It’s been nearly a month since Cady McClain made her on-air exit as Jennifer Horton on “Days of our Lives,” and in that short time, fans have already been clamoring for her return. Turns out McClain herself would be willing to reprise the role if asked.
In an interview with Soap Opera Digest in its newest issue, on newsstands now, McClain says, “of course” she’d be open to a return to “DAYS.” She told the publication, “I also understand if they need their Missy back! I have complete understanding for that, too, so whatever is meant to be, I’m okay with it. As they say, no one ever dies in daytime. Nothing ever ends, you know? You just pause for a moment. It may be years, or you show up somewhere else, or you’re a different character — you just never know what’s going to happen.”
McClain shared that she enjoyed supporting and contributing to the show which gave her the ability to do her thing as she played out Jennifer’s arc. The actress also noted her gratefulness to the “DAYS” audience in particular for their embracement of her portrayal. “I wanted to give my best and I’m really grateful my efforts were well-received,” McClain says of fan response. “To the fans, I would say, ‘Thank you!’ They have been absolutely wonderful to me. They gave me a fair chance to prove myself as I was able to bring my skills and bring my interpretation of this character and her history. I just really appreciate their kindness, I really do.”
Speaking of her time on the show, McClain says, “I felt like I was revisiting some of the golden years of what soaps can be. ‘DAYS’ is a beautiful show that really honors its past and its history. The storyline was so well-plotted that every time I worked, there was something special about that day.”
In a recent interview with “DAYS” head writer Ron Carlivati, the prolific writer told Digest, “As far as I’m concerned, Jennifer will someday be back on canvas, regardless of who it might be.” He added, “I can’t speak to that at this moment, but I do think Cady did a tremendous job and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the way that worked out.”
McClain took over the role of Jennifer Horton in September 2020 after original portrayer Melissa Reeves declined to reprise the role following the show’s return to production after an extended hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to her decision to not return, Reeves received backlash for liking a post by political commentator and activist Candace Owens on Instagram. “Well that sucks…,” wrote a fan of the show after seeing a screenshot of Reeves’ name among the many who liked the June 2020 post by Owens.