Daytime Emmys: “Days of Our Lives” Wins Best Drama, Writing, Directing, and Actor for James Reynolds

It was a big night for “Days of Our Lives,” the last NBC soap opera. After years of decline the show won Best Drama at the Daytime Emmys. This was thanks to new headwriter Ron Carlivati, whose team picked up Best Writing. The “Days” directing team also won, and so did actor Greg Vaughn for Best Supporting Actor.

But the nicest news is that James Reynolds won Best Actor. He’s 71 and has been playing Abe Carver on that show since 1981. That’s a whopping 37 years. He was on that show when I was still in college. Amazing. He’s also likely the only African American actor on the lily white soaps who can boast any of that.

Susan Seaforth Hayes and husband Bill Hayes, also of “Days of Our Lives,” won the Lifetime Achievement Award. They were on the cover of TIME in 1976.

Vernee Watson won a guest acting award. I know her name because she was a key witness in the defense of Michael Jackson in his 2005 trial. Good for her.

Outstanding Drama Series:
Days of Our Lives, NBC

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Eileen Davidson, as Ashley Abbott, The Young and the Restless       

Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Hosts:
Adrienne Houghton, Loni Love, Jeannie Mai, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Co-Hosts, The Rea

Outstanding Entertainment News Program:
 Entertainment Tonight

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
James Reynolds, as Abe Carver, Days of Our Lives

Outstanding Culinary Program:
A Chef’s Life

Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host
Steve Harvey, Host, Steve Harvey

Outstanding Talk Show/Entertainment:
The Talk   
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
Greg Vaughan, as Eric Brady, Days of Our Lives

Outstanding Morning Program:
Good Morning America       

Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series
The Bay The Series

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
Camryn Grimes, as Mariah Copeland, The Young and the Restless

Outstanding Writing Team, Drama Series:
Days of Our Lives

Outstanding Game Show:
The Price Is Right
   

Outstanding Game Show Host:
Wayne Brady, Host, Let’s Make a Deal

Outstanding Daytime Talent in a Spanish Language Program
 Lili Estefan, Host, El Gordo y la Flaca

Outstanding Morning Program in Spanish
Despierta America

Outstanding Entertainment Program in Spanish:
*WINNER* Destinos

Outstanding Culinary Host
 Lidia Bastianich, Host, Lidia’s Kitchen

Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series:
Rome Flynn, as Zende Forrester, The Bold and the Beautiful

Outstanding Directing Team, Drama Series:
Days of Our Lives              
Outstanding Talk Show/Informative:
The Dr. Oz Show

Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series:
Vernee Watson, as Stella Henry, General Hospital       

Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program
Judge Mathis

Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series:
Chloe Lanier, as Nelle Benson, General Hospital