Actress Cady McClain used to play the fictional role of Jennifer Horton on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives. Executive producer Betty Corday and screenwriter Pat Falken Smith collaborated to develop Jennifer. Beginning on October 9, 1985, Melissa Reeves played the part of Jennifer intermittently for over 35 years. Maren Stephenson, Jennifer Peterson, Stephanie Cameron, and Marci Miller have also played the part.
Why did Jennifer get replaced on Days of Our Lives?
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States, Reeves decided not to commute from Tennessee to California, hence it was revealed in September 2020 that Cady McClain had been temporarily cast in the role to take Reeves’ place.
Reeves last made an appearance on October 13; McClain made his debut on October 20.
The portrayal of Jennifer by Reeves over a lengthy period of time is recognized as “one of the most cherished” in the series, and the character has earned positive reviews from critics.
For her depiction of Jennifer, Reeves got numerous award nominations as well as victories. She won the Soap Opera Digest award for Hottest Female Star in 1995. Critical praise for Reeves’ portrayal led to her Daytime Emmy nominations in 1992 for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series and in 2016 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
McClain won an Emmy for playing Jennifer at the 48th Daytime Emmy Awards in the category of Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series.
