Melissa Reeves (born Melissa Brennan on March 14, 1967) is an American soap opera actress. She was born in Eatontown, New Jersey. Her first television role was as Jade Perkins on Santa Barbara (TV series) from 1984 to 1985. She originated the role of the adult Jennifer Horton (later Jennifer Deveraux) on Days of Our Lives in 1985 (prior to which, the character had been a young child) and played her until 1995. She abruptly left Days during the show's thirieth anniversary, ostensibly to spend some time at home with husband Scott Reeves, formerly of The Young and the Restless, whom she had married in 1990. The role of Jennifer was quickly recast with Stephanie Cameron, who remained on the show until 1998. Speculation ran rampant as to the reasons behind Reeves' sudden departure, and the dominant rumor was that Scott had caught her having an affair with co-star Jason Brooks. This scenario is supported by court documents filed by NBC in their breach of contract lawsuit against her.[1] She also starred in a made for TV movie in 1999 Half a Dozen Babies, which also starred her husband Scott Reeves. During the show's 35th anniversary in 2000, Reeves made a return to the show, hailed by NBC advertising as "Jennifer's comeback." After six years with the show, Reeves confirmed that she was leaving the show to move with her family to Tennessee. She last aired on September 21, 2006.
