Days Of Our Lives
The Peter Reckell Interview – Days of our Lives
Twenty six years after Peter Reckell debuted on daytime television screens, as the rebellious anti-hero Bo Brady of Days of our Lives, the actor finally scored his first acting nomination for this year’s Daytime Emmys. To say Peter is the sentimental favorite to walk away with the Outstanding Lead Actor prize is an understatement. Bo Brady along with his love-interest and wife, Hope Williams Brady (played by Kristian Alfonso), are one of soaps most recognizable, beloved all-time super couples.
In real life Peter is a down to earth environmentalist, husband to Kelly Moneymaker, and a new dad! In November 2007, Peter and Kelly welcomed their little girl, Loden Sloan Reckell into the world. At the time of our interview Peter was taking care of his daughter, and in love with being a dad.
Now as Days or our Lives picks up steam in the ratings, and the news that former on-screen love interest Crystal Chappell is returning this fall as Dr. Carly Manning, Peter has high hopes for Bo’s future. Fans who have been disappointed at the actors’ lack of storyline this year, just have a few months to wait for an exciting new twist in Bo’s and Hope’s on-screen life.
In this candid and joyful interview, Peter and I discuss Emmy night, his nomination, and the days ahead for “DAYS”.
Listen to the audio:
[display_podcast]
MICHAEL:
What did you submit for the Daytime Emmys for competition in the Lead Actor category that brought you your first nomination?
PETER:
It was right after the plane crash. I was in the hospital with the pancreas issue, and I was talking about Pop dying, basically. And that was it.
MICHAEL:
This was directly after the crash?
PETER:
It was the first or second episode after the plane crash. I was in the hospital talking to Roman about what happened, and talking to Ma about what happened.
MICHAEL:
What resonated for you with that performance that you decided to choose it as your submission for the Outstanding Lead Actor category?
PETER:
It’s that the basic value of the show is family values. Here I am talking with my brother and my mom about Pop and how important he was, and is to all of us. So, I don’t think you get better soap opera than that. That is what Days of our Lives is all about.
MICHAEL:
So how did you hear that you were one of the five finalists for Outstanding Lead Actor?
PETER:
I don’t even pay attention to them anymore, and it was wild. I was feeding my child Loden her breakfast, and did not even know the nominations were coming out that day. One of our producers called and said, “Hey, congratulations,” and I am like, “Whoa, thanks… for what?” He told me about the Emmys and I was like, “Whoa dude. I totally forgot about all that.” It was quite surprise.
MICHAEL:
What did your wife, Kelly Moneymaker, say when she found out after all these years on Days of our Lives, and in soaps, that you got a Lead Actor nod?
PETER:
After she stopped crying and hugging me, she said, “I am so proud of you. It’s about time.”
MICHAEL:
It is about time. For those who may not be aware, how long have you been playing Bo Brady?
PETER:
I started in 1983 and there were six years that I was not on the show between 1983 and now. However, most of the time, I have been there at “DAYS”.
MICHAEL:
So now are you planning on getting something to wear on the red carpet and for the festivities? I know dressing up is not one of your favorite things.
PETER:
I am having my wife talking to me about it, and the people at work are talking to me about it. I go, “I got a tuxedo. I will just wear that.” They are like, “No. No. You have got to have something special.” I said, “OK, whatever.”
MICHAEL:
In the Lead Actor category, you are up against Tony Geary (Luke, “GH”), Christian LeBlanc (Michael, “Y&R”), Thorsten Kaye (Zach, “AMC”), and Daniel Cosgrove (Bill, “GL”). Are you familiar with these gentlemen’s work as actors?
PETER:
Oh, absolutely. They have all been around for awhile. It’s weird to try and pick one of us as one being better than the other. Every year it changes.
MICHAEL:
What did your long time acting partner, Kristian Alfonso (Hope),
say when you said, “I am now a Daytime Emmy nominee!”PETER:
I give her partial credit for this, because the two of us are a pair and we work hard together. She also said, “Well, it’s about time somebody got it.” She is happy for me.
MICHAEL:
If you actually win and get to make an acceptance speech, will you prepare one ahead of time?
PETER:
It’s hard for me not to prepare a speech. It’s kind of in my head already, and the problem is making it fit in whatever it is…20 seconds they give you. You’ve got so many people to thank, and so many things you want to say in a moment like that. It will be difficult to make it short and sweet.
MICHAEL:
I think we have all determined that you are the sentimental favorite to win because all of us have watched you for so many years, and Bo is such an iconic character. Why do you think Bo has stood the test of time and is such an iconic soap character?
PETER:
I bet if I could answer that they would pay me an awful lot. (He laughs) I really don’t know. It’s a combination of the writing and the producers, and the people I work opposite of. I have been a very fortunate person, and a very fortunate actor to be where I am at with this particular set of circumstances for so many years. I asked Ed Scott (ex- co-executive producer, “DAYS”) that once. You know, he was the second person that called me and told me, “congratulations” after the nominations came out.
MICHAEL:
But is it true, that Ed Scott predicted you would be nominated awhile back?
PETER:
Well, last year we were sitting at the Emmys and the show got nominated for four awards. We were all just excited because of that. In the past, Days of our Lives, hardly ever gets nominated for Emmys. So we were all just sitting there happy as hell that we got that many nominations, and I said, “Yeah. I don’t know if I will ever get one of these,” and Ed says, “Just wait till next year.” Yeah, he is a pretty good producer.
MICHAEL:
Now, the news comes that Crystal Chappell is heading back to “DAYS” as Dr. Carly Manning. I spoke to her recently, and she told me she is looking forward to working with you again. Obviously, this will be major story for Bo!
PETER:
Yeah. They told me she was coming back, and I was floored, because last I knew she was in New York working. I knew Guiding Light got cancelled. It has been awhile since I had a major story. I had that short storyline last year with the material that I submitted for the Emmys, but I have been used recently to just support other people’s storylines. They told me Crystal was coming back, and I was like, “Oh, that means I am going to be busy!” I had gotten into being a real-life dad. With acting it has sort of been… I go to the studio…do what I’ve got to do, which I love, but I have been being a dad. It’s going to be exciting because Crystal is an astounding actress!
MICHAEL:
She is an awesome actress, Peter.
I think Crystal is one of the best actresses on daytime.PETER:
Yeah, she is. I am going to have to ask her how the Bo/Carly story all resolved back then. She worked with me for a year or so…
MICHAEL:
…And then you left and Robert Kelker Kelly took over the role…
PETER:
Right. So I am not sure how that all ended up.
MICHAEL:
So obviously with Kristian in the mix, there will be a triangle for Carly/Bo/Hope?
PETER:
Yeah and I am looking forward to it. To have that triangle, is going to be pretty killer.
MICHAEL:
Last question, how is fatherhood?
PETER:
I am loving it. Being a dad is great. I am just sitting here waiting for her to wake-up from her nap. I am just sitting outside Loden’s door waiting for her to make her first few noises so I can go in and play with her. It’s an amazing thing, and I am having a great time.
MICHAEL:
I will see you at the Emmys!
PETER:
Good. I am looking forward to it!
i hear you are leaving days where can i find you if you do i have been watching you since you were a little kid. and i enjoy your performances of day with hope
Days Of Our Lives
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
After languishing on the bubble for months, on Friday, NBC handed down the decision and canceled the medical drama Brilliant Minds after two seasons.
Brilliant Minds stars Zachary Quinto as neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
The final six episodes of what will now be the end of its second and final season were already set to air beginning on May 27, after being pulled off the network schedule in February as viewership saw a steep decline. Brilliant Minds second season became the lowest-rated drama on linear TV viewing, which didn’t bode well fo a network renewal, although it had its hard core fan base.
Photo: NBC
There are some exceptional notables in the cast along with the talented Quinto that includes Days of Our Lives alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez) who joined the series in its second season as Nurse Nico Silva, and One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) who plays Wolf’s love interest and fellow physician, Dr. Josh Nichols.
The rest of the talented cast includes: Tamberla Perry, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, Aury Krebs, Spence Moore II, Donna Murphy, John Clarence Stewart, and Brian Altemus.
In an ironic twist of fate on Thursday, April 30, Days of Our Lives finally revealed the actor who was Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Javi, when they announced that actor Jacob Martinez had now stepped into the role. Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming new episode, Calderon left in the spring of 2025, but will be seen in the part for the final part this month, and then on June 20, Martinez debuts as Salem’s new Javi.
Taking to his Instagram with a sorrowful and heartfelt post on the Brilliant Minds cancellation was Teddy Sears who wrote, “Thank you, Brilliant Minds. I got the call today and I didn’t want to hear, but I knew that it would come, You have to be a particular vintage to quote Don Henley from memory, but that’s the line that came to mind earlier today after I got off the phone with our inimitable showrunner Michael Grassi who delivered the news that NBC has cancelled the series”.
Photo: NBC
Sears continued, “To say that I feel sad to be moving on from these stories, this character, and this cast and crew just doesn’t paint the entire picture. I’m sad, sure. But I’m also deeply grateful that I got hired to play this part, so proud of the stories we told, and the other actors I got to play alongside. I’m excited to see what comes next, what adventures await, and terrified to be without a professional home. A quick and heartfelt thank you to everyone, all over the globe, who found us and found themselves in us, in our characters and in our stories. We wouldn’t have been able to tell them without you. And we still have 6 fresh episodes yet to air, and I do hope you tune in enjoy the remainder of the series. They’re the best we’ve done.”
As he wrapped up his sentiments, Sears signed off with, “The more I know, the less I understand. All the things I figured out I have to learn again. I’ve been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. But everything changes…Thank you, Brilliant Minds.”
The medical drama was created and executive produced by Michael Grassi alongside Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Lee Toland Krieger, DeMane Davis, Jasmine Russ, Henrik Bastin, Jonathan Cavendish, Andy Serkis and Shefali Malhoutra.
So, what do you think of NBC’s decision to cancel Brilliant Minds after two seasons? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!
After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.
So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.
Photo: JPI
FIERY FACE OFF
The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.
Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.
Photo: JPI
A BROKEN SOPHIA
Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”
Photo: JPI
A DEADLY TRAP
Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.
So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.
Breaking News
Jacob Martinez is ‘Days of Our Lives’ New Javi Hernandez Replacing Al Calderon in the Role
Finally! The casting has been revealed as to just who would be Al Calderon’s successor in the role of Days of our Lives, Javi Hernandez. On Friday, April 30, the long-running soap opera revealed Jacob Martinez is taking on the part and he will first be seen this coming June 30th and then on all-new episodes streaming on Peacock.
As previously reported, the popular Calderon exited the soap opera last year to join the cast of the NBC primetime medical drama, Brilliant Minds as nurse Nico Silva, who in May will air the remainder of their second season. The series has been on the bubble for renewal by the network. His last episodes as Javi will also air this May on DAYS.
Since DAYS tapes ten months ahead of streaming, Martinez has been secretly ensconced in all the drama in Salem for quite some time. When viewers see the new Javi in story, we should learn what will happen in Javi’s relationship with Leo Stark played by Emmy winner, Greg Rikaart, plus his continued relationship with his relatives in the Hernandez clan. Currently, when Javi returned to Salem after taking care of his ailing father, and after the bust-up of his marriage to Leo thanks to Dimitri (Peter Porte), he claimed he had moved on with someone else while he was away from Salem.
Photo: JPI
Like Calderon before him, Martinez is a multi-talented actor and singer. Jacob’s resume is impressive having appeared in the musical In Pieces: The Musical at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater and he was hand-picked by Joey Contreras to play the role of Grey. Other credits include: the short film, Memory Swim and the play Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage.
Martinez hails from Norfolk, Nebraska and appeared when he was very young at the Johnny Carson Theatre, and as DAYS fans know, Jacob is now working at the Days of our Lives studios, right where the “Tonight Show” is filled. In addition, Jacob Martinez is a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, April 30 once the news of his casting was revealed, Martinez, expressed, “Way too many people to thank in one post, so I’ll just say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART to each and every person who continues to pour into me and encourage me to chase my dreams. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am. I already feel beyond blessed, supported, and loved. See you all in Salem ⏳”
Jacob Martinez appeared on Friday on the Days of our Lives Instagram account announcing his casting. You can check it out below. Deadline was the first to report the casting switch.
So, excited to learn who is the new Javi Hernandez? Please welcome Jacob Martinez to the role and be on the lookout for his debut on June 30. Comment below.
View this post on Instagram
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside
DAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
DAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
Brandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
Paige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond
WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus Talks Humble Beginnings, Test and Albert, WrestleMania 22 with Mickie James, Current Women’s Roster (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
Judith Light Talks Her Role in ‘The Terror: The Devil In Silver’ Dropping on AMC+ with Co-Star ‘Downton Abbey’ Alum, Dan Stevens
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDAYS Stephen Nichols Remembers Drake Hogestyn as the ‘Most Vital, Enthusiastic, Committed Man I Ever Knew’ Ahead of the PanCan PurpleStride Walk
-
Days Of Our Lives5 days agoDAYS Stephen Nichols and Co-Stars Walk in Honor of Drake Hogestyn at PanCan PurpleStride LA, ‘I Felt Him With Us’
-
General Hospital4 days agoBrandon Barash Granted Restraining Order Against ‘General Hospital’s’ Kirsten Storms
-
Days Of Our Lives4 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Rob Scott Wilson Talks ‘Turning Heel’ as Necktie Killer, Ben Weston
-
General Hospital1 week agoPaige Herschell Marks One-Year as ‘General Hospital’s’ Jacinda Bracken
-
General Hospital7 days agoGH’s Giovanni Mazza Performs Violin Version of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’ at LA Lakers Playoff Game; Co-Stars Heap High Praise
-
Days Of Our Lives3 days ago‘Days of Our Lives’ Conner Floyd on Chad’s Quest For Abigail’s Resurrection; But Who Should Be Cast as NuAbby?
-
General Hospital1 week agoSteve Burton’s Wife, Michelle Lundstrom, Raises Alarm on AI Scammers and Hoaxes, Pretending to be the ‘General Hospital’ Star