Who is James Reynolds on Days of Our Lives? Everything you need to know

James Reynolds is an actor on Days of Our Lives, where he plays the character Abe Carver. He has been on the show since 1981, making him one of the longest-serving African American actors in a soap opera. Reynolds was born on August 10, 1946, making him 78 years old as of writing.

James Reynolds is a native of Oskaloosa, Kansas, and studied at Oskaloosa High School, where he became an all-state football player. Reynolds joined the Marines after his graduation and was assigned to the Information Service Office, being stationed in both Hawaii and Vietnam.

Reynolds later enrolled at Washburn University in Topeka and majored in prelaw and journalism. There, he got involved in the university's theater department, discovering a passion for acting. He'd begin an earnest acting career by participating in theatrical productions on campus, and with local theater groups.

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James Reynolds joined Days of Our Lives in 1981

James Reynolds garnered several screen credits starting in the 1970s, including feature films like C.H.O.M.P.S., The Magic of Lassie, and Fun With Dick and Jane. He has also appeared in CBS's Time Express, where he played the conductor, R.J. Walker.

Reynolds originated the role of police commander Abe Carver on Days of Our Lives in 1981 and has played the character consistently since then, with only two brief breaks in 1991 and 2003.

His break in 1991 is notable for him joining NBC's Generations, replacing Taurean Blacque in the role of wealthy tycoon Henry Marshall. This role earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. However, Generations was eventually canceled, leading Reynolds to return to Days of Our Lives, where his character was promoted to police chief of Salem.

In 1999, James Reynolds was elected to the Board of Directors of the Kansas Historical Foundation. He is a member of the Foundation's list of 105 famous Kansans, joining the ranks of Amelia Earheart, President Dwight Eisenhower, Barry Sanders, and Gale Sayers.

Reynolds has been married twice. He first married Laura Toffenetti on September 30, 1978, with whom he has a son named Jed. They divorced on July 19, 1984. He later married Lissa Layng on December 21, 1985. Reynolds is a supporter of current United States Vice President Kamala Harris.

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Abe Carver is a police commander on Days of Our Lives

Abe Carver first appeared on Days of Our Lives in 1981 as a police officer with a strong sense of justice. This pitted him against criminals and miscreants such as Stefano DiMera. He had romances with Valeria Grant, Tamara Price, and Nikki Wade, but none of them stuck until he met Lexie Brooks.

Even this relationship faced challenges after it was revealed that "aunt" Frankie had been Lexie's mother all along, making her father Stefano DiMera.

Abe's conflict with the DiMera took an unexpected turn when Tony DiMera was murdered. He and Lexie also left Salem for Paris when Marlena Evans was kidnapped to rescue her.

Abe was subsequently forced to release imprisoned Stefano DiMera from prison so he could help Roman Brady's life. This decision came back to bite him when Stefano switched Bo and Hope's son at birth, whom Abe unwittingly adopted.

However, in 2003, Abe had a child with Lexi named Theo. Tragically, Lexie later passed away from an inoperable brain tumor, leaving Abe to raise Theo without her.

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Interested viewers can stream episodes of Days of Our Lives on Peacock.