The actor who played villain Stefano DiMera in the hit TV series "Days of our Lives" succumb to Alzheimer's Disease, Thursday. Joseph Mascolo was 87 years old.
The show's Executive Producer, Ken Corday, said in a statement to Soap Opera Digest: "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," Corday added.
Mascolo played the iconic villain in the long-running NBC TV series. He was born in 1929 in West Hartford, Connecticut to Italian immigrant parents. The actor initially wanted to become a classical musician, even earning a music scholarship at the University of Miami. He eventually came to love acting and decided to move to New York to study under Stella Adler, Entertainment Weekly reported.
Although Marcolo is best known for his portrayal as the villainous business tycoon DiMera, playing the role since 1982 in "Days of our Lives", he also appeared in other soaps like "General Hospital" and "Santa Barbara." His film credits include "Jaws 2", "Sharky's Machine", and "Heat."
Pat Mascolo, his wife of 11 years said: "Joseph was a big 'ol bear with a puppy dog heart. I'm so blessed to have had these many years with him. I will miss him every day."
The actor has been battling Alzheimer's for years. He is survived by wife, Patricia, on Peter, his step-daughter Laura, sister Marie and her husband Ronald LaVoie, along with five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one niece, one nephew, 3 great nieces, one great nephew and one great-great niece.
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