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Days of our Lives Icon Joseph Mascolo Passes Away At 87

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/NBC

In heartbreaking news on Friday, the soap world has learned that  Days of our Lives iconic Joseph Mascolo (Stefano DiMera) has passed away at age 87.

Mascolo, beloved for his portrayal of the evil villain Stefano DiMera died on Wednesday, December 8,  2016. He had battled Alzheimer’s disease for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Schultz-Mascolo, his son Peter, his step-daughter Laura, and his sister, Marie and her husband Ronald LaVoie. He also had five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one niece, one nephew, 3 great nieces, one great nephew and one great-great niece.

In a statement DAYS executive producer, Ken Corday expressed: “It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and beloved member of the Days of our Lives family, Joseph Mascolo. The smile on Joe’s face is something we’d all come to find comfort in, and he will be sorely missed. His larger than life presence, kind heart, and unwavering positivity has impacted us all for decades, and will live on in the memories of his many fans. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.”

From the official press release on Mascolo, and his daytime career it noted: “Ironically, his first foray into television was in the role of Domino in the daytime drama General Hospital.  But it was his appearance in the made-for-television mini-series The Gangster Chronicles  that attracted the attention of Pat Falken-Smith, then head writer for Days of Our Lives, that took his  career in an unexpected new direction. She created the role of Stefano DiMera specifically with  him in mind and though he at first turned the role down because he did not want to be tied down to  a long-time contract, she was relentless in her desire to have him be her Stefano. Joe became an  instant fan favorite and continued as Stefano on Days for 18 years, taking time off now and then to do theatre, his first love. He has been nominated for numerous Daytime Emmys, and was awarded two successive Favorite Villain Awards by the editors and readers of Soap Opera Digest.

In 2001 Stefano DiMera said farewell to Salem and Mascolo left Days of Our Lives to take a well-deserved vacation and pursue other career options. But very quickly Bradley Bell, Executive Producer of the CBS daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful called and offered to create a role  for him on his show. The character of Massimo Marone was created and the history of that show was shaken when viewers found out that Massimo, not Eric Forrester, was the real father of Ridge – a startling revelation which set the course for years of exciting new storyline. He left The Bold and  the Beautiful in August 2006.  He returned to Days of Our Lives in 2006 to resume his iconic role of Stefano DiMera and  continued there until his last performance 2016. Aside from his career, Mascolo had given freely of his time and talents to a wide variety of causes. A street in Ocilla, Georgia was renamed “Mascolo Drive” in recognition of the efforts he made in helping to build a group home for mentally and emotionally impaired citizens in the remote southeast corner of that state. He was very  involved in the fundraising efforts of New Horizons, a non-profit organization in Los Angeles that  offers guidance, counseling and careers for adults with developmental disabilities, among numerous other charities that he supported.

Our thoughts and prayers and condolences are with Joseph’s famiy, and everyone at the Days of our Lives family.  Mascolo, was a one of a kind performer who meant so much too so many viewers worldwide.

On-Air On-Soaps will bring you reactions from the soap world in this developing story.  Share your thoughts and remembrances on the death and the performances of Joseph Mascolo in the comment section below.

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Very sad news, I am devasted the man was a terrific actor. Stefano Dimera was a wonderful character, Stefano was charming, evil but loved his children. He will be missed. RIP Joseph Mascolo.

“Oh, my, God ”

one of MY ALL-TIME, Faves: Joseph Mascolo

so much command

so much every thing

I believe he relished life

as for his character : outside of his conquering the world over for corporate

it was always his relationship with his offspring… that always caught me

intriguing man

Lexie, Kristen, Peter, Andre, Chad, Tony, EJ

Benji, Renee, Megan ( I do not know these)

Any and all scenes he shared with Celeste, Vivian

because of my love for DAYS – I could never thank Joseph Mascolo enough.

Godspeed

Very sad news, Joseph looked good for his age. I loved Stefano Dimera, he was a terrific actor. May he rest in peace.

He was always one of my favorites. No matter how bad Stefano was, he made him enjoyable to watch & helped humanize him. Rest in Peace, Joe. You will be missed.

My prayers are with his family my sister is in early dementia and she does not have children or a spouse basically my husband and I are her support team a terrible disease. I always enjoyed him when I watched the show he always gave it his all no matter how outrageous the storyline was.

You played the best bad guy EVER! Stefano will always be felt in Salem in one form or another. You will definitely be missed.

I am sadden to hear this news— another daytime great gone—-Stefano Dimera was my favorite villain and Joe’s portrayal was the biggest reason for that– my condolences to his family, friends and fans– I hope Days does a memorial episode because Joe was one of those actors and character in Daytime that deserves one.

I was about 12 years old when Stefano came to Salem. His character was bigger than life itself.

Very sad. I enjoyed him immensely as Stefano. Also enjoyed him as Massimo on B&B. I wonder if Massimo will die on B&B.

I’m sure he would be glad to know Stefano is still driving story on Days.

I wondered about Massimo too!

I believe his first daytime role was that of Ed Lucas on CBS’ “Where the Heart Is.”

A fine gentleman has left us. He was a great actor and he will be missed. I am hearing an opera and seeing a glass of wine and a chessboard . RIP Joseph

I wish he’d been treated better by Days in the end, his legendary character killed off in such a poor, undignified way. RIP Stefano and Joseph!

I agree. The way they killed him was awful. And now the inept, crooked SPD is trying to justify Hopeless murdering him by saying he arranged it and wanted it. Killing an unarmed, elderly man in a wheelchair is not justified & is definitely not “suicide by cop”. Stefano & Joe deserved better.

I agree ; unless he gave his okay to the way Stefano departed the show

REST IN PEACE JOSEPH!!!!

There’s a reason he’s called the Phoenix. May his afterlife be a blessed one.

I have just read this terrible news ! it’s so heartbreaking … the talent of that man , his presence on the screen , the accent made him unique and quite exceptionnal . Days of our lives will never be the same again and neither will be bold and beautiful ( yes he left many years ago but you always hoped for his return ) . Stefano for us soap fans was like the Blofeld character in the James Bond movies . Blofeld is the only other character i could compare Stefano to . I heard he knew or was even friends with Luciano Pavarotti : interesting if that were to be true . Thank you Mr Mascolo for your decades of entertainment in the soap industry , it was not missed on us , when the talent is there , the talent is there . My heart goes out to his family , his soap friends and colleagues .

R.I.P. Joseph Mascolo

I’m deeply sadden to hear Joseph Mascolo aka Stefano has died. He will be missed. Stefano was one of those character that you can’t see anyone play except Joseph. Thank you for your gift, now rest in the arms of GOD.#loveformascolo

Joseph Mascolo was ignored for 30 years at the daytime emmys.He was never ever nominated.

A loss to the soap world! They don’t make them like that anymore! God speed and thank you for sharing your talent with us. God Speed and God Bless!

One of the greatest characters in DOOL history. He was so larger-than-life, that I can’t help but think that even Joe will rise again like the Phoenix.

Joe Mascolo was a great actor and a terrific villain. I always appreciated how much he loved Daytime, and if he wasn’t on DOOL, he was on B&B. The man wanted to work, and he seemed to appreciate the fans and his co-stars and Daytime as a whole. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Mr. Mascolo.

Im without words…

Im trying to escape my own bad news…i have very little hope left!!!

Sorry…from now on i will keep my comments soap related…

This is the number of 24/7 prayer line– they might not be able to help, but they will listen– and offer hope– it is a free call in NA— 1-866-273-4444—I hope you stay with us–

Never mind i think i just leave the sight for good..its just one thing after another!!!

Rest in peace Joe! What a great bad boy you made. My day’s will not be the same.

Such a sad day for him and his family. May God bless him and his family!

Happy voyage, Joseph.
West Hartford is in mourning. I know so many people who knew you and loved you.
Many times I have visited your Alma Mater…..not too far from Choate….everyone will always hold you in high esteem…..you will be missed. God Bless.

R.I.P. Mr. Mascolo. Prayers to his family.

He was fun to watch!

Goodbye Mr. Mascolo. RIP Sir.

One of very few daytime actors who are not replaceable. The most memorable villan in the history of daytime.

Today’s episode was really creepy too. RIP Joseph Mascolo.

saints preserve us… smelling salts… rosary beads … all the shebang… no Hope

it’s a plausible back story to behind the scenes … may make sense.

kudos to Quan and Higley for trying to find dignity and save the HUGE enigmatic classically trained chess magnate

Joseph Mascolo IS Days of OUR Lives… he ignited LIFE… everything that DAYS undertook… the DiMera Clan were continually one step knowhow

just pure magic this family

I HATE the way Stefano was brought down… with three bumbling police force ( Roman, Rafe, Hope ) grans jewel is so dusty.

I love these characters… just in small doses… I do not buy in to.. Hope and Rafe. now that we have Quan and Higley… aren’t they smart enough to canvas the whole cast ? Rafe and Hope are not the show.

this show treads so far down… and it’s Ken Corday… the son of the great Ted and Betty Corday. that has left this show

SPLIT UP Rafe and HOPE… that may be all the justice, the audience needs

Hope has so much baggage… so fraught in Bo and the family bible. she’s dry

Rafe and Carrie for the WIN

Hi Penny… I know what you’re saying… it just doesn’t seem appropriate that they are doing every thing they can to “save” Hope…

BUT ?

not necessarily at the expense of THE character of Stefano

JUST

saving face ( ? )

if Quan and Higley can pull this off.. then I say kudos to this writing team for RESPECTFULLY giving the best character a lead out the door. why should he budge or give an inch…

unless his end to a means… is deemed otherwise

argh! once again… I have to climb aboard that cross if once again.. Hope magnificence wins out

JUST … NOT WITH RAFE !

Rafe and Carrie

you forced a pair on us.. and it’s just not quantifiable… ugh .. do we have to watch that

I agree -don’t save Hope at the expense of Stefano . She’s suppose to up hold the law ; not break it.

the 6-7 month jump VS. what’s currently happening… Is not in conjunction with the show

I know that… perhaps Quan and Higley realize they had to fix this mess.

whew!

What a man! What an entertainer! Loved him on both Days and B&B.

I’ll miss both Joseph and Stefano; the show won’t be the same! He was in my top ten of bad guys/girls in Soaps- in no particular order: 1.) Roger Thorpe (2.) Abby Ewing (3. ) Alan Spaulding (4.) J.R. Ewing (5. ) Victor Newman (6.) Asa Buchanan ( 7.) Angela Channing ( 8.) Rachel Cory ( 9.) Todd Manning and you know who.

Rest in the Lord!

Hi Boop

thanks for sharing… I love your top 10…. GET IT… writers of the last 4 remain

argh! i’m so sick of it… General Hospital… i’m sick of you… GH… sick of you.

Frank Valentini and Jean and Shelley ; with no imagination… are sinking GH

WITH

sonny and Carly ; Jason and Sam ; Finn and Hayden ; Michael and Nelle.

period

villians be it male or female… rose to the occasion.. stewed and simmered and passioned

MY – only – diss.. with your top 10… OVERKILL… i’m so done with Victor nuMAN

to replace that… Liza Colby, AMC… Marcy Walker… magnificent

RIP!

What sad news Joe was one of a kind! Loved him as Stefano and as Massimo on Bold and Beautiful. He seemed to have a great sense of humor and it seemed like the Days cast truly enjoyed working with him. So sorry to hear this.

I am so saddened by the news of Joe Mascolo’s death. He was talented and committed to making the best out of all that was presented on DAYS. Pat Falken Smith knew what she was doing when she snagged Joe for Stefano.

The character blazed a trail. I wish his last sotry had been a much better one. Joe Mascolo, by all accounts, still gave all.

Lovely tributes on Twitter. James Scott was very sweet in his words. I wish we had been granted a better farewell between EJ and Stefano. That is just how it goes at Days.

I hope they bring folks in for a round table and look at his career either in lieu of an episode or on CBS The Talk. I really cannot remember a bigger ourpouring of love even with the loss of Agnes Nixon, Claire Labine as of late.

Joe was one of the precious parts of Days. He truly will be missed. Those are not just polite words. It is reality.

It would be nice if they did a retrospective episode. I realize they tape 5-6 months in advance but I’m sure fans wouldn’t mind if they inserted a tribute episode to him sometime soon. Are you listening, Ken?

Although I was never a watcher Days, I do remember him on B&B. I loved the interaction he had with Susan Flannery. Aother icon of the soap world laid to rest. RIP, and my God bless youn and your family.

A different type of dark DAYS, but it’s OK because Joe is basking in the light. RIP, Joseph Mascolo.

Another Icon passes over. There was no one else like him. He will stand out for a long time to come just as he did while still walking this earth. Condolences to his family.

So sad. The daytime community has lost a legend. He was such a great actor. The Phoenix will rise no more! May he rest in peace.

This is so very sad,my heart goes out to all of Joe’s family and friends.May God be with you all and RIP Joe.You will always remembered for your great talent .but most of all you will be missed.

He was a great actor. I have been watching Days since it started in 1965. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Stefano is sooo missed on Days. I stopped watching around the time he left the show.

I am so sorry and sad to hear that the incomparable Mr. Mascolo/Stefano has passed. Some how you had hoped that The Phoenix would rise one more time, but he will live on as one of The Greats. His distinguished portrayal of the complex Stefano with a loving, caring, and gentle heart for his family, but evil, sinister, and controlling ways with the world will always stand out as one of the finest performances. He knew how to draw the audience in and capture your attention. You could watch him endlessly because he did not just act as Stefano he became Stefano, and he portrayed all the dimensions and depth of the character so well. He leaves an accomplished legacy. As others have said, I hope that Days will do a lengthy tribute to Mr. Mascolo/Stefano. We will certainly miss him.

So glad to see his role of Domino on “General Hospital” mentioned here … didn’t realize that he had not yet done Stefano at that period. Urbane, smooth-talking villain there, too. Had great scenes with Jane Elliott. Also remember him in “Jaws 2.” RIP

Terrific actor. So sad to hear of his death. I had a lot of problems with the cartoonish way they wrote his character the last couple of years but his talent could not be denied. He was so good no one had any idea he was battling Alzheimer’s. Talk about courage and grace. RIP. God Speed.

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53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced

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Daytime Emmy Presenters

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.

The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.

Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).

Genie Francis

Photo: NATAS

In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year,  A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.

The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).

The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”

Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.

So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.

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Days Of Our Lives

‘Days of our Lives’ Reveals Kyle Pryor Cast as Dominic Marino

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Kyle Pryor

For months now, Days of our Lives has teased the character of Dominic Marino. In recent weeks, viewers learned that Marino is on the down low working with Sami Brady’s (Alison Sweeney) apparent fiancé ‘Dante Vitali (Franco LoPresti), and that he is the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall)!

Up until now, the Peacock streaming soap opera has never revealed his face, but that all seemed to change on the Tuesday, October 2o episode of DAYS. In story, Dante met Sami’s parents for the first time, Roman (Josh Taylor) and Marlena.

He shows them a photo of Dominic, which he happened to have on his own phone and even commented he kind of looked like he could be Marlena’s son. The photo, which has quickly made it around Soap Twitter/X, revealed that British-born actor Kyle Pryor is the man in the photo and eagle-eyed viewers actually located said photo on Pryor’s Instagram.

Dominix

Photo: Peacock

Deadline revealed Pryor started taping at the end of 2025 and will first be seen in the role, on air Monday, November 2.  In addition, Days will celebrate its 61st Anniversary with two special episodes featuring Dominic’s arrival, as well the returns of Tony and Anna DiMera, played respectively by Thaao Penghlis and Leann Hunley, on Friday, November 6 and Monday, November 9.

Those in the know, are are that Pryor previously held series regular roles on Australia’s Home and Away, and the UK’s Hollyoaks and guest starred on Emmerdale. In an ironic twist, Pryor appeared in the series Spartacus: Blood and Sand which is the same action series his apparent TV brother, Dan Feuerriegel (EJ DiMera), once appeared in before coming to DAYS.

So excited to see Kyle Pryor take on the role of Dominic Marino as Days of our Lives sets its anniversary story to kick-off with is arrival in Salem? Share your thoughts in the comment section. And in case you missed our latest conversation with Conner Floyd (Chad DiMera) he weighs-in on how Dominic’s appearance will shake things up in Salem. You can check that out below.

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Days Of Our Lives

Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)

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Conner Floyd

Fasten your seat belts Days of our Lives fans, as the mystery of Dominic Marino continues to unravel on all-new episodes of the Peacock streaming soap opera. Last week, Chad DiMera (Conner Floyd) learned that he may have a half-brother, who may be the biological child of his father, the late Stefano DiMera (the late Joseph Mascolo) and Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), giving him great pause, because he knows Stefano had kidnapped Marlena for four years back in the late 80s and early 90s.

Chad has already been hunting down clues with his current girlfriend Belle Black (Martha Madison) in Italy and Salem, which revealed a photo of a young boy with Stefano with the date 1992 on the back of it, hidden inside Stefano’s chess set. So, what’s next?

Conner Floyd chatted on the Michael Fairman Channel in a new virtual interview released on Sunday, October 18, where he spoke on what the new addition to the DiMera family could do to the already dangerous sibling rivalries, the state of Chad’s relationship with Belle and much more.

EJ and Chad

Photo: JPI

DIMERA RIVALRY

After finding out from EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) that Dominic Marino could be the never-before-heard-of child of Stefano and Marlena, Conner Floyd explained, “I think it blows Chad’s mind a little bit. I think there’s a lot of things working there with old Chad. Obviously, bringing in another DiMera could cause some noise and the whole situation with Marlena’s a little awkward as well because he’s dating Belle, so this could cause a little tiff there. I think his head’s spinning and he does not know what to expect, but I also think he kind of expects that from Stefano, for sure.”

As to how this will change and color Chad’s relationship with EJ, Floyd responded, “Chad knows EJ’s not happy about it and I think he’s going to be real upset if this gets in his way of doing what he wants to do with the DiMera legacy and all that. However, for Chad, I think he’s just going to keep a sharp eye, see what this guy’s about, see if he’s here to cause some trouble or here to be a friend and kinda play it by ear.”

Belle and Chad

Photo: JPI

BELLE OF MY HEART

With Chad and Belle already being sleuths, Floyd says, you can look for the duo to continue getting to the truth. “I think Chad and Belle are committed to this. They’re going full National Treasure, Nicolas Cage,” says Conner. “They’re going to follow the clues. They’re going to get some answers.”

Since beginning in the role of Chad in June of 2025 and debuting on-screen back in April of 2026, the former Y&R star (where he played Chance Chancellor), says it was Madison who helped him get comfortable in his new surroundings.

“Martha is phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to get tagged up with when I started here, just because she knows everybody,” shares Floyd. “She knows where to go, who to talk to. She’ll get the tea if you want, and so it was kind of cool. Martha took me under her wing, showed me the ropes. She’s a sweetheart.  I love working with her too. She’s a great actress.”

But, is Chad in love with Belle after such a tortured past with his beloved Abigail Deveraux DiMera? Floyd thinks so! “I think he’s into it. They’re such good friends and they have such a rich history. I think he’s in for the ride. You know, it’s one of those things you probably overlook at first and then they reconnected, and it feels easy and they’re going on these fun adventures.”

MAKING CHAD HIS OWN

Conner had the arduous task of being the successor to Billy Flynn in the role of Chad.. Flynn had played the part for 12 years before deciding to exit and head to Y&R. So, how did Conner approach learning the ins and out of Chad? Floyd shared, “I really dove into Chad when I first got this job. I liked that he kind of walks this tightrope of DiMera and not DiMera, you know. He want to so honor his family roots and really do something for the DiMera family, but he doesn’t want to fall into that trap that all the other DiMera have found themselves in. Chad is a DiMera at heart. He’s got those demons, but he’s just trying to keep them contained.”

Susan Seaforth Hayes

Photo: JPI

ICONIC

When Floyd got to DAYS, it was none other than Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) who most surprised him in the most delightful way, given that he knew Hayes was a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award winner and the current longest-running cast member on the canvas.

“I love working with Susan Hayes! I love her. She’s a sweetheart. Susan is one of the nicest people there. I just thought she was cool and it’s Susan Hayes, you know?  We’ve had a lot of scenes together, which is nice,” explained Conner.

“We’ll go to her dressing room, we’ll run our scenes, and then we’ll spend about an hour just talking about life and she’ll tell me about a book she’s reading. She’s such a history buff, which blows my mind. She’ll start dropping all these historical facts on me. I learn something new by the time I walk out of her dressing room every time!”

Now below, check out the full conversation with Conner Floyd via the Michael Fairman Channel.

Weigh-in: Do you like Chad and Belle as couple? Do you think Chad will get to the bottom of the Dominic Marino mystery? If so, do you think Dominic is truly Stefano and Marlena’s son … and what about Rita (Maggie Carney) in all this? Let us know your theories in the comment section.

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