James E. Reilly Has Passed Away

James E. Reilly, most recently the creator and head writer for PASSIONS, has passed away at the age of 60. More details will be provided as they become available.

Over the years, Reilly has written for a number of soaps including a memorable stint as head writer for DAYS OF OUR LIVES. He also worked on writing teams for SUNSET BEACH, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, GENERAL HOSPITAL, RYAN'S HOPE and GUIDING LIGHT throughout the last few decades.

He was born on July 15, 1948, in Bountiful, Utah.

Reilly won a Daytime Emmy in 1993 as part of the GUIDING LIGHT writing staff, and a WGA Award for GUIDING LIGHT in 1992. He received nine other Daytime Emmy nominations over the years for his work.

UPDATE: Soap Opera Digest is reporting some additional details:
Jonathan Russo, Reilly's agent and friend for over 25 years, says Reilly had been recovering from cardiac surgery when he died suddenly in the hospital. His beloved sister Cathy Robinson was by his side. "James Reilly was one of the most profoundly lovely human beings in our industry. He was a towering person in our industry who had a tremendous faith in God and Catholicism, as anyone who watched PASSIONS knows. Everyone will miss him," adds Russo. There are no funeral plans. There may be a memorial service at a later date.