 In 1988, he won the role of Frank Williams on the long-running nighttime soap "Knots Landing", becoming the series' first regular African American cast member.The role garnered Riley a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Actor in a Primetime Supporting Role in 1991.Riley also created a musical tribute to Louis Jordan entitled "Let The Good Times Roll", which enjoyed success at the Cinegrill of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in 1988.