James E. Reilly Remembered

1 With the passing of longtime soap writer James E. Reilly over the weekend, a number of folks have spoken out on the impact of the Emmy Award winner. Marlena De Lacroix writes in Jim Reilly, Very Fondly Remembered: "Jim and I were friends for years for two reasons: we both liked to laugh, and, as two stay-at-home writers, we were self-chosen outcasts in the fairly social soap industry. He was an infamous recluse. My favorite Jim memory happened in December 2000, when I was present at the first meeting ever of Jimmy and Timmy. Jim was so happy that day, he dived into a crowd of PASSIONS fans, accepting compliments and slaps on the back. The famous recluse wasn’t alone anymore. He was swarmed by fans who just loved what he did best … which was to create. That’s the joy, laughter and real affection with which I will always remember Jim Reilly." Tom Casiello wrote a blog on his passing, James E Reilly: 1948-2008: "Say what you will about Jim Reilly, he most definitely will never be forgotten. I will miss this reclusive, uncannily creative talent - the man who changed daytime forever. And at this horribly tragic, sudden, sad time, I hope everybody mourns the loss of this powerful influence to the daytime industry, and sends their prayers and respects to his family, friends, and legions of fans everywhere." DAYS executive producer Ken Corday released the following statement: "The DAYS OF OUR LIVES family is deeply saddened by the recent passing of James E. Reilly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jim was not only an ingenious storyteller who changed the landscape of daytime drama, but he celebrated life with passion, humor, and an appreciation for the best it has to offer. He was an inspiration for us all...and will be greatly missed." Blogger Hugh Greenlee said it well: "Everybody had an opinion about him and he made sure you knew it when he wrote a story, or influenced a show. Love him or hate him, his love for the genre and for the classic way of writing a soap cannot be denied."

Reminder: Alison Sweeney on BONNIE HUNT Today

DAYS OF OUR LIVES star Alison Sweeney (Sami) will appear on today's THE BONNIE HUNT SHOW to announce an opportunity for one lucky fan of the talk show: a trip to Los Angeles to be a BONNIE HUNT correspondent at the "Day of Days" event at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood on Saturday, November 1.

James E. Reilly Has Passed Away

1 James E. Reilly, most recently the creator and head writer for PASSIONS, has passed away at the age of 60. More details will be provided as they become available. Over the years, Reilly has written for a number of soaps including a memorable stint as head writer for DAYS OF OUR LIVES. He also worked on writing teams for SUNSET BEACH, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, GENERAL HOSPITAL, RYAN'S HOPE and GUIDING LIGHT throughout the last few decades. He was born on July 15, 1948, in Bountiful, Utah. Reilly won a Daytime Emmy in 1993 as part of the GUIDING LIGHT writing staff, and a WGA Award for GUIDING LIGHT in 1992. He received nine other Daytime Emmy nominations over the years for his work. UPDATE: Soap Opera Digest is reporting some additional details: Jonathan Russo, Reilly's agent and friend for over 25 years, says Reilly had been recovering from cardiac surgery when he died suddenly in the hospital. His beloved sister Cathy Robinson was by his side. "James Reilly was one of the most profoundly lovely human beings in our industry. He was a towering person in our industry who had a tremendous faith in God and Catholicism, as anyone who watched PASSIONS knows. Everyone will miss him," adds Russo. There are no funeral plans. There may be a memorial service at a later date.