Daytime royalty speaks out: James Reynolds shares Parkinson's journey after 45 years in Salem
James Reynolds, the revered actor who has portrayed Mayor Abe Carver on Days of Our Lives for forty-five years, revealed Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In an emotional disclosure, the 80-year-old Daytime Emmy winner shared that rather than stepping away from television, he and the daytime drama's production team have decided to integrate his diagnosis directly into his character's onscreen storyline.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, Reynolds explained that he initially kept his symptoms hidden from colleagues and viewers, attempting to conceal hand tremors, subtle mobility issues, and balance difficulties that first emerged years ago.
“At first, you try to rationalize it or tuck your hand into your pocket when the camera turns your way,” Reynolds admitted. “You hope it’s just fatigue or getting older. But as the symptoms progressed, I realized hiding it was impossible—and more importantly, dishonest to myself and the audience who have welcomed me into their homes every afternoon since 1981.”
Mirroring reality: Abe Carver's character will navigate progressive condition on screen
As Reynolds' physical tremors became more pronounced on the Burbank soundstages, he approached executive producer Ken Corday and the writing team with an extraordinary proposal: instead of writing Abe Carver off or finding awkward ways to block scenes, let Abe experience the realities of Parkinson’s alongside him.
The creative team embraced the idea wholeheartedly. Over coming episodes on Peacock, viewers will see Salem's longtime mayor and police commissioner undergo medical evaluations and receive a formal Parkinson's diagnosis, exploring the emotional, familial, and physical adjustments that accompany the neurological disorder.
Reynolds noted that his co-stars, including longtime screen partner Jackée Harry (who plays Paulina Price), have provided unwavering love and practical support on set. “Jackée and the entire cast have been incredible rocks,” Reynolds said. “They help me steady myself when needed, they support my pacing, and they remind me that vulnerability is strength.”
A trailblazing television legacy turned into an awareness mission
Reynolds joined Days of Our Lives in 1981, becoming one of the longest-serving Black actors in the history of American television drama. His authoritative yet compassionate portrayal of Abe Carver earned him four Daytime Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2018.
By bringing his diagnosis into the national spotlight, Reynolds joins a courageous fraternity of public figures—including Michael J. Fox, Alan Alda, and Ozzy Osbourne—who have used their celebrity to educate the public, demystify degenerative neurological disorders, and push for greater research funding.
“Parkinson’s changes the rhythm of your day, but it does not diminish your spirit or your purpose,” Reynolds concluded. “If seeing Abe Carver manage this disease gives comfort or courage to a single family facing the same reality, then every day I step onto that set is a victory.”
