Jennifer Deveraux’s life is in major disarray on Days of Our Lives. Daniel’s broken up with her, but she still has feelings for him that won’t allow her to reconcile with Jack. Plus, she’s embroiled in a political campaign that knows no boundaries. Fortunately, Melissa Reeves has none of her character’s angst off screen. Married to Scott Reeves (Steve, General Hospital) since 1990, the couple and their two children, Emily and Larry, are a perfectly happy family of four. Reeves discusses her two very different lives.
What are your thoughts on Jennifer’s involvement in Abe’s mayoral campaign?The whole thing has been an escape for her. It’s allowed her to go into a little bit of denial [about her breakup with Daniel]. She hasn’t dealt with the relationship since. Have you enjoyed the Jack/Jennifer/Daniel triangle?
I love storyline that gets a reaction, whatever it is. Team Daniel and Team Jack are quite divided. Aren’t they?
It’s pretty funny. They’re both faithful to that one guy. Then, there are people that think we should all separate and each go our own way. Is it difficult being the woman in the middle?
I’m really at the mercy of the writers. So it’s hard. What’s really frustrating is when women hate my character. I want to go, “Ladies we’re supposed to stand up for each other. That’s what we’re supposed to do as women.” Is it fun playing Abe’s campaign manager?
It is. I’m excited, because I love working with James Reynolds (Abe). What an amazing man. We’ve known each other for years. It’s such a great story, too, because we’re going to get into a little bit of trouble doing everything we can to keep EJ from becoming mayor. We end up doing some things we shouldn’t do. What’s the most challenging part of the story?
Learning the new lingo, the political language that isn’t in my every day vernacular. I have to really learn the words so they come out of my mouth sounding like I know what I’m talking about. Does Scott every help you learn lines or is he too busy with his General Hospital scripts?
The thing is he plays a doctor, so he has some really hard lines that he has to say, too. He’ll walk around the house joking as he says these medical terms, and we’ll both crack up. Then, I’ll be saying my political terms. It’s so not either one of us. What’s the latest on your real-life family?
Well, Larry just got braces. So that was a big thing. Emily is still song writing and singing like crazy. Scott and I are both watching her go into adult life. She has the sweetest boyfriend, Jake, that she’ll probably end up marrying. So we get excited about that. We’re like, “Wow! We can have grandkids soon.” We really appreciate the good times, because there are always hard times around the corner. Did Emily inherit her singing and song writing talent from her dad?
Oh my goodness, yes. They’ll play and write songs together all the time. And Larry plays the guitar like a crazy man. Our kids definitely got my husband’s musical talent. Do they have regular jam sessions at home?
All the time. Every night when I cook dinner and Emily is home from school, they’ll sit in the kitchen, play guitars, and sing. I love it. I get totally entertained. What’s your input in these music fests?
We’re a very musical family, except for me. I'm the best audience. Sometimes, they give me the little egg shaker to shake. So you’re like the von Trapp family, minus the singing mother?
Exactly. And minus a few children. Maybe you can take your act public, once you have a few grandchildren.
That would be fun. Scott and I will be at a perfect age to take all our grandkids on the road.
