Robert Kelker-Kelly, Who Played Bo Brady on Days of Our Lives, Dies at 62

Robert Kelker-Kelly, the actor best known for playing Bo Brady on the daytime drama “Days of Our Lives,” died Oct. 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri. He was 62.

Family members said he had complained of chest pain before becoming unresponsive. Police in St. Peters said nothing suspicious was found and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event. No official cause of death has been released, according to USA Today, TMZ, Parade and Men’s Journal.

Kelker-Kelly began his acting career on “Another World” in 1987, playing Sam Fowler. In 1992, he took over the role of Bo Brady on “Days of Our Lives” after Peter Reckell departed, and he played the part in nearly 600 episodes through 1995.

His portrayal of the rebellious Brady earned him a Soap Opera Digest Award in 1994 and made him one of the most recognizable faces in daytime television during the 1990s. Fans embraced his take on the character even as they debated the recasting of such a beloved role.

After leaving “Days,” Kelker-Kelly played Stavros Cassadine on “General Hospital,” adding another major soap credit to his resume. He later stepped away from acting and built a second career as a professional pilot in Missouri.

Colleagues and fans shared tributes after the news broke, remembering his warmth on set and his dedication to the daytime community. His death marks the loss of a performer whose work defined an era of soap opera television.

He is survived by his family. Memorial plans had not been announced as of Oct. 6.