The Legendary 1980s Mini-Series That Starred Days Of Our Lives' James Read
Soap opera fans will recognize actor James Read as the man behind villain Clyde Weston on "Days of Our Lives." Clyde first came to Salem in 2014 and was revealed to be the father of Ben Weston (Robert Scott Wilson) and stepfather to Jordan Ridgeway (Chrishell Stause). Over the years, Clyde has become one of Salem's most dangerous men. Clyde has done some truly terrible things during his tenure in Salem, including running a drug operation and being responsible for the murder of EJ DiMera (then James Scott). Clyde also murdered Abigail Deveraux DiMera (Marci Miller) and attempted to kill Sonny Kiriakis (Zach Tinker).
Clyde has landed himself in jail on multiple occasions for terrorizing the people of Salem. However, he's also found time for romance in the process. Clyde briefly dated Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow) and later fell in love with Nancy Wesley (Patrika Darbo). Clyde and Nancy got engaged and were nearly married until he was revealed to be Abigail's murderer.
However, Read is known for so much more than his role on "Days of Our Lives."
James Read has enjoyed a long career in TV and movies
James Read has enjoyed a long career in film and television. He's appeared in TV shows such as "Cheers," "Fantasy Island," "Columbo," "Heaven Help Us," "Home Improvement," "7th Heaven," and more. He's also had roles in movies like "Legally Blonde," "Love Crimes," and "Eight Men Out." However, his first big break came in 1982 when he was cast as Murphy Michaels in the show "Remington Steele."
"It just confirmed for me what I was hoping to find, that I stood a chance of making a career of acting," Read previously told Soap Opera Digest. "It was the first time I made decent money and my first time in front of the camera. And I learned a helluva lot. I had a sense that I could probably better further my career by leaving the show and seeking starring roles in something, and that's what I did. Those roles started coming in shortly after I left. So it was a good move," he added.
Although Read's career is long and impressive, there is one 1980s miniseries that holds a shining spot on his resume.
James Read played the role of George in North and South
In 1985, James Read landed the role of George Hazard in the popular miniseries "North and South." Decades later, the actor revealed to Soap Opera Digest that he knew the project was going to be special. "It was produced by David Wolper, and, at the time, he was king of the miniseries," said Read. "He had already produced 'Roots,' 'The Thorn Birds,' and a half dozen others. You knew he was going to do a lot of stunt casting with big stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Hal Holbrook and that it was going to be a big project," he added.
The miniseries also starred actors Patrick Swayze, Terri Garber, Kirstie Alley, and David Carradine. The show followed the impact of the civil war on two families, as well as the friendship between Read and Swayze's characters. Starring in "North and South" also brought Read a huge personal gain. While filming the miniseries, the actor met actress Wendy Kilbourne, who played the role of George's love interest Constance. After meeting on set, Read and Kilbourne began dating and eventually tied the knot. Now, all these years later, the couple enjoys spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Read continues to add to his professional resume, and fans have enjoyed watching him cause trouble on "Days of Our Lives" over the years.