JAMES READ JOINS CAST OF "DAYS OF OUR LIVES" NEXT WEEK...

James Read makes his daytime debut when he joins the cast of "Days of Our Lives" next week. Look for him to play a major role in the mystery surrounding Jordan and Ben's past. This will be Read's first appearance on a daytime soap during his 32-year acting career.

Read has been a series regular on three primetime shows: "Remington Steele" from 1982-1983, the short-lived "Shell Game" in 1987 and "Wildfire" from 2005-2008. He had a starring role as George Hazard on the three versions of the TV miniseries "North and South" and also played recurring roles on "Charmed", "American Dreams" and "Persons Unknown." He has been a guest star on countless numbers of shows, including "Cheers", "Fantasy Island", "Murder, She Wrote", "Home Improvement", "7th Heaven", "Touched by an Angel", "Cold Case", "Castle" and "CSI: NY." Read also played the father of Reese Witherspoon's character in the hit 2001 movie "Legally Blonde."

Read received a masters degree in psychology from Pepperdine University in 1998. James Christopher Read, 60, was born on July 31, 1953 in Buffalo, New York. He met his wife, actress-turned-lawyer Wendy Kilbourne, when they played husband and wife on "North and South." They have been married since 1988 and have two children: a son, Jackson Tavish (born 1990) and a daughter, Sydney Jacqueline (born 1995).

MORE people being brought on for this lame ass Jordan storyline? Jesus.

MORE people being brought on for this lame ass Jordan storyline? Jesus.

this is hat I have to say about it

James Read is a fine actor who should have popped up on a soap eons ago. It's just shameful he finally chose to make his soap debut now and on DAYS.

I do think James is a good actor. I just wish they didn't waste him on this story.

I'm trying to find positive things to say about this show. I just can't. This team doesn't get it.

Still, Jason, thanks for the news!

Thanks Jason!

Wish I cared more about Jordan and Ben though. Two of the most useless and pointless new characters in a looong time.

Who?

he's handsome. Is he for Marlena, or something?

I guess Nick Benedict was unavailable to reprise the role of Curtis Reed.

James Read is a fine actor who should have popped up on a soap eons ago. It's just shameful he finally chose to make his soap debut now and on DAYS.

But if it had to be now is there really a better choice than Days?

James Read is the most gorgeous man I have never met. Well, besides John Stamos and Jack Coleman. Funny how all their names start with a J. Hmmm....

Anyway, James Read is a veteran actor and he's very subtle. I hope he can elevate the cast. I'm already enjoying Days again now that Eve is back (I enjoy both Charlotte Ross and KDP), and this news makes me more excited! Can't wait!!

he's handsome. Is he for Marlena, or something?

Oh, I hope not. Kate could put him to much better use.

But if it had to be now is there really a better choice than Days?

B&B could always use someone for John Forrester.

Who?

ETA: Just saw Graham's post

Ugh, wasted on Jordan and Ben. If they're unwilling or unable to get Northrop back, James Reed should've been a Roman recast.