Blve, Burbank, CA 91523. Sorry, that should be Reynolds.

OnlineHost: All good things must end, we have run out of time for this event!

AOLiveMC15: Thanks for joining us here tonight James, it was very interesting! and thanks to you in the audience for your great questions! Good night! emceeMC3:

Copyright 1997 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc.

Thanks to Dana Dietz for sending me this chat

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