Stefano DiMera

Last updated

Stefano DiMera
Days of Our Lives character
The bradydimera feud stefano dimera 160x230.jpg
Joseph Mascolo as Stefano DiMera
Portrayed by
Duration
  • 1982–1985
  • 1988
  • 1991
  • 1993–2001
  • 2006–2016
  • 2019–2020
First appearanceJanuary 18, 1982 [1]
Last appearanceApril 6, 2020
Classification Former; regular
Created by Pat Falken Smith
Introduced by Betty Corday
Al Rabin
In-universe information
Other names The Phoenix
Rudolpho Meradi
Serge Anatol
Mrs. Lafferty
Joseph M. Wagner
OccupationCrime boss
businessman
Family DiMera
Father Santo DiMera
MotherSignora DiMera
BrothersSix older brothers
Half-brothersRyan Brady
Wife
Civil partner Daphne DiMera (until 1984)
Sons
Daughters
Adoptive sons Peter Blake
Adoptive daughters Kristen DiMera
Stepsons Tony DiMera
Grandsons Dimitri Von Leuschner
Theo Carver
Steven Hawk
Johnny DiMera
Thomas DiMera
Granddaughters Sydney DiMera
Grace DiMera
Charlotte DiMera
Rachel Black (adoptive)
Other relatives Eugene Bradford

Stefano DiMera is a fictional character from the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives , played by Joseph Mascolo. Created by Pat Falken Smith, Stefano was introduced on January 18, 1982 as the father of Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis) looking to expand his criminal empire to Salem. Stefano's early storylines included his feud with Roman Brady (Wayne Northrop), playing his children – Tony and Renée DuMonde (Philece Sampler) against one another when he is presumed dead, orchestrating a series of murders with his son (then his nephew) and Tony's deranged look-a-like André, and replacing the presumed dead Roman with the brainwashed John Black (Drake Hogestyn).

Contents

Stefano returns in 1993 for a longer stint. He becomes obsessed with Roman's ex-wife and John's longtime love Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), and accidentally causes her to be possessed by the devil. Meanwhile, Stefano tries to help his adopted daughter Kristen (Eileen Davidson) steal John from Marlena by fathering a child with her look-a-like Susan Banks (Davidson) and passing it off as John's. Stefano also switches Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso)'s baby at birth and gives it to his daughter Lexie Carver (Renée Jones) to raise. He leaves town in 2001 when he is exposed.

An ailing Stefano returns in 2006 having sent his son EJ (James Scott) to impregnate Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) to harvest the baby's stem cells to save his life. Over the next decade, Stefano's past schemes catch up to him as several of his children meet tragic ends. Mascolo retires in 2016 and the character of Stefano is killed off by Hope Brady. From 2019 to 2020, Stephen Nichols played the role after Stefano's essence was transferred into Steve Johnson. During this time, Stefano's obsession with Marlena resurfaces and he also sets out to clone himself. Throughout his 34 year run, Stefano became one of the most recognizable figures in daytime television and is considered to be one of the greatest villains in television history.

Casting and development

In the early 1980s, then head writer, Pat Falken Smith created the role specifically for Mascolo after seeing his performance as real-life crime boss, Salvatore Maranzano on the NBC miniseries, The Gangster Chronicles in 1981. [3] Mascolo first appeared as Stefano on January 18, 1982. He departed from the series on March 8, 1983, and returned a year later on March 2, 1984 before briefly departing on May 11, 1984 only to return on October 19 of the same year and depart again on February 22, 1985. [1] Mascolo briefly returned to the series from November 4 to December 19, 1988. [1] Actor Frank Fata appeared in the role of Stefano for two episodes which aired on December 3 and 4, 1991. [4] Mascolo reclaimed the role on a contractual basis on September 17, 1993. He departed from the show on December 24, 1996, and re-appeared for a few episodes from February 7 to 13, 1997. [5] Mascolo returned to the show full-time once again on June 13, 1997.

Controversial exit

In February 2001, a post on Mascolo's official website revealed that contract negotiations were not going well and Mascolo was expected to last appear the coming May. However, a representative of Mascolo's took to the website to deny the reports. [6] In April 2001, rumors of Mascolo's exit due to failed contract negotiations began to surface once again and the producers were apparently considering recasting the role. [4] Days later, Mascolo was spotted at CBS's The Bold and the Beautiful ; despite the reports, neither Mascolo, NBC or CBS would comment on the rumors. [7] In May 2001, Mascolo took to his website to confirm the news: [8]

My contract is up in May and I tried to negotiate in good faith... Usually, one expects some give and take but the powers that be are adamant. They now feel that the character of Stefano should take a rest – as if Stefano ever rests.

Though Mascolo seemed disappointed with the show's decision to write the character out briefly, executive producer Ken Corday revealed plans to bring the character back by the fall of 2001 whether Mascolo was available or not. [8] Mascolo made his last official appearance on June 14, 2001. [9] Though Mascolo initially denied the reports, he did indeed debut in the role of Massimo Marone on The Bold and the Beautiful in August 2001. [10]

Return to Days and storyline-dictated exit

In 2006, following Mascolo's exit from B&B due to lack of storyline, reports began to surface claiming that Mascolo was going to reprise his role as Stefano. The series' producers later confirmed plans to revive the DiMera family to stop a decline in ratings. [11] A deathly ill, comatose Stefano began appearing on December 19, 2006. Though some sources list Mascolo in the cast credits for the episodes, neither Mascolo nor NBC have ever stated that he portrayed comatose Stefano. [12] It was later confirmed that Mascolo would reappear in the role officially in 2007, along with costars Thaao Penghlis (Tony DiMera) and Leann Hunley (Anna DiMera). [13] Mascolo made his first official appearance as Stefano on June 6, 2007. [11] However, the stint proved to be short-lived with Mascolo last appearing on February 29, 2008, and the character of Stefano was written out to allow the writers to come up with more story for him. In May 2008, the tabloid Globe confirmed that Mascolo had been fired and Stefano was written into another coma. This decision did not sit well with Mascolo who gave a heated interview to Soap Opera Digest accusing the executives of "double crossing" him. [14] [15]

2008 Return, brief departure, and final exit

In 2008, it was confirmed that Mascolo would once again reprise his role as Stefano in August 2008. Mascolo later revealed in an interview that his initial anger was fueled by emotion following the death of his father. Following his initial ousting, fans took to his website to express how much they missed the character. The fan fervor allowed for Mascolo's return upon a mutual agreement with executive producer, Ken Corday. Mascolo reappeared on August 5, 2008 just before Days went on hiatus for the Summer Olympics. [15] In 2012, after breaking up the character's marriage to Lauren Koslow's Kate Roberts, making him responsible for his own daughter Lexie Carver's (Renée Jones) death and undoing his father/son relationship with James Scott's EJ DiMera, the character appeared to have been written into a corner. With nearly the entire town gunning for Stefano, several sources later confirmed that Stefano was indeed being killed off with Mascolo last appearing alive on June 4, 2012. [16] Mascolo discussed his disapproval in an interview with Soap Opera Digest: [17]

Every single thing that went wrong in Salem was Stefano's fault. Every single thing. He got blamed for everything. When Stefano got blamed for this business with Lexie illness, I got very angry. Stefano and his daughter had an absolutely pure relationship. I adore Renee Jones (Lexie). When she came to my dressing room and said, "I’m going to be leaving soon, and this is what is going to happen," I said, "Oh, no!" [18]

It was very difficult. The bottom line Stefano is will always be about family. So when they wrote that, I couldn't figure it out. In all honesty, Stefano nor EJ would have had wanted it that way. As a matter of fact when James Scott (EJ) saw the business that Elvis wasn't Stefano's son, we both went, "No, that's wrong." We didn't want it that way. [18]

On June 13, 2012, Mascolo departed following the character's funeral. Despite what was happening on-screen, certain sources reported that Mascolo could possibly reprise his role very soon. [18] Following the change in head writers, it was confirmed that Mascolo was indeed on his way back; he made his first appearance on August 21, 2012. Mascolo discussed that the plan was always to have Stefano turn out to be alive, but he didn't agree with how the previous writing regime had scripted the story. With the return of former show runners Gary Tomlin and Christopher Whitesell, Mascolo seemed more "intrigued" with their plans for his character. Mascolo's return also coincides with Eileen Davidson's return as Stefano's daughter Kristen. [19] Mascolo reappeared as Stefano on October 8, 2012. [20]

Due to Mascolo's failing health, he departed the soap, last appearing on January 11, 2016. [21] Mascolo made guest appearances on March 1, March 2, May 20, June 8 and July 7, 2016. Mascolo died on December 8, 2016, in Los Angeles, California at the age of 87 after years of battling Alzheimer's disease. [22]

In early 2017, it was announced that Mascolo had filmed scenes prior to his death. Mascolo last appeared onscreen on February 9, 2017. However, it was later revealed that Mascolo appeared as Shane Donovan, who was posing as Stefano.

With all of Stefano's "deaths" and other departures, viewers and fans were inevitably treated with a scene of Mascolo returning as Stefano (particularly if he'd been gone for a while), proclaiming that it was "good to be back".

Storylines

1980s

Stefano first appears on-screen in January 1982 with his son Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis), as a vaguely-Mediterranean "businessman" with dubious intentions, surveying the citizens of Salem. Stefano travels to Salem shortly after being introduced as the friend of Lee DuMonde (Brenda Benet) and it is soon revealed he is the father of Lee's daughter, Renée (Philece Sampler), which adds complications to her relationship with Tony. [23] Stefano attempts to help Tony win back his wife, Liz Chandler while Stuart Whyland begins blackmailing him and Stefano kills him. In 1983, Stefano was sent to prison thanks to Detective Roman Brady (Wayne Northrop). Before his death, Stefano's wife, Daphne (Madlyn Rhue), reveals that Tony isn't his biological son. Stefano returns in 1984 with his nephew, André, who has gotten plastic surgery to look like Tony. Together, they plan to frame Roman for a string of murders; meanwhile, Stefano discovers another daughter, Megan Hathaway. Her adoptive father, Maxwell, had access to the "Three Prisms" that could cure Stefano's brain tumor. In November 1984, in his quest to obtain one of the prisms, Stefano apparently kills Roman after pushing him off a cliff. [23] In February 1985, Bo Brady's (Peter Reckell) wife Hope (Kristian Alfonso) is framed for Megan's murder and Stefano vows revenge on the entire family. He kidnaps Roman's twins, Sami and Eric, and Roman's widow Dr. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) shoots him, apparently killing him.

Stefano resurfaces in 1988 to claim his son Benjy who is about to be adopted by Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans) and her husband Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols), as well as to attempt to "reprogram" Roman, whom he had brainwashed in 1984–85, to serve as one of his assassins (Stefano actually got the idea about brainwashing his "agents" from former daughter-in-law Anna DiMera (Leann Hunley), who had hypnotized her own daughter Carrie into acting out against Roman as part of a plot to discredit him in the eyes of polite society; he further developed this method with the help of his henchmen Dr. Wilhelm Rolf and Ilya Petrov). He traps several of Salem's citizens on his island, but his plans for revenge are foiled, and he escapes. In this iteration, Stefano is presented as more of an assassin and international terrorist than a simple gangster. [24]

1990s

In December 1991, John Black (Drake Hogestyn) and Roman Brady discover Stefano in a Mayan pyramid in Mexico. The pyramid collapses, and Stefano is once again believed to have perished. Though he survives the collapse, his brain tumor is slowly killing him. Stefano returns to Salem in 1993 and he is taken hostage by Curtis Reed (Nick Benedict) in his weakened state; Curtis's attempt to extort money from Stefano's adopted daughter, Kristen DiMera (Eileen Davidson), is foiled after Stefano kills him. [24] He then convinces Tony and Kristen to marry but the marriage is ruined when Stefano is revealed as the murderer. In an attempt to avoid capture, Stefano speeds away as John shoots out his tires, and Stefano's car explodes. Stefano retreats to his New Orleans estate, Maison Blanche where he kidnaps Marlena and John. After the mansion burns down, Stefano buys a penthouse in Salem, next door to Marlena. [23] Stefano sneaks into her apartment every night and opens her soul, which leads to Marlena becoming possessed by a demon. Under possession, Marlena pushes Stefano out of a window; after the demon is exorcised, a guilt-ridden Marlena helps Stefano recover. In December 1995, Tony fakes his death and frames John. [23] Stefano is later struck by lightning and becomes so obsessed with Marlena that he bribes the judge presiding over John's murder trial to issue the death penalty. In August 1996, Stefano's plans to frame John are soon revealed, and he skips town with Marlena to Paris, where he is shot by his former lover Rachel Blake. Later, his longtime confidante, Celeste Perrault (Tanya Boyd) reveals that he fathered her daughter, Dr. Lexie Carver (Renée Jones) the wife of Salem's police commissioner. Stefano brings Kristen's lookalike, Susan Banks (Davidson) to town, impregnates her and plans to pass the baby off as Kristen's baby, which she actually miscarried; Susan gives birth in February 1997 to Elvis and flees after discovering Stefano's plan. [24] After recovering from a heart attack, Stefano marries Vivian Alamain (Louise Sorel) on December 16, 1998, and plots to kill her to get back all of his belongings left to Vivian by her late husband–who was also Stefano's employee–Steven "Jonesy" Jones (Robert Mandan). [25] In 1999, Stefano brainwashes Hope Brady into thinking she is Princess Gina Von Amberg (Alfonso) and Gina, now in love with John, kidnaps him; feeling betrayed, Stefano exiles her to Paris. [26]

2000s

In early 2000, the Bradys rescue Hope from Paris. Hope learns she is pregnant, and Stefano believes he is the father. Stefano convinces Lexie to adopt a child, and then switches Hope's son with another, leaving the child with Lexie and husband Abe Carver (James Reynolds). [27] In 2001, the truth about the baby switch is revealed and Stefano skips town in June 2001. [28]

In 2006, an ill Stefano sends his son Elvis, now known as EJ (James Scott), to impregnate Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney) so they can use the fetus's stem cells to improve Stefano's health. After they steal John's kidney, Stefano proposes that Sami and EJ marry and raise the child together so they can end the feud between the families. [29] In 2008, the origins of the feud are known and it is revealed that Stefano's father Santo DiMera had an affair, and fathered a child with Colleen Brady (Shirley Jones) – Ryan. Ryan was initially believed to be John Black, but it was later revealed that Ryan died in childhood. Stefano had once again erased John's memory in an attempt to turn him to the Pawn again. In 2009, Stefano EJ's then wife Nicole Walker (Arianne Zucker) hid the fact that she switched another baby with Sami's at birth. EJ is furious when he learns the truth, and he kidnaps his daughter, Sydney and fakes her death, leaving everyone devastated, including Stefano. Stefano learns from Anna DiMera that EJ paid her to care for Sydney while everyone believed she was dead; he uses the information to rebuild his relationship with EJ. [29] In September 2009, Stefano blackmails Kate Roberts (Lauren Koslow) into marrying him after helping her get out from under attempted murder charges. [30]

2010s

In 2010, Madeline Peterson Woods (Jessica Tuck) returns to Salem and after she dies, it is revealed that her son, Chad (Casey Deidrick), was fathered by Stefano, and Madeline convinced Kate to keep the secret. [29] In 2011, Stefano helps EJ kidnap Sami's husband, Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) and imprison him in the DiMera basement while putting a lookalike in his place. [29] In 2012, the DiMera empire begins to crumble when Stefano learns EJ isn't really his son and Lexie is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor caused by exposure to toxic gasses when Stefano had André kidnap her. Meanwhile, Kate has an affair with Ian McAllister (Ian Buchanan), a past lover, and Stefano files for divorce, taking everything from her. Stefano also turns John and Hope back into the Pawn and Princess Gina after revealing they are married; he forces them to retrieve a precious coin from Alamainia for him. Several other schemes continue to backfire on Stefano, including his attempt to sabotage EJ's mayoral campaign and him blackmailing Will Horton (Chandler Massey). Having angered many of his enemies, Stefano is shot and presumably killed in early June 2012. Suspicion for the murder quickly falls upon EJ, who continuously professes his innocence, but no one, save for Will or Sami, seems to believe him. After a series of explosions rock Salem in early August 2012, EJ flees with Sami in tow and is subsequently abducted by Ian, who professes that he framed EJ for Stefano's murder. Ian then pulls back a curtain, revealing a very much alive Stefano, who is unconscious, bound in a chair, and wearing a mask. Ian also confesses to falsifying Alice's letter, as well as the blood test that stated EJ wasn't Stefano's son. Stefano suddenly resurfaces in Europe, where he reunites with Kristen and convinces her to come home and bring the family back together. Following the deaths of EJ and Kristen, Stefano forges a strong bond with Chad (Billy Flynn). He encourages him to pursue Abigail Deveraux (Kate Mansi) with a secret agenda to obtain Abigail's inheritance, but Chad foils his plans. In 2015, Stefano suffers a stroke and is left in a wheelchair which leads to André's return and the reveal that they are father and son. Stefano advises André as he takes over running the family's daily operations. In January 2016, a grief-stricken Hope kills Stefano, believing he is responsible for Bo's recent death. Rafe helps Hope cover it up by hiding Stefano's body in an abandoned building and framing André. Stefano's spirit lingers as he appears to Chad, and they say their goodbyes. Stefano last appears to Chad in July 2016 when they were talking about him trusting André. In February 2017, it appears that Stefano has been captured in Prague having supposedly faked his death at the hands of Hope. However, it is later revealed that Steve Johnson and Shane Donovan (Charles Shaughnessy) have orchestrated Stefano's appearance to exonerate Hope of his murder, with Shane posing as Stefano using a bodysuit and makeup. Later, as Steve and Shane reminisce about the success of their plan, they review some pictures the ISA took from afar of Shane pretending to be Stefano. Yet the setting of one of the pictures is a place Shane never recalls posing at. This leads the men to wonder if the man in the photograph could actually be Stefano, leaving the two men wondering fearfully if Stefano is really alive and is out there somewhere.

In 2019, "Stefano" (Stephen Nichols) returned to Salem, with the assistance of "Princess Gina" and Dr. Rolf. Rolf explains that Stefano is, in fact, dead, the victim of Hope Brady's bullet. However, before he died, Rolf transferred Stefano's "essence" — his memories, beliefs, and personality traits — into a computer chip which he has since implanted in Steve Johnson's neck, effectively turning Steve into "the new Stefano" (much as he also did with "Gina's essence" and Hope). Rolf did this to get revenge on the enemies of "the great Stefano" and return Salem to his reign of terror.

Henchmen

NameStorylineMissionsStatus
Wilhelm Rolf Various throughout the 1990s–2020s(decade)Perhaps Stefano's most faithful and longest-lasting henchman, Dr. Rolf usually served as Stefano's right-hand man and personal physician and scientist.In Prison
Gina Von Amberg Hope's past/art/Gina and John affairCopied famous paintings and helped Stefano replace the originals with fakes.Died of gunshot wound in Salem.
John Black variousWorked with Princess Gina on Stefano's schemesFreed of Stefano's influence; owns a private investigation firm and is a respected member of Salem society.
May ChinSalem Slasher Storyline
André DiMera Impersonated Tony
Framed Roman Brady as the Salem Slasher		Killed by Abigail Deveraux in self-defense.
Delia Abernathy1982–84Stefano DiMera's maid and henchwoman
Helped André DiMera escape to London.
Silvan Hodak1983Attempted to kill Roman Brady at his wedding to Marlena in 1983 (he was a tailor at the tuxedo shop).
Petrov Ridgecrest (1983)
The Three Prisms (1984–1985)		Helped keep Marlena Evans and Liz Chandler hostage at Ridgecrest.
held Gene Bradford, Tony DiMera, and Anna DiMera hostage.
Shot Bo Brady.
Left Shane Donovan to die with a bomb nearby.
Brought the Pawn (John Black) to Salem		Killed in December 1985 by Victor Kiriakis's people.
Alex Marshall 1982–83Killed Tim Casey, a police officer, in an effort to scare Roman
Plotted to kill Alice Horton.		Sent to prison after burning down the Salem Inn to collect the insurance money in 1987.
Nurse HoneycuttThe Three Prisms (1984–85)Took care of Sami and Eric Brady when Stefano had them kidnapped.
Lied in court about Marlena, seeking revenge, when she was on trial for the death of Stefano in 1985
Kept Daphne DiMera under control.
Jimmy PorterfieldThe Three Prisms (1984–85)Helped Stefano kidnap Marlena and the twins after befriending Marlena
Lied in court about Marlena, seeking revenge, when she was on trial for the death of Stefano in 1985.
Tried to kill Bo Brady.
MackenzieThe Three Prisms (1984–85)Posed as Marlena's bodyguard, while actually infiltrating her house and allowing the twins to be kidnapped.
Maxwell HathawayThe Three Prisms (1984–85)Killed by André DiMera.
Sonia RomanovThe Three Prisms (1984–85)Helped Stefano find the third prism.Killed by the Dragon.
Anna DiMera Currently living in DiMera Mansion.
Drew Donovan (lago)Stefano's Return/The Island (1988)Laid false clues for Stefano about Marlena being alive to play with Roman and Diana's minds.Escaped Salem in early 1989.
MiloStefano's Return/The Island (1988)Captured Roman Brady and Diana Colville on Stefano's island.Last seen on Stefano's island.
Jeremiah BrownStefano's Return/The Island (1988)Assassin for Stefano who was trained along with Roman Brady (John Black) and Drew Donovan... planned to kill many of those on the islandWas killed by Drew.
Orion HawkStefano's Return/The Island (1988)Trained Roman Brady/John Black in martial arts years earlier.Left Salem with Benjy to Europe in 1990.
Domingo SalazarThe Tale of Two Romans (1991)Guided John and Marlena through San Christabel
Held Roman and John at gunpoint in Mexico.		Was taken to ISA headquarters and later sent to prison.
Curtis Reed (Brown)Hired by Peter Blake to kill John Black, but failed and blackmailed Kristen Blake for money.Killed by Stefano.
Celeste Perrault Maison Blanche (1994)Held John prisoner at Maison Blanche
Helped keep Hope at Maison Blanche.		Still living in Salem.
Peter BlakeTemporary "Insanity": Peter poisons Laura into insanity (1994)Arranged to medicate Laura Horton to make her think she was going insane againPeter is currently serving a sentence of unknown length in an out of state prison to which Stefano had him transferred. He is serving time for kidnapping (Jennifer), attempted murder (Hope, Jasper, Jennifer, Jack, everyone at St. Luke's during Jenn's funeral). Stefano said he would try his best to "reduce" Peter's sentence. It is not known if he is serving time for any of his previous crimes (gaslighting Laura, killing Jude St. Clair, etc.).
PaulParis
Travis MalloyKidnapped JenniferDied from falling a cliff in fight with Jack Deveraux.
Daryl KayKristen's Schemes to Keep John and Marlena apart (1996–1997)Performed laser surgery on Laura Horton to erase her memory about Kristen and her fake pregnancy.
CarmineThe Brady/DiMera feudTried to kill Lucas Roberts.In prison.
MarcoVariousPaid by Stefano to leave town after he shot Maggie Horton (He was trying to kill Victor Kiriakis but Maggie got in the way).
Impostor Rafe2011Real name: Arnold Feniger aka "Javier Morales" [31]

Hired by Stefano and EJ to take the place of the already-kidnapped Rafe Hernandez to terrorize Sami into divorce and EJ could get full custody of his kids.

Killed in jail.
Det. Joseph Bernardi (Stefano's dirty cop)2013Was ordered by Stefano to get the evidence against Will shooting EJ from the police station and give it to him. Later, he was sent by a jealous Stefano to castrate Rafe's genitals and emasculate Rafe while he was in a coma, which the plot failed as Sami stopped him by shooting him.Shot by Sami and was killed by Gloria Nash.
Aiden Jennings2014–15Ordered by Stefano and Andre to make Hope Brady fall in love with him so she'd forget about Bo, who had been held against his will while on an ISA mission. Stefano and Andre later ordered Aiden to kill Hope after their wedding so that he could pay off his debts and also to clear Chad DiMera's name, who had been falsely arrested on 3 murder charges.Shot and killed in a fight with Bo Brady

Fake death timeline

The following list is a timeline of Stefano's fake "deaths"; he either faked them himself, was presumed dead, or was reported dead by others.

Notable possessions

Reception

In 2020, Charlie Mason from Soaps She Knows placed Stefano #6 on the list of the 35 most memorable characters from Days of Our Lives, commenting that "Over and over again, the Phoenix rose. So it’s a bitter pill to swallow that, owing to the passing of his portrayer, Joseph Mascolo, he won’t cheat death yet again to wreak havoc on Salem". [32] Mason and Candace Young also referred to Stefano as "the biggest Big Bad soapdom's ever known." [33]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Black and Marlena Evans</span> Soap opera character

John Black and Marlena Evans are fictional characters and a supercouple from the American daytime drama Days of Our Lives. John is portrayed by Drake Hogestyn and Marlena is portrayed by Deidre Hall. In magazines and in advertising, as well as on Internet message boards, the couple is often referred to by the portmanteau "Jarlena" or "Jolena".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman Brady</span> Fictional character from Days of Our Lives

Roman Brady is a fictional character from the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives. The role was originated in 1981 by Wayne Northrop, who played the role until 1984 and from 1991 to 1994, and is currently being portrayed by series veteran Josh Taylor, who stepped into the role in 1997. Roman is a member of the fictional Brady family, and has been a central character on the show since his introduction in 1981. Over the years, Roman has been involved in a number of storylines, including romances, family conflicts, and mystery plots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abe Carver</span> Soap opera character

Abe Carver is a fictional character on the long-running American soap opera Days of Our Lives. Actor James Reynolds has played the character since he originated it on the series in 1981, and is currently the fifth longest serving actor on the show. The role is one of the longest-running African American characters in American soap operas. The character was created by head writer Pat Falken Smith. Abe is the widowed husband of Lexie Carver, daughter of international crime lord, Stefano DiMera. He is the father of Brandon Walker and Theo Carver and the adoptive father of Lani Price.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lexie Carver</span> Soap opera character

Lexie Carver is a fictional character on the NBC soap opera, Days of Our Lives, created by head writer Leah Laiman. The role has been played most notably by actress Renée Jones, who appeared in the role from 1993 until departing in 2012. She is the daughter of crime boss Stefano DiMera, and the psychic Celeste Perrault. She is the mother of Theo Carver, and was the wife of mayor Abe Carver.

John Black (<i>Days of Our Lives</i>) Soap opera character

John Black is a fictional character on Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera streaming on Peacock. He was played by Drake Hogestyn from January 1986 to January 2009, and since September 2011. John was created by scriptwriters Sheri Anderson, Thom Racina and Leah Laiman as the Pawn in 1985, and introduced by executive producers Betty Corday and Al Rabin. He became one of the series' most popular characters when he was revealed to be the presumed-dead Roman Brady, after plastic surgery and amnesia. Northrop's 1991 return led to Hogestyn's portrayal of Roman being retconned into the separate character of John Black, which establishes the supercouple pairing of John and Marlena due to John's affair with Roman's wife Marlena Evans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anna DiMera</span> Soap opera character

Anna DiMera is a fictional character on the NBC daytime drama, Days of Our Lives. She was introduced as the estranged wife of Roman Brady and the biological mother of his daughter, Carrie Brady. Created by head writers, Margaret DePriest and Sheri Anderson, Anna is portrayed by Leann Hunley. Anna is known for being a member of the powerful, upper class DiMera family from her marriages to Tony DiMera.

Kate Roberts (<i>Days of Our Lives</i>) Fictional character from Days of Our Lives

Kate Roberts is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the NBC network. The matriarch of the series' Roberts family, the role was originated by Deborah Adair in 1993, and is currently played by Lauren Koslow, who has held the role since 1996. Kate is the mother of Austin Reed, Billie Reed, Lucas Horton, Philip Kiriakis, and the twins Cassie and Rex Brady. Kate is the ex-wife of Curtis Reed, Victor Kiriakis, Roman Brady and Stefano DiMera, and is the widow of André DiMera. She is known for getting what she wants via scheming.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EJ DiMera</span> Soap opera character

EJ DiMera is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the NBC network. Created by head writer James E. Reilly and introduced under executive producers, Ken Corday and Tom Langan, EJ is the son of crime boss Stefano DiMera and the eccentric Susan Banks. Originally portrayed by child actors: Avalon, Dillon and Vincent Ragone from February 1997 to April 1998, the character was rapidly aged in 2006 when James Scott was cast in the role; he departed the role in October 2014. In 2018, the role was briefly portrayed by Trey Baxter. In June 2021, Australian actor Dan Feuerriegel assumed the role.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susan Banks</span> Fictional character from Days of Our Lives

Susan Banks is a fictional character on NBC's daytime drama Days of Our Lives. She was played by Eileen Davidson from November 4, 1996, to April 8, 1998, and again in 2014 and 2017. Susan is the eccentric mother of Elvis "EJ" DiMera, and once acted as Kristen Blake's doppelganger. In November 2011, it was announced that Brynn Thayer would take over the role of Susan, since Davidson was committed to The Young and the Restless. Thayer made her brief one-off appearance as Susan on December 7, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kristen DiMera</span> Fictional character from Days of Our Lives

Kristen Blake DiMera is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the NBC network. The role was portrayed by Eileen Davidson. Davidson joined the cast of Days of Our Lives in 1993, and departed in 1998 after a five-year stint. After a 14-year absence, Davidson returned to the role of Kristen in the fall of 2012. Kristen and her brother Peter were raised by super villain Stefano DiMera at a very young age following the deaths of their parents; however, their mother Rachel was later revealed to be alive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">André DiMera</span> Soap opera character

André DiMera is a fictional character from the NBC Daytime soap opera, Days of Our Lives. The role was originated in 1983 by Thaao Penghlis when André was introduced as the nephew of Stefano DiMera. Having undergone plastic surgery to look identical to Stefano's stepson, Tony, André—on Stefano's behalf—sets out to frame Roman Brady for a series of murders. However, plans go awry as André claims several victims including Stefano's daughter Renée DuMonde. André's later plans to help Stefano heal his brain tumor and get revenge on their enemies culminates in André's presumed death in November 1984.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sami Brady and EJ DiMera</span> Soap opera character

Elvis "EJ" Aaron DiMera and Samantha "Sami" Gene Brady DiMera are fictional characters and a supercouple from the American soap opera Days of Our Lives. Since 1993, the role of Sami Brady has been portrayed by actress Alison Sweeney. James Scott originally portrayed the role of EJ DiMera when the character was introduced on May 30, 2006, but in 2021 when EJ finally returns for the first time on-screen since his supposed death in 2014, he is now portrayed by actor Dan Feuerriegel. Scott says that his days of acting are now behind him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santo DiMera</span> Soap opera character

Santo DiMera is a fictional character on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. He was portrayed by James Scott from July 9, 2007 to September 28, 2007. Scott reprised the role on August 20, 2008, as a figment of John's imagination. The titular character was the father of Stefano DiMera and established the wealth and power of the DiMera family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sami Brady</span> Soap opera character

Sami Brady is a fictional character from Days of Our Lives, an American soap opera on the Peacock streaming service, portrayed by Alison Sweeney since 1993. The character is first seen as a newborn baby in the episode of October 16, 1984, in which mom Marlena Evans gives birth to her and her twin brother Eric Brady. Initially played by a series of child actresses, Sweeney took over the role of Sami when the character was rapidly-aged from a pre-teen to a teenager, in January 1993, under the pen of head writers Sheri Anderson and James E. Reilly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony DiMera</span> Soap opera character

Tony DiMera is a fictional character from the Peacock American soap opera Days of Our Lives, played by actor Thaao Penghlis on and off from November 6, 1981, until October 24, 1985, and from July 19, 2007, until April 1, 2009. One of the character's main storylines includes being impersonated by fellow character André DiMera at various points in the character's tenure. Both roles were played by Penghlis. He reprised the role in a guest capacity in March 2019, before returning in a recurring capacity later that July.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marlena Evans</span> Fictional character from Days of Our Lives

Marlena Evans is a fictional character on the NBC/Peacock soap opera Days of Our Lives, a long-running serial about working life in the fictional town of Salem. She has been played by actress Deidre Hall since 1976, but the character was absent from the show from 1987 to August 1991 and again from January 2009 to September 2011. Marlena was created by scriptwriter Pat Falken Smith and executive producer Betty Corday, and has become one of Days of our Lives' most well-known characters. Hall made her debut on the soap on June 21, 1976, currently making her the second longest running actress on the serial, surpassed only by Suzanne Rogers.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Joe Mascolo Picture Pages". SuperiorPics.com. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  2. ↑ James E. Reilly (Head writer); Ken Corday (Executive producer) (March 25, 1996). Days of Our Lives. Season 30. Episode 7746. NBC.
  3. ↑ "Joseph Mascolo – Stefan". Soap Opera Digest. Archived from the original on August 20, 2010. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  4. 1 2 Kroll, Dan J. (April 16, 2001). "Mascolo might leave; Stefano could be recast". Soap Central. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  5. ↑ "Joseph Mascolo Bio". Soap Opera Digest . American Media, Inc. Archived from the original on August 19, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  6. ↑ Kroll, Dan J. (March 9, 2001). "Mascolo's future at DAYS unclear". Soap Central. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  7. ↑ Kroll, Dan J. (April 20, 2001). "DAYS trouble could make Mascolo Bolder". Soap Central. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  8. 1 2 Kroll, Dan J. (May 23, 2001). "Mascolo to DAYS execs: Bah humbug!". Soap Central. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  9. ↑ Kroll, Dan J. (June 10, 2001). "Mascolo, Stefano exit DAYS this week". Soap Central. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  10. ↑ Kroll, Dan J. (August 12, 2001). "Mascolo makes a Bold move". Soap Central. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  11. 1 2 Kroll, Dan J. (May 7, 2007). "Mascolo brings Stefano back to Salem". Soap Central. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  12. ↑ Kroll, Dan J. (October 30, 2006). "Report: Mascolo set to resurrect DAYS' Stefano". Soap Central. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  13. ↑ "The DiMeras return to Days! (Update)". Soaps She Knows. Atomic Online. May 18, 2007. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
  14. ↑ K., Lisa (May 4, 2008). "Joseph Mascolo Fired From Days Of Our Lives?". Daytime Confidential. Zap2it . Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  15. 1 2 Kroll, Dan J. (July 15, 2008). "Mascolo's Stefano to rise again, thanks to a "mutual conclusion"". Soap Central. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  16. ↑ Di Lauro, Janet (May 29, 2012). "Days of Our Lives' Comings and Goings". About.com . Retrieved September 8, 2012.
  17. ↑ Di Lauro, Janet (May 31, 2012). "Joseph Mascolo's Days of Our Lives Exit Interview". About.com . Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  18. 1 2 3 Fairman, Michael (May 31, 2012). "Joe Mascolo Speaks Out About Being Written Out Of DAYS … For Now!". On Air, On Soaps. Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  19. ↑ Di Lauro, Janet (August 20, 2012). "Joseph Mascolo Dishes His Return to Days of Our Lives". About.com . Retrieved September 9, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Ins&Outs". CBS Soaps in Depth. October 8, 2012. p. 15.
  21. ↑ "Comings and Goings: Joseph Mascolo (Stefano DiMera)". Soap Opera Digest. (Vol. 41, No. 4). January 25, 2016. p. 11.
  22. ↑ Staff (December 9, 2016). "Days's Joseph Mascolo Passes Away at 87". Soap Opera Digest . United States. American Media, Inc. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
  23. 1 2 3 4 "Days of Our Lives CAST – Stefano DiMera" . Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  24. 1 2 3 "Who's Who in Salem: Stefano DiMera". SoapCentral . Retrieved January 15, 2012.
  25. ↑ "Days of our Lives Yearly Summaries: 1998". DaysofourLives.com. Archived from the original on November 11, 2011.
  26. ↑ "Days of our Lives Yearly Summaries: 1999". DaysofourLives.com.
  27. ↑ "Days of our Lives Yearly Summaries: 2000".
  28. ↑ "Days of our Lives Yearly Summaries: 2001".
  29. 1 2 3 4 "Days of our Lives: Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo)". Sony Pictures. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Days of our Lives – Bios – Joseph Mascolo as Stefano DiMera". NBC.com. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
  31. ↑ "Who's Who in Salem: Arnold Feniger". soapcentral.com. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  32. ↑ Mason, Charlie (October 6, 2020). "Days of Our Lives' 35 Most Memorable Characters Ever [PHOTOS]". Soaps She Knows. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  33. ↑ Candace Young; Charlie Mason. "Black History Month Tribute to (But Some of) Daytime's Most Important African-American Characters [PHOTOS]". Soaps She Knows . She Media . Retrieved July 25, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.