Frances Reid
Best known as Alice Horton on “Days of Our Lives,” Frances Reid’s career began in the infancy of acting unions. She didn’t just join, she joined in, and just as audiences nationwide enjoyed her performances, performers nationwide were the better for her union service.
A statement just out from AFTRA says Reid was a member for 68 years, and quotes Los Angeles Local President Ron Morgan:
“Frances was a talented actress and a passionate union leader. She demonstrated both throughout her distinguished, award-winning career on ‘Days of our Lives’ and during her longtime service on the AFTRA National Board and on the AFTRA Los Angeles Local Board where she also served as an officer. Frances cared deeply for her fellow performers, and through her many years of service on the Board of Directors for the AFTRA Los Angeles Frank Nelson Sick & Benefit Fund she provided comfort and support to many performers in need. She was beloved both by her fans and her union family, and we will miss her dearly. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends in this time of sorrow.”
NBC announced today that Reid died in Los Angeles yesterday at age 95.
47 years (!) in one role. Just amazing.
My wife has watched DoOL since she was a little girl, right from the start of the show in 1965 –so as a new husband I picked that as one of our “quality time” activities since she was going to do it anyway. We’ve had a lot of fun doing it together too, mostly mocking the ridiculousness of soap plots when examined over time, but of course enjoying them and the performers as well.
I’ve never heard anyone suggest that Frances wasn’t just as wonderful in person as her character, Alice Horton.
D’oh, 42 years (1965-2007, her last appearance). My bad math –I carried the 5 in the wrong direction.
That woman was a legend and will be sorely missed.