Days of Our Lives Star Frances Reid Dies at 95

Frances Reid, best known as Days of Our Lives matriarch Alice Horton, died Wednesday. She was 95.

"NBC is deeply saddened by the passing of Frances Reid. She was a true icon of the daytime genre and while we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her long life and the tremendous talent she shared with her generations of fans," NBC said in a statement. "She will be sorely missed."

A theater veteran, the Texas-born actress portrayed Alice for 42 years — from the soap opera's Nov. 8, 1965 debut until her final appearance on Dec. 26, 2007. Reid, who appeared on the soaps Portia Faces Life, As the World Turns and The Edge of Night prior to Days, initially turned down the role of the Horton family matriarch.

"I'm so sad to hear the news about Frances Reid," Days star and Biggest Loser host Alison Sweeney  tweeted. "She was a truly talented actress and we are all lucky and proud to have known her."

See photos of Reid

Nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards in 1979 and 1987, Reid received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2004 Daytime Emmys.Her other credits include the film Seconds, opposite Rock Hudson, and guest spots on The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Dr. Kildare and American Dreams.Reid was married to actor Philip Bourneuf for 39 years, until his death in 1979. They had no children.