Longtime Days of Our Lives viewers will be thrilled to see Jack and Jennifer return to the canvas on September 5. Though they’re no longer regulars, Melissa Reeves and Matthew Ashford are bringing their beloved characters back into the fold with signature charm…and maybe a few surprises. Now, as the show careens toward its 60th anniversary, The Deverauxes are once again stepping into the spotlight, just in time for Reeves to celebrate four decades with the show.
A Love Story Like No Other
Reeves and Ashford spoke with Swooon and pointed out that their pairing wasn’t typical. Their characters met at the local newspaper in 1989, where Jack was gruff and Jennifer was the bright-eyed intern. What started as a professional relationship evolved into a love story that stood out from the rest, mostly because of its unexpected humor.
“It was kind of fun to be those characters that people could laugh with in their humanity,” Reeves said, while Ashford added, “We were laughing at our characters before anyone else did.” They had instant chemistry, and soon, the writers leaned into their comedic energy. Reeves compared the two to Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) and Dave (Bruce Willis) from Moonlighting, with the “constant bam, bam, bam” pattern between the characters that made the actors look forward to each script.
Quirky, Playful, and Timeless
Their playfulness became part of their legacy. Ashford explained, “Romance can be funny…and sometimes laughing with your partner is maybe the best thing you could do.” That amazing dynamic not only connected them to fans but also to each other. In the years that followed, the couple’s popularity continued to grow.
Looking back, Reeves remained grateful for how much trust and freedom they were given. “The writers saw this quirky thing between us, and they really went with it,” she said. One unforgettable scene involved Jennifer throwing plates—and nearly hitting the camera crew—a moment Ashford recalled with both awe and amusement.
As for their return? Ashford teased, “We’ve still got some tricks up our sleeve.” And Salem is ready. (Take a look back at Jack and Jennifer over the years.)
