‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘General Hospital’ star Robert Kelker-Kelly dies at 62
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Robert Kelker-Kelly, best known for playing Bo Brady on 'Days of Our Lives,' has died at 62, with the medical examiner in Missouri confirming the reports on Saturday, October 3. However, a cause of death has not been disclosed.
Kelker-Kelly was a familiar face to daytime television audiences, appearing on three major soap operas throughout his career. His death comes after a career that included roles on 'Another World' and 'General Hospital.'
🕊️ "Days of Our Lives" actor Robert Kelker-Kelly has died at 62. What we know: https://t.co/EJ5Ah7TSMm https://t.co/COvLIaf8cZ
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 5, 2026
Robert Kelker-Kelly's career and 'Days of Our Lives' role
Kelker-Kelly began his daytime television career in 1987 when he joined 'Another World' as Sam Fowler. Five years later, he joined 'Days of Our Lives' as Bo Brady in 1992, succeeding Peter Reckell, who had originated the role in 1983.
During his three-year run, Kelker-Kelly starred opposite Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams Brady and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed.
His portrayal of Bo earned him the Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in 1994.
In 1995, Kelker-Kelly and Rinna were named Hottest Couple at the Soap Opera Digest Awards for their portrayals of Bo and Billie. Both actors left 'Days of Our Lives' that year, with Reckell eventually returning to the role of Bo.
In her 2026 memoir, Rinna later discussed her difficult relationship with Kelker-Kelly, alleging that he was verbally abusive and manipulative toward her during their time working together.
She also alleged that NBC provided security for her and Alfonso for several weeks after Kelker-Kelly's departure.
Kelker-Kelly did not publicly respond to the allegations. Following 'Days of Our Lives,' Kelker-Kelly continued working in daytime television.
He joined 'General Hospital' as Stavros Cassadine, playing the role from 2001 to 2002 before returning for appearances in 2013 and 2014.
Outside acting, he was also a professional pilot. Kelker-Kelly married actress Linda Rattner in 1988, with the couple divorcing in 1992.
He later married his 'Days of Our Lives' costar Miriam Parrish in 1997. They divorced in 2013.
Tom Cruise once tested for Robert Kelker-Kelly's role
Decades before becoming known for action movies, Tom Cruise reportedly came close to joining 'Days of Our Lives'.
On the 'Hey Dude The 90s Called!' podcast, Kristian Alfonso revealed that Cruise was among the “five or six” actors who reached the final test for the role of Bo Brady.
After Alfonso landed the role of Hope Brady, producers asked her to test with several candidates for Bo.
Reckell ultimately won the role, while Cruise was among those considered. Reckell, who appeared with Alfonso on the podcast, said he had "no idea" Cruise had been considered.
Alfonso recalled that their late costar Frances Reid once sat next to Cruise on a plane. After learning that Reid worked on 'Days of Our Lives', Cruise reportedly told her that he had tested for the role of Bo.
Reckell did not remember the incident and joked, “I could have been using that for the last 40 years!” David Lascher called it good bragging rights for Reckell.
Christine Taylor also revealed on the podcast that she auditioned for Billie Reed, a role ultimately given to Rinna.
Taylor said she reached the screen-testing stage, where she tested with another actor for their onscreen chemistry.
She described the experience as nerve-wracking because she had never screen-tested before, adding that she was not offended when Rinna got the part because it was a great experience.
