James E. Reilly

James E. Reilly (July 15, 1948 – October 12, 2008 ) was an American soap opera writer. He was the head writer of NBC's Days of Our Lives and creator/head writer of Passions. Reilly won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series Writing as co-head writer for Guiding Light in 1993. and the final episode aired on August 7, 2008.

During his run on Passions, Reilly returned to Days of our Lives as head writer from August 18, 2003 until August 9, 2006, and was succeeded by former As the World Turns head writer Hogan Sheffer.

Reilly was one of 20 writers who chose financial core status with the Writers Guild of America during the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike; after the strike, the WGA wrote a letter releasing the names of these individuals, inviting accusations of blacklisting.

James E. Reilly had a triple major in psychology, social anthropology and biology.

Departure from traditional stories In 1993, Reilly gained attention immediately after taking over as head writer on Days of our Lives for a storyline in which heroine Carly Manning (Crystal Chappell) is buried alive by villainess Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel) for weeks, and taunted through speakers. Reilly began what is arguably his most infamous storyline in 1995 when the show's central heroine, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), becomes possessed by Satan. The storyline played out for a year, with Marlena's lover finally exorcising the demon, but not before garnering the show increased ratings — despite frequent interruptions by the O.J. Simpson murder trial going on at the time, and the criticism of longtime fans upset by "liberties" Reilly took with the characters and continuity. Passions Executive Producer Lisa de Cazotte said, "Jim Reilly was not only a legend in our industry, but he was a great friend and mentor. His creativity, sense of humor and genius will be sorely missed. There will never be another like him and I am deeply grateful for the years we spent working together on PASSIONS and for the joy he brought to my life."

Positions held Capitol Associate Head writer: 1982

Ryan's Hope Associate Head writer: May 1984 - February 1985

General Hospital Outline Writer: 1985 - 1988

The Young and the Restless Script Writer: 1990

The Bold and the Beautiful Consultant: April 24 – August 22, 1990

Guiding Light Co-Head writer: 1990 - 1992

Days of Our Lives Head writer: December 21, 1992 - January 5, 1998; August 11, 2003 - August 9, 2006 Associate Head writer: 1989

Sunset Beach Executive Story Consultant: 1997 - 1998

Passions Creator Head writer: 1999 - 2008 Consulting Producer: 1999 - 2008

Awards and nominations Daytime Emmy Awards

WINS (1993; Best Writing; Guiding Light)

NOMINATIONS (1986; Best Writing; General Hospital) (1991; Best Writing; The Young and the Restless) (1992; Best Writing; Guiding Light) (1994, 1997 & 1998; Best Writing; Days of Our Lives) (2001, 2002 & 2003; Best Writing; Passions)

Writers Guild of America Award

WINS (1992 season; Guiding Light)

NOMINATIONS (1994 season; Days of Our Lives) (2001 season; Passions)