James Reynolds recently spoke to TV Guide Canada about a number of topics. Among them? Racism on soap operas.
TVGuide.ca: Its been quite the roller-coaster ride behind the scenes in Salem! Are you nervous regarding the upcoming decision by NBC to either renew or cancel Days of Our Lives?
James Reynolds: No. Weve all been through this before. The cast trusts all the parties involved Sony, NBC, and Corday Productions to make the right decision during the negotiations. Everyone wants to see the show continue and on NBC. And, across the world. However, there are strategies in place if NBC doesnt renew it, I believe. SOAPnet and ABC are possibilities.
TVG: The cast must be happy Drake Hogestyn [John] returned to the show; were you aware this was yet another publicity ruse spearheaded by executive producer Ken Corday?
JR: No we thought John Black was dead. Were so happy hes back, and I personally think that John is a very interesting character now. I think Drakes performance has been very entertaining.
TVG: Id say. Last year, Victoria Rowell [ex-Dru, The Young and the Restless] labelled daytime "racist." The U.S. has a woman and a black man running for president, yet daytime appears to be moving backwards instead of forward with the world. Since youre a black soap vet, Im eager to hear your thoughts.
JR: Yes, I would have to agree with that assertion. Its odd since daytime used to be groundbreaking in that respect. There is tremendous storyline potential for black characters on soaps, but its hard to convince the powers-that-be to acknowledge that the world is changing.
You know, Ive been tremendously disappointed for people of colour on soaps. Other than Victorias former show, The Young and the Restless, and our show, Days, no one has had that kind of racial presence throughout the years. I have to say, though, that Im very proud that Days has allowed me to grow older as a black man on TV which rarely happens in any genre. I think often times, daytime TV operates from a cocoon.
Theyre not looking around themselves. I cant solely lay the blame on daytime TV, but its suspect when you consider the largest demographic watching daytime is blacks. They deserve to see their own stories reflected on their favourite shows.
Read the complete interview now.
- Michael Park (pictured) and Martha Byrne will perform at the "When You Wish Upon A Star. . ." event at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. The evening will be a cabaret event with proceeds benefiting the Children's Hospital.
Yesterday, Rick Springfield appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
We can't say we saw this guest starring appearance coming.