Frances Reid: 5 Best 'Days of Our Lives' Moments

By Michael Maloney Posted Feb 4th 2010 07:00PM

The 'Days of Our Lives' family is mourning the death of Frances Reid, who spent over 40 years playing Alice Horton on the daytime soap. That family includes loyal viewers, former cast-mates and colleagues.

"Frances was truly one of a kind," said 'Days' exec producer Ken Corday in a statement. "Her class cannot be matched and her shoes cannot be filled. We will miss her all the rest of our days."

Reid first appeared on 'Days' when it premiered Nov. 8, 1965. As the family matriarch, Alice didn't just pour coffee and listen to the woes of her children, grandchildren and, yes, great-grandchildren. Often, Alice got involved in the thick of the action, and would even break the law if it meant helping the course of true love run a little more smoothly. Here's a look back at five of Alice's most memorable, gutsy and emotional moments on the 'Days of Our Lives.'

1. In 1983, Alice helped Roman (who was falsely accused of murder) get out of jail so that he could clear his name. For Alice, it meant that it was time to make a tainted batch of her famous donuts. An imprisoned Roman naturally became ill and was taken to the hospital where he was able to make his escape.

2. When Alice realized that Hope was about to make the biggest mistake of her life by marrying the crooked politician, Larry Welch, she conspired to switch her granddaughter with a substitute bride so that Bo, Hope's true love, could take her away from the church and explain to her why they drifted apart. Larry was understandably shocked to see the bumbling Howie Hoffsteder under the veil. Later, Alice made no apologies to Tom for doing what she did.

3. Alice went overseas to the fictional country of -- wait for it -- Alamainland to help Jennifer pose as Katerina Von Leuschner. Alice's resilience kicked in after she suffered a stroke following a cave-in at Lawrence's villa in 1990. While other soaps were keeping its grandmothers domestic, 'Days' wisely kept Alice -- and Reid -- in the forefront.

4. In 1991, Alice learned that her marriage to her beloved Tom wasn't legal. Additional heartbreak followed when Alice sensed that Tom was rather nonchalant about the whole thing. Alice wanted a real wedding, however, and got her way and on October 17, 1991, when Tom and Alice made it legal for, as the song suggests, always.

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5. Beginning in 2003, a serial killer made its way through Salem. Ratings soared as viewers watched beloved 'Days' veterans take their last breaths. Later, in a chilling sequence, saintly Marlena murdered the even more saintly Alice by suffocating her with her own donuts (Fortunately, the show later had a change of heart and Alice and the other fan-favorite victims were brought back to life.) By then, Reid was in her late-80's. If anything, that she was able to handle such chilling material proved what a true professional she was.

Tags: days of our lives, DaysOfOurLives, frances reid, FrancesReid

Comments

(176)

Thursday 04 February

By Char

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I have been watching Days for a long time. Frances was a class act.She was an icon and will be missed. I for one will never forget her.

By Carol

One in a million of true actresses and true testament to Days and their fans.

By Laura Edelen

Alice Horton
was the greatest actress in the world.
and was well known for her roll.
we had been watching Alice and Tom Horton
since Days of our Lives started.
we will miss her very much.
Alice was a Beautiful lady.
OUR THOUGTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF THE FAMILY.
WE WILL NOT EVER FORGET HER.
LAURA & JANET EDELEN

Friday 05 February

By kim

Rest in peace Mrs.H...you truly were a wonderful actress and spirit.

By Sandy

I was wondering why Alice hadn't been seen in awhile on the show, and I also knew that she had had a stroke. I am so very sadden by this icon. She will never be forgotten by this generation of Days watchers. We started watching days in 1965 on our little 12 inch black and white tv. My mom and I, she loved Alice and Tom, they stood for truth and goodness, as she did. I still watch although through the years I had to work, but my day off I caught up! : ) Now today, retired I watch Days everyday, even got my husband into it!! Now it is time for Bo and Hope to get back together, they are the new icons, enough of this separation!
Yes, Frances will be greatly missed, we have all grown older together, and I love all of you!
S. Matthews

By Carol Padgett

This was one classy lady. She will be missed for sure. My sympathy goes out to her family.

By faye

I have watched days ever since the show begin, she will be missed and I watched for her every day on the show I have been thinking about her, I feel like Alice (Francis) is a part of my family....

By Wendy

She will be Sadly missed ..

By Marie

Prayers to her family... WONDERFUL lady! I have to agree, Frances is a classly lady! I have missed seeing her on the show.. she will be a shining star always!

By karen basham

I've watched Days from the 1st day I was sorry to hear of Frances

Reid's death. She was the kind of Granmom that eveyone wanted Kb

By Shawna

She will be sadly Missed my heart and Wishes goes out to her family
Days Will never be the same

By Sandie

I've been a faithful fan of Days since it began in 1965. It is a very sad day to lose "Gran". This was the first Christmas show in 40+ years that the tree was not decorated at "Gran's" - I knew she must have been too frail back then. My sympathies to her family and to the cast and crew, her other family.

By Janine

So sad...I'm a 3rd generation days fan and have watched since I was a little girl. I have enjoyed them talking her into the show lately. My prayers are with her family and friends.

By kaykay9909

I have watched Days since I was a young girl. I would watch it on my lunch from school with my Grandmother. My sympathy to her related family and her on screen family. We will all miss you!

By phyllis phillips

alice was a very special person on days of our lives and brought many happy days. i have watched her for most of her 40 years on the show and have missed her alot. i was hoping that she would be able to join her family for the christmas show but when she didn't i knew she had to be sick or she would have been there. i know francis will be greatly missed by the entire cast of days of our lives and she will be missed by all the fans of the show. frances we love you

Saturday 06 February

By Jennifer Robinson

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i have been watching days of our lives since i was 13 which is i have been watching it for 23 years. i love the show and will continue to watch every day. alice will be missed by the cast and viewers. we love you Alice Horton.

By Jeni

Francis Reid was an icon in the soap industry. She always showed that love could conquer all, and I am saddened of her death. I hope the show will not turn into an all out anti-moral show without her, and will keep at least one honorable and upstanding marriage for other characters on the show to look up to, like they did Alice and Tom.
God Bless you Francis Reid.

By DEE

I HAVE WATCHED DAYS SINCE I WAS A LITTLE KID WITH MY MOM.NOW SHE IS GONE AND SO IS ALICE SHE WAS ONE OF A KIND.AND WILL BE MISSED.

By Diana Ficarrotta

So very sorry to hear that Frances Reid has passed. I have been watching the show since 1965 and a big fan of the show. My deepest sympathy to her family. I am sure that the show will do something to acknowledge her passing. She was a class act for sure! We will miss you Mrs. H, rest in peace.

By Deborah

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I'm so sorry of her pasing she will be miss love to her tv family and real family

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