Cady McClain weighs in on Days of our Lives' rotating Jennifers
Horton granddaughter Jennifer Rose is back on the Days of our Lives scene but will look different again later this year.
With the news that her beloved daughter, Abigail, is alive, Jennifer took the first plane to Salem to see her little girl—or at least the woman whose DNA matches Jack's. This time around, Cady McClain is bringing Jennifer to life, but the actress gives props to the person who played Jennifer for decades and who will play her again later in 2024.
"Another #fb photo from my time shooting these upcoming episodes on Days of Our Lives as Jennifer Horton.," McClain wrote on Instagram alongside a setside selfie. "I love being an actor… and I love actors!"
McClain went on to praise Melissa Reeves, who played Jennifer off and on from 1985 until 2022.
"I love that I got to play this part and I love that Missy is going to get to play this part again, a part that she created so beautifully," McClain continued. "I had a great time putting my take on it, and so appreciated her gracious support while I did so. Acting is hard work and it’s a super nutty business, so when I work or anyone I know is working I think it’s a call for celebration and joy! I hope you enjoy the fun we had shooting the episode you’ll see on Monday, and stick around for all the fun episodes to come with the lovely Melissa. It’s a Jenniferpalooza!"
McClain began her tenure as Jennifer in 2020 when DAYS resumed taping after the COVID shutdown. Reeves opted not to return to the soap at that point. However, there was more story to tell, and Jennifer was needed, so McClain stepped in. In 2021, McClain took home an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Performer. Later that year, Reeves returned to DAYS briefly, and she will be back again in December.
Melissa Reeves takes on Jennifer again
In April of this year, news broke that Reeves was back on the DAYS set, taping Bill Hayes and Doug Williams' memorial. Hayes passed away in January, and DAYS is airing a tribute to both the actor and his character in December. When the return was announced, Reeves made sure fans understood her respect for McClain.
"My one thing was, 'I’m not taking this away from Cady. If this is Cady’s thing and she loves being here and she really loves playing this part, I don’t want to take it away from her. I’m so good either way,'" Reeves told TV Insider of being asked to reprise Jennifer. “I’m a huge fan of Cady’s. I even Instagram messaged her, 'Oh, my God, I’m so grateful you’re playing my part! I’m honored.’ But it worked out."
Although McClain's latest DAYS stint is a short one, she had fun on the set when she taped her scenes earlier this year.
"I love a good laugh on set… and I had some grand and glorious ones with these two fine fellows! Then we got down to business and made the drama happen. What fun! With the always kind and wonderful Matt Ashford and the hilarious and dedicated Billy Flynn," McClain shared on Instagram, along with a selfie snap of herself, Ashford (Jack Deveraux), and Flynn (Chad DiMera).
You can stream all-new episodes of Days of our Lives weekdays on Peacock.
