When actor James Reynolds auditioned in 1981 for the “Days of Our Lives” soap opera, he had no idea he would get the part, much less go on to become a star on the show.

“I was just one of many hopefuls,” said Reynolds, who has played police commander Abe Carver on the NBC daytime drama for 22 years.

“When I did get the role, it just took on a life of its own,” says Reynolds, who lives in Pasadena, Calif. “The writers have done a great job over the years developing the character.”

But the show’s producers decided to kill off his character.

His last appearance on “Days of Our Lives” was Sept. 30. While the news shocked his fans, Reynolds, said he saw it coming.

“I am disappointed because I felt my character was really starting to take off,” says Reynolds. “But it’s no secret that the ratings for the show had fallen within the past five years. … The decision was more story-driven rather than a cost-saving measure. By having a Abe Carver murder mystery story line, they (the producers) felt it would boost the ratings.”

Reynolds won’t drop names, but he said there were other prominent actors on the show whose days were numbered.

Reynolds, an Oskaloosa native, also won an NAACP Image Award nomination last year for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series.

Reynolds said he wasn’t ready to ride off into the sunset. He has other pursuits he’s considering, maybe film and television projects.

“Hey, this has been a great ride,” Reynolds said. “I love the theater and film, but I owe a great deal to television … Stay tuned.”