Wow, this is really surprising. His death has truly come out of nowhere. I was sure he was going to write for another soap someday.

Many of his stories on DAYS have been sewn into my memory and my prayers are with his family and friends.

I think his untimely death is a good reason for a reappraisal. Soap fans have a very narrow view on what is acceptably soapy or proper soap material (islands with force fields are a no no, etc) but one thing I have to give JER is he tried to entertain with crazy and wild stories. Whether it was a mystic Chalice with which Alistair could control the universe, or Sami masquerading as a man and selling John drugs while betraying Philip in Iraq, JER tried to give you your money's worth. When you think about the supposedly best written soaps on the air (award winning GH) and the fact that year after year they don't try to give any story, I really appreciated all the hours of entertainment JER gave me, mermaids and all.

I know that around the time of Kristen/Marlena in the secret room, DOOL was about as close to must-see TV as we've had on daytime in the past 15 years. I watched EVERY single day.

*gives cyber hugs to Toups*

Really sad news. RIP JER

Wow. Still am stunned. He gave us many hours of entertainment and allowed us to escape. My condolences to his family, his peers and his legion of fans. And Toups, I'm thinking of you.

RIP JER. I actually enjoyed the Secret Room and Maison Blanche.

Edited October 14, 200817 yr by koos

I'm shocked! A true legend, no matter his style, his impact has been great. I was hoping to see him on another show, and perhaps another reinvention of style and technique. When he was good at what he did, no one could touch him.

Shocking and sad news. Condolences to his family. And of course to Toups.

His contributions to daytime are monumental.

Wow, this is truly shocking. RIP.

I feel really bad for Toups, just when he was taunted with the possibility of a return to Days.

His storylines got me hooked on Days of our lives. Vivian burying Carly alive is one of his best storylines. Kristen Blake was his best creation.

James E. Reilly thank you for your creativity......

Edited October 14, 200817 yr by Rob_NMGN

I'm shocked and sad. My sympathy to his family and friends and other fans.

Sad. Didn't know much of his writing before Passions (I never liked that show..not because of the writing..I just thought the acting was bad) But, I did know how much of a hot button of issue his work was with people. You have to be talented to be like that.

So much loss for the soap world in these past few weeks. It's been depressing.

R.I.P.

Edited October 14, 200817 yr by weareclouds

Wow....I am totally shocked.

Obviously I took more then my fair share of shots at Reilly over the years. But even I could never deny that he had a remarkable ability to go out and get the job done when the show needed him. His ratings successes at DAYS should not be forgotten, and to be fair, Passions was often at the mercy of the erratic ups and downs at DAYS.

And every now and then he would deliver something so unexpected, and yet timely, that even I couldn't help but smile and say: "another Reilly payoff."

Godspeed Jim!

And, Toups, you have my condolences, old friend.

Steve

Oh my Lord , bless his soul. I don't know what it is about this year, but it seems like it's not a normal week if someone either near and dear to me or an artist whose work I've admired hasn't passed away.

i am very sorry to hear this shocking news, he was a great creative man and will be missed. We not only loose a great man but also the many wonderful characters he brought to us...Rest in Peace....i am very sad.

Condolances to Mr Reilly's family!

I wasn't a big fan of his second stint on DAYS, but there's no denying he made a significant contribution to the daytime soap industry.