James Reynolds has been fighting Parkinson's disease for years. Until now, almost nobody knew.

The 80-year-old has played Abe Carver on "Days of Our Lives" since 1981. He opened up about his health in a TV interview on Tuesday.

He said he kept the news to himself. Only his closest relatives were told.

Trying to hide it

At first he worked to cover up what was happening to his body. His hands shook. He had trouble keeping his balance. He also got short of breath.

Over time those signs got too hard to keep hidden.

He now thinks the first clues may go back 15 to 20 years. He remembers having upsetting dreams that would sometimes throw him right out of bed.

Art imitating life

The show's writers picked up on his symptoms. Now Abe will be dealing with Parkinson's on screen too.

Reynolds said his fellow cast members have rallied around him. He hopes telling his story will help others living with the disease.

He recently marked 45 years on the soap. He says his diagnosis will not keep him from the work he loves.