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Greg Rikaart Wraps His Run As DAYS Leo Stark Expressing: “Playing This Role Has Been A Gift.”

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

He took the Salem canvas by storm, earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for his role as dastardly Leo Stark and now following Tuesday’s airshow of NBC’s Days of our Lives, finished his run.  Greg Rikaart played Leo for all his worth and then some, a gay villain something truly not seen on daytime, previously.

With great zippy dialog and zingers from DAYS head writer Ron Carlivati and his writing team, Rikaart lit up the screen every time Leo trounced in to cause trouble in the lives of Sonny (Freddie Smith) and Will (Chandler Massey), and anyone else in his path in his quest for money and power (and flirting with a plethora of “straight” male characters in Salem).

However for Leo, every scheme ended up backfiring on him, complete with learning his evil mother, Diana (Judith Chapman) lied to him about John Black (Drake Hogestyn) being his bio-dad.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Rikaart said a public goodbye to the role by stating: “That’s a wrap on Leo. Thanks for all the love. Playing this role has been a gift. An absurdly fun and delicious gift.”

Courtesy/NBC

In story, after finally having no choice but to sign Sonny’s annulment papers of their bogus marriage, Leo gives the ‘Evil Eye’, a curse, and stares down and puts in on Will.  Later, Will develops a terrible headache and is not feeling well, setting the stage for the next leg of Sonny and Will’s attempts to finally be together once and for all, problem free.  But this is a soap after all, right?

So, sad to see Rikaart’s Leo exit the canvas? Do you hope they write the character back in somewhere down the line?  Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Karen
Guest
Karen

Leo was so much fun to watch. Greg is a fabulous actor. I truly wish him well and hope against hope that Kevin comes back to Genoa City sooner rather than later.

Toscanti
Guest
Toscanti

He was fantastic in this role, especially the scenes shared with Judith Chapman “Dianna”. I hope they both return to Y&R.

Celia
Guest
Celia

Wouldn’t thst be fantastiv,Toscanti?!…Two of the best actors!!
Greg is so authentically versatile. We have seen him act the infuriating maniacal menace transforming into this really good guy ( Kevin, Y&R).
Both brought drama, comedy and hope to DOOL—-
My interest has been piqued regardless of their exiting the show….
Is Rafe Jordan’s baby’s father ( if there really is a child)?
And, is Melissa Haley’s mother? Not her sister?

Timmm
Guest
Timmm

Y&R is rebuilding and Greg is a block that it could use!

Llanviewer717
Guest
Llanviewer717

I am so sorry to see him go. I love Greg. He’s terrific in that role. I loved seeing him leap across the table to strangle his mother. That was priceless. They should keep Leo around. After seeing the horrible person his mother has become, Leo could slowly reform. I’m really shocked to hear this. I expected him to stay and Diana to go off to prison. Maybe they aren’t finished with her yet since she has a connection to the rotten snake Ted. Whatever happens, I wish Greg much success in his future.

Momo
Guest
Momo

Yes, what is going on with Diana and Ted? I thought her connection to him would mean she would get off. I was not expecting them to leave now. I want them on forever!!! Kinda disappointed they made John not Leo’s dad.

James R. Poissant
Guest
James R. Poissant

I have to say this kinda sucks because it was fun watching a gay villain on a soap. I think Greg was hilarious when his character would go after the straight men in Salem.

HOWEVER…I wouldn’t mind seeing him back on Y&R and Genoa City. His other character, Kevin Fisher, was alot of fun to watch too. Maybe there’s a certain soap god listening to me?…

Momo
Guest
Momo

And Leo with Gabi! Priceless. So many good scenes.

Iakovos
Guest
Iakovos

Am sorry for Mr. Rikaart to leave DAYS but could it mean a return to Y&R? Look, if a return of Adam is in the works as many here speculate, then the whole reason for Chole’s underground life is unnecessary. Like the course correction that seems to be playing out currently — JT is alive! Brain tumor caused his evil actions? Do over? — Adam’s return would nullify all that stupid story about Kevin and Chloe. Also, DAYS does gay right. Y&R could take a lesson here. I liked Leo Stark and the pairing of Mr. Rikaart with Judith Chapman… Read more »

Jeff
Guest
Jeff

I would like to see Leo stay in Salem and on a road to redemption. I will miss seeing Greg Rikaart on the canvas.

Momo
Guest
Momo

I didn’t know yesterday was his last show. I’m super sad to see Greg and Leo go. He brought humor and fun to the show. And an awesome wardrobe and fun dialogue. “I”m half Black.” Calling his mother Meryl Streep. LOL

mike
Guest
mike

He was a bright spot on the canvas. You could tell he was having fun.

Jason Anders
Guest
Jason Anders

He did a great job, sorry to see funny Leo go, he was an interesting character

Satan
Guest
Satan

I can almost tolerate Leo if they give him something else to do besides come between Sonny & Will. But for Hell’s sake his bug eyed lunatic mother has to GO!

Harry
Guest
Harry

Good! Now Kevin can come back to Genoa City!

Boop
Guest
Boop

Maybe he’ll return to Young and the Restless ; however, I hope not because I’ve never liked him on that show.

Jimh
Guest
Jimh

They keep rotating characters on this show so when some leave it doesnt mean the end…also rumored to return is Bo Brady!!!!

Violet Lemm
Guest
Violet Lemm

Greg had a good run, making us laugh as well as hate him. I hear good old mom will be sticking around for a while. Can’t believe we will have to see this crazy curse thing continue with Will. So disappointed that he would be so susseptable, if that’s the right word, to something like that. Anyway, hope Greg finds his way back to GC, minus Chloe. Bad enough seeing her in PC. Thought she was leaving soon.

Rodd
Guest
Rodd

He was a breath of fresh air. I do hope they bring him back. With all the build-up, I thought he and Judith (Diana) would be in Salem a lot longer. They sizzled as son and mother.

carol green
Guest
carol green

Oh no not another one.I liked Leo he was so funny and those loud suits he would wear are something else.I thought this actor would be on the show for awhile.Everyone keeps leaving Days.Why?I really enjoyed watching him even though he could be a pain in the a-s.He made me smile something I so needed.Hope he will come back soon.

Breaking News

Tyra Banks Exiting ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Yesterday, Tyra Banks dropped a bombshell when speaking with a reporter from TMZ, while out for a stroll.

Banks shared that she’s not going to be returning as host of Dancing with the Stars, and has decided to focus on the business and entrepreneurial side of her career, plus producing behind the scenes entertainment projects.

This morning on Friday, Banks confirmed the news to Deadline.

Tyra had joined DTWTS in season 29 when she replaced longtime host, Tom Bergeron. She also became an executive producer of the reality-ballroom dance competition.

Last season, DWTS streamed exclusively on Disney Plus, and was taken off the ABC network.  During the last season, Tyra co-hosted the show with Alfonso Ribeiro, although she still presided over the ballroom competition.

Thus far, there has been no news of the next season of the series, although it’s expected to return.  In addition to Banks, dancer Mark Ballas along with the previously announced departure of dancer Cheryl Burke, leave the show with some shoes to fill.

Check out Tyra’s chat with TMZ below.

So, glad Tyra has checked out of Dancing with the Stars? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

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Days of our Lives Renewed for Two More Seasons on Peacock

Days of our Lives, which transitioned last fall from NBC to the streamer, Peacock has received a two-season renewal pick-up.  That will bring DAYS through its 60th anniversary season.

Already hitting several milestones within its run including; it’s 14,000th episode back in 2020, and being the longest-running series in NBC history to move to Peacock, the lives, romance, intrigue, and drama will continue for the residents of Salem for at least two more years.

According to Peacock PR, DAYS has consistently been a top 10 title since its exclusive move to the platform last year. 

Throughout its enduring run, the show has garnered 61 Emmy Awards, including 2022’s Outstanding Writing for a Daytime Drama, and 392 nominations, as well as multiple People’s Choice Awards, GLAAD Media Awards and Prism Awards. 

The beloved series is produced by Corday Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television. Ken Corday is the executive producer with co-executive producer Albert Alarr. Ron Carlivati serves as current head writer. 

Excited to know that Days of our Lives received a two-season pick up from Peacock? Comment below.

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Breaking News

‘Rachael Ray’ Daytime Cooking Talk Show to End After 17 Seasons

It’s time to put one less meal together on the stove!  Rachael Ray, who has been the star of her own daytime talk show/cooking series, is calling it quits after 17 years.

Making a decision to end The Rachael Ray Show was not an easy decision for the Daytime Emmy-winner, but she revealed to PEOPLE.com, it was time for her to move on.  The show will finish up its 17th season, then stop production.

Photo: CBS Media Ventures

Ray shared: “In my more than 20 plus years in television, I have had 17 wonderful seasons working in daytime television with Rachael, however, I’ve made the decision that it’s time for me to move on to the next exciting chapter in my broadcast career.  My passions have evolved from the talk show format production and syndication model to a platform unencumbered by the traditional rules of distribution. I am truly excited to be able to introduce and develop new and upcoming epicurean talent on all platforms. That is why I am looking forward to putting all my energies into my recently announced production arm, Free Food Studios.  Thank you to all of our Rachael daytime show partners, crew, and affiliates, and the wonderful years we all worked together.”

In a statement, Steve LoCascio, president of CBS Media Ventures, expressed: “When Rachael debuted her show 17 years ago, she was a game-changer in the daytime space. She made cooking accessible to the masses, taught viewers simple solutions on how to improve their lives and coaxed great stories out of celebrity guests with her relatable down-to-earth demeanor. We’re proud to have produced such a successful show with Rachael and her team for so many years. We’ll miss Rachael on the air every day, but we’ll always be family.”

Will you miss Rachael’s daytime show? Comment below.

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DAYS Billy Flynn (Chad), Greg Rikaart (Le0) and Mary Beth Evans (Kayla) talk with Michael Fairman on the series move to Peacock and their latest storylines.. Leave A Comment
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