‘Days of Our Lives’ Odds & Ends: Billy Flynn Expecting a Baby, James Reynolds Reflects on 40 Years of ‘Days’
In this week’s Days of Our Lives odds and ends news roundup, Billy Flynn announces that he’s expecting a baby! The Chabby ship may be sinking, but Flynn’s marriage to his wife, Gina Comparetto, is going strong. Plus, in an exclusive interview, James Reynolds reflects back on his career. His character, Abe Carver, is the longest-running Black character on daytime television. And Reynolds has a lot to say about his groundbreaking, beloved character — and career!
Maurice Benard retweeted the news of Billy Flynn’s fatherhood
Earlier today, General Hospital star Maurice Benard retweeted the news of Billy Flynn’s impending fatherhood. Fans will recall that Benard — who plays the devious Sonny Corinthos on the long-running ABC soap — recently had Flynn on his show, State of Mind. On the show, Flynn discussed the issues he faced with being an addict and an alcoholic.
But this bit of Days of Our Lives news is certainly a nice bit of happy news. Flynn’s wife, Gina Comparetto, made the announcement of their impending parenthood on her Instagram page. “Party of three,” she wrote on the posts, where she’s holding her stomach as Flynn looks on, smiling.
It’s unclear how far along Comparetto is in her pregnancy, or when she’s due to have the child, or even whether she’s having a boy or a girl. Regardless, though, congratulations are in order for the Flynns!
James Reynolds reflects on 40 years of ‘Days of Our Lives’
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Soap Opera Digest, James Reynolds reflected on his 40-year career with Days of Our Lives. The print version of the interview, which is on newsstands now, asked some pretty pointed questions of the legendary actor.
Reynolds’s character of Abe Carver is the longest-running Black character on daytime television, and in the interview, he reflects on how he came to read for the role.
“Back in those days, unless it was a character specifically described as Black, you weren’t going to get read for the role,” he said. “It was, for actors of color, a very difficult time. I was grateful to Betty, and later to Ken [Corday], for supporting this character over the years, and for keeping him supported.”
He loves him some Jackée Harry!
Reynolds’s character of Abe Carver is currently paired with Paulina Price, played by the incomparable Jackée Harry. Like the rest of us, the Days of Our Lives legend said he loves him some Jackée Harry, and shouted her out for her incomparable professionalism in the role of Paulina.
“Jackée is so knowledgeable and committed in what she does,” he said to Soap Opera Digest. “And the fact that Ron [Carlivati] has kept us in a kind of a state of chaos has been a great thing!”
This coming week on Days of Our Lives will reflect back on Reynolds’ amazing and incomparable career. We’re quite sure that the tears will be flowing and the memories will be made. Congratulations, Mr. Reynolds, and here’s to another 40 years on Days of Our Lives!
