More DAYS Cast Reaction for Frances Reid
Since I started this listing yesterday afternoon, the tribute statements for Frances just keep coming. This serves as a testament as to how many people love and respect her. Even the big news sites like CNN and AOL have had articles about her passing. Truly a great lady.
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Ken Corday:
“This is a very sad day, indeed; not only for me personally, but for the Days of our Lives family and the entire Hollywood community. From day one until she taped her last scene, Frances epitomized the past, present and future of the show. Frances was truly one of a kind. Her class cannot be matched and her shoes cannot be filled… we will miss her all the rest of our days.”
Peter Reckell:
“She was, has been, and always will be an inspiration to me - both as an actor and as a person. We will miss her.”
Suzanne Rogers:
“Since my mom lived on the east coast I always felt that Frances was my California mom. She always put me in my place but only in a nice, constructive way. We discussed everything from politics to religion. I miss those conversations. The hardest part about all this is not being able to talk to her again.”
Peggy McKay:
“She was honest, spunky, and had such a wonderful sense of humor. She was so present, so there. One of the things I really admired about her was her support for her fellow actors. She provided a strong voice for our union. She was a great, great woman.”
Leann Hunley:
“One thing I remember about her was that she was full of useful tips for her costars. I remember her telling me that as an actress it was very important to take at least a 20 minute nap during the day, but it was just as equally important not to mess up our hair and make-up. She was able to teach me a little trick of how to sleep completely still so when I woke up from my nap I didn’t have a hair or eyelash out of place! I love her, she was just lovely.”
James Reynolds:
“Frances was always a source of joy and inspiration to me. Her professionalism always inspired me to be better. Her joy and interest in life was such a pleasure to be around. I miss our conversations on politics and life. What a wonderful person.”
Louis Sorel:
“Frances Reid was a force of nature, part scamp, highly intelligent, funny, and spirited. We were blessed with her smile and compassion. What a lovely spirit we have to cherish.”
Kristian Alfonso:
"I just loved her so much. There was just so much about her to love. It's so rare that someone has so much to say with their eyes. They were just so bright and she was just so sharp and fun and smart and worldly and a live wire. I would do scenes with her and I knew that we were acting, but I knew that she loved me and I loved her! When I first moved out here or when I was feeling a little sad, just like a kid, I wanted to crawl up on her lap like it was my grandmother's. It's very sad and it's a great loss."
Bill Hayes
"Frances was certainly a genius actress and a lovely lady. When I joined the show in 1970, she had already been on it for five years and she was just perfect. Every year, for the first dozen years that I was on the show, she gave the Christmas party for the cast and really made everybody feel like they were a family. She was always funny. She was always direct. She could zero in on her part and other people's parts with such focus. It was just wonderful to watch her. Her last birthday I teetered on the brink of going to call on her, and I didn't. I'm so sorry..."
Melissa Reeves
"The news of Frances Reid passing breaks my heart. She was an incredible friend and mentor, not to mention an incredible 'Gram' with a wicked sense of humor! What an honor and blessing to have known her for so many years. I pray she is in great peace now. What a beautiful woman! I am so glad many of you got to know her through 'Days of our Lives.' I love you, Frances! xoxo, missy"
Jason Cook
"My very first day on DAYS I was exceedingly nervous," recalls Jason Cook (Matt, GH; ex-Shawn, DAYS) to Digest. "Big studio, big cast, two shows to memorize...a lot going on. As Peter [Reckell, Bo] called it, induction by fire. He proceeded to laugh at me, pat me on the back and then left me with my script. I'm sure he thought he was being comforting (in the following weeks I would learn how cool he was, despite an odd sense of humor I would learn to love), however, at the time, it was anything but. My first scene on the show was Shawn entering the pub with Grandpa Shawn at the ready, complete with baseball bat, to knock him out. But as we often had to do, we were shooting out of order for production, and so my ACTUAL first scene to shoot was in the hospital with the entire cast. Someone had crashed a yacht into a helicopter or something, of course was in critical condition, and everyone in Salem had converged into the ER to pray. Shawn comes in, goes straight over to Great Gran, and proceeds to talk for half a page, answering to why he's back and wondering where Belle is. Before the scene is over, before her next line, Frances responds to me by saying, 'You're not going to say it like that, are you?' Nervous, green, first day — this is not the reaction you want to get out of your co-stars. Especially the matriarch, been there since episode 1, when 20 cast members and an even bigger crew are all silent listening. I thought I was going to be fired before my first scene shot. 'Well, I...that's what is written I think...' 'Well change it. It's terrible. Especially the Great Gran part. I didn't think it was possible to age me any more than I am, but GREAT Gran? Believe me, it's not so great.' Frances Reid was the most comical, spunky, full-of-life woman I ever knew. Her repertoire of incredible stories seemed endless, both from DAYS and her travels throughout the world (Frances was incredibly well traveled). I feel blessed for my seven years of working with her. But more so, I'm grateful to have known her wit and warm sense of humor first hand. I'll miss you, Frances. You'll always be Gran to me. Just Gran."
Mary Beth Evans
"She was a sassy gal and we ALL loved her. She was a riot and so sharp. She might not have seen you in a while — a year maybe — and she would remember details of your life and ask about them. She was funny, sassy and self deprecating; she made us all laugh. She was such a great example for all of us. Frances loved the DAYS OF OUR LIVES family and was always a professional. I know anyone that was lucky enough to know her, is sad today. She will live on in our memories for sure."
Shawn Christian
"Rest in peace Frances Reid. Condolences to your loved ones. Your stories and your spirit live in the hearts of those you have touched."
Farah Fath
"I'm honored to have known Ms. Frances Reid. She always put a huge grin on my face and being around her was nothing short of a treat. Her favorite thing to say to me was, 'You're not really going to wear your hair like that, are you?' It made me laugh every time and she would crack up, too. I will always remember Frances and cherish the moments I had with her."
Taylor Sprietler
"Never had the chance to meet Frances Reid but everyone at DOOL always speaks so fondly of her. Sad day in Salem." via Twitter
Lisa Rinna
"I feel lucky to have worked with her she made me laugh!" via Twitter
Susan Seaforth Hayes
"For the last six years or so any time we would meet fans of Days of our Lives, the first question was always, 'How is Grandma Alice ... Frances? Where is she? Is she alright? Oh I'm glad she's alright. Is she going to be on the show some more? And, of course, in the past five years she wasn't able to be on the show anymore. Her saddest moment that I'm aware of was when her character was killed in the mass bludgeoning under the (James E.) Reilly writing regime. Frances took that rather personally. It was obvious that everyone was getting knocked off, but Frances said, 'You're firing me.' It was like a knife through her heart. She couldn't believe it. She wasn't philosophical about it. She was hurt. Everyone was hurt, but she was really hurt because the show meant so much to her. Her presence meant so much to the people who have loved Days for large portions of their lives. She was eternally beautiful on camera and her character generally was written as a wise, forgiving matriarch. Sometimes her own flash and opinion would shine through some rather maudlin dialogue. She had claws and sparks and ferocity that Alice has never shown. She also was the focus of all the love that Days has earned from its fans over the last 45 years. She's irreplaceable and her kind of character is no longer on the map."
Deidre Hall
"Frances Reid, although the consummate actor's actor, was far from the donut baking, apron clad wife of Tom Horton most of America knew and loved. She was a saucy, wildly outspoken and politically incorrect woman. Frances was never shy about speaking her mind openly and passionately — even as we counted down to tape. She called it like she saw it, whether she was taking on the union, or critiquing your hairstyle — mincing her words was never an option. She earned the respect and admiration of her friends and peers with her candid approach to life, work, and philosophy. Whether you loved or feared her, you always respected her — and if you had the courage, she was a magnificent teacher, mentor, friend. I feel a strong sense of personal loss as Frances makes her way to Heaven, and know that we shall not look upon her like again."
Patricia Pease
"Frances was such a spark of spunk and talent on any set. Because of her encouragement (early in my career at Days), I felt supported by a fellow "thespian". She was a connoisseur of fine acting and cherished her craft. I am a better actor for having worked with Frances Reid. Thank you Frances, R.I.P. I love you."
Crystal Chappell via Twitter
"Frances Reid was one of the most lovely souls I ever met, but with a smart, kick butt spirit! Glad I got to know her"
Kevin Spirtas
"By the time I arrived in Salem, Frances was on the show a bit less and our storylines rarely crossed paths… But I/we all loved when she came to the set… She was a wonderful actress; and so full of spirit and love. She always had a story to tell or a cute joke. She will be missed. God Bless Frances"
NBC Statement
"NBC is deeply saddened by the passing of Frances Reid. She was a true icon of the daytime genre and while we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her long life and the tremendous talent she shared with her generations of fans. She will be sorely missed."
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Frances Reid died at her assisted living home in Beverly Hills. Reid is survived by her niece, Laurie Rocha, and her great nieces, April, Christie, Leanne and Marie.
There will be a memorial service in April. If anyone wants to donate in her memory, the two charities she and her family were fond of are Habitat for Humanity and Save The Children.
Courtesy of Michael Fairman and Soap Opera Digest
Also, here is a wonderful Alice Horton tribute mvid below.
-----------------------
Ken Corday:
“This is a very sad day, indeed; not only for me personally, but for the Days of our Lives family and the entire Hollywood community. From day one until she taped her last scene, Frances epitomized the past, present and future of the show. Frances was truly one of a kind. Her class cannot be matched and her shoes cannot be filled… we will miss her all the rest of our days.”
Peter Reckell:
“She was, has been, and always will be an inspiration to me - both as an actor and as a person. We will miss her.”
Suzanne Rogers:
“Since my mom lived on the east coast I always felt that Frances was my California mom. She always put me in my place but only in a nice, constructive way. We discussed everything from politics to religion. I miss those conversations. The hardest part about all this is not being able to talk to her again.”
Peggy McKay:
“She was honest, spunky, and had such a wonderful sense of humor. She was so present, so there. One of the things I really admired about her was her support for her fellow actors. She provided a strong voice for our union. She was a great, great woman.”
Leann Hunley:
“One thing I remember about her was that she was full of useful tips for her costars. I remember her telling me that as an actress it was very important to take at least a 20 minute nap during the day, but it was just as equally important not to mess up our hair and make-up. She was able to teach me a little trick of how to sleep completely still so when I woke up from my nap I didn’t have a hair or eyelash out of place! I love her, she was just lovely.”
James Reynolds:
“Frances was always a source of joy and inspiration to me. Her professionalism always inspired me to be better. Her joy and interest in life was such a pleasure to be around. I miss our conversations on politics and life. What a wonderful person.”
Louis Sorel:
“Frances Reid was a force of nature, part scamp, highly intelligent, funny, and spirited. We were blessed with her smile and compassion. What a lovely spirit we have to cherish.”
Kristian Alfonso:
"I just loved her so much. There was just so much about her to love. It's so rare that someone has so much to say with their eyes. They were just so bright and she was just so sharp and fun and smart and worldly and a live wire. I would do scenes with her and I knew that we were acting, but I knew that she loved me and I loved her! When I first moved out here or when I was feeling a little sad, just like a kid, I wanted to crawl up on her lap like it was my grandmother's. It's very sad and it's a great loss."
Bill Hayes
"Frances was certainly a genius actress and a lovely lady. When I joined the show in 1970, she had already been on it for five years and she was just perfect. Every year, for the first dozen years that I was on the show, she gave the Christmas party for the cast and really made everybody feel like they were a family. She was always funny. She was always direct. She could zero in on her part and other people's parts with such focus. It was just wonderful to watch her. Her last birthday I teetered on the brink of going to call on her, and I didn't. I'm so sorry..."
Melissa Reeves
"The news of Frances Reid passing breaks my heart. She was an incredible friend and mentor, not to mention an incredible 'Gram' with a wicked sense of humor! What an honor and blessing to have known her for so many years. I pray she is in great peace now. What a beautiful woman! I am so glad many of you got to know her through 'Days of our Lives.' I love you, Frances! xoxo, missy"
Jason Cook
"My very first day on DAYS I was exceedingly nervous," recalls Jason Cook (Matt, GH; ex-Shawn, DAYS) to Digest. "Big studio, big cast, two shows to memorize...a lot going on. As Peter [Reckell, Bo] called it, induction by fire. He proceeded to laugh at me, pat me on the back and then left me with my script. I'm sure he thought he was being comforting (in the following weeks I would learn how cool he was, despite an odd sense of humor I would learn to love), however, at the time, it was anything but. My first scene on the show was Shawn entering the pub with Grandpa Shawn at the ready, complete with baseball bat, to knock him out. But as we often had to do, we were shooting out of order for production, and so my ACTUAL first scene to shoot was in the hospital with the entire cast. Someone had crashed a yacht into a helicopter or something, of course was in critical condition, and everyone in Salem had converged into the ER to pray. Shawn comes in, goes straight over to Great Gran, and proceeds to talk for half a page, answering to why he's back and wondering where Belle is. Before the scene is over, before her next line, Frances responds to me by saying, 'You're not going to say it like that, are you?' Nervous, green, first day — this is not the reaction you want to get out of your co-stars. Especially the matriarch, been there since episode 1, when 20 cast members and an even bigger crew are all silent listening. I thought I was going to be fired before my first scene shot. 'Well, I...that's what is written I think...' 'Well change it. It's terrible. Especially the Great Gran part. I didn't think it was possible to age me any more than I am, but GREAT Gran? Believe me, it's not so great.' Frances Reid was the most comical, spunky, full-of-life woman I ever knew. Her repertoire of incredible stories seemed endless, both from DAYS and her travels throughout the world (Frances was incredibly well traveled). I feel blessed for my seven years of working with her. But more so, I'm grateful to have known her wit and warm sense of humor first hand. I'll miss you, Frances. You'll always be Gran to me. Just Gran."
Mary Beth Evans
"She was a sassy gal and we ALL loved her. She was a riot and so sharp. She might not have seen you in a while — a year maybe — and she would remember details of your life and ask about them. She was funny, sassy and self deprecating; she made us all laugh. She was such a great example for all of us. Frances loved the DAYS OF OUR LIVES family and was always a professional. I know anyone that was lucky enough to know her, is sad today. She will live on in our memories for sure."
Shawn Christian
"Rest in peace Frances Reid. Condolences to your loved ones. Your stories and your spirit live in the hearts of those you have touched."
Farah Fath
"I'm honored to have known Ms. Frances Reid. She always put a huge grin on my face and being around her was nothing short of a treat. Her favorite thing to say to me was, 'You're not really going to wear your hair like that, are you?' It made me laugh every time and she would crack up, too. I will always remember Frances and cherish the moments I had with her."
Taylor Sprietler
"Never had the chance to meet Frances Reid but everyone at DOOL always speaks so fondly of her. Sad day in Salem." via Twitter
Lisa Rinna
"I feel lucky to have worked with her she made me laugh!" via Twitter
Susan Seaforth Hayes
"For the last six years or so any time we would meet fans of Days of our Lives, the first question was always, 'How is Grandma Alice ... Frances? Where is she? Is she alright? Oh I'm glad she's alright. Is she going to be on the show some more? And, of course, in the past five years she wasn't able to be on the show anymore. Her saddest moment that I'm aware of was when her character was killed in the mass bludgeoning under the (James E.) Reilly writing regime. Frances took that rather personally. It was obvious that everyone was getting knocked off, but Frances said, 'You're firing me.' It was like a knife through her heart. She couldn't believe it. She wasn't philosophical about it. She was hurt. Everyone was hurt, but she was really hurt because the show meant so much to her. Her presence meant so much to the people who have loved Days for large portions of their lives. She was eternally beautiful on camera and her character generally was written as a wise, forgiving matriarch. Sometimes her own flash and opinion would shine through some rather maudlin dialogue. She had claws and sparks and ferocity that Alice has never shown. She also was the focus of all the love that Days has earned from its fans over the last 45 years. She's irreplaceable and her kind of character is no longer on the map."
Deidre Hall
"Frances Reid, although the consummate actor's actor, was far from the donut baking, apron clad wife of Tom Horton most of America knew and loved. She was a saucy, wildly outspoken and politically incorrect woman. Frances was never shy about speaking her mind openly and passionately — even as we counted down to tape. She called it like she saw it, whether she was taking on the union, or critiquing your hairstyle — mincing her words was never an option. She earned the respect and admiration of her friends and peers with her candid approach to life, work, and philosophy. Whether you loved or feared her, you always respected her — and if you had the courage, she was a magnificent teacher, mentor, friend. I feel a strong sense of personal loss as Frances makes her way to Heaven, and know that we shall not look upon her like again."
Patricia Pease
"Frances was such a spark of spunk and talent on any set. Because of her encouragement (early in my career at Days), I felt supported by a fellow "thespian". She was a connoisseur of fine acting and cherished her craft. I am a better actor for having worked with Frances Reid. Thank you Frances, R.I.P. I love you."
Crystal Chappell via Twitter
"Frances Reid was one of the most lovely souls I ever met, but with a smart, kick butt spirit! Glad I got to know her"
Kevin Spirtas
"By the time I arrived in Salem, Frances was on the show a bit less and our storylines rarely crossed paths… But I/we all loved when she came to the set… She was a wonderful actress; and so full of spirit and love. She always had a story to tell or a cute joke. She will be missed. God Bless Frances"
NBC Statement
"NBC is deeply saddened by the passing of Frances Reid. She was a true icon of the daytime genre and while we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her long life and the tremendous talent she shared with her generations of fans. She will be sorely missed."
----------------------------
Frances Reid died at her assisted living home in Beverly Hills. Reid is survived by her niece, Laurie Rocha, and her great nieces, April, Christie, Leanne and Marie.
There will be a memorial service in April. If anyone wants to donate in her memory, the two charities she and her family were fond of are Habitat for Humanity and Save The Children.
Courtesy of Michael Fairman and Soap Opera Digest
Also, here is a wonderful Alice Horton tribute mvid below.
One of the joys of writing for a show like Days of our Lives, was having Francis Reid turn your words into gold. It was an honor to work with her for so many years, and to get to know such a classy, feisty, beautiful and professional woman. Years ahead of her time. She and Mac were the heart and soul of the show. She's dearly missed.
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