Peter Reckell

Peter Reckell
Peter Reckell in 2004
Born
Peter Paul Reckell

(1955-05-07) May 7, 1955 (age 69)
Elkhart, Indiana, U.S.
Alma materBoston Conservatory at Berklee (BFA)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • musician
Years active1979–present
Spouse(s)
Dale Kristien
​
​
(m. 1987; div. 1991)​

​
(m. 1998)​
Children1
Websitepeterpaulreckell.com

Peter Paul Reckell (born May 7, 1955)[1] is an American actor and musician. He is best known for playing the role of Bo Brady on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives (1983 to 1987, 1990 to 1992, 1995 to 2012, recurring appearances from 2015 to 2023). He also played Bo on Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem, a spinoff series streaming on Peacock (2022). Reckell was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2009 for his work on Days. His other roles include Eric Hollister on As the World Turns (1980 to 1982) and Johnny Rourke on Knots Landing (1988 to 1989). He released his debut album, Peter Reckell, in 2003.

Early life

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Reckell was born in Elkhart, Indiana, and raised in Okemos, a community in Lansing, Michigan.[2][3][4] The second oldest of six children, he has two brothers and three sisters. While in junior high school, he worked behind the scenes in school theater productions and eventually began performing on stage. After graduation, Reckell attended the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater with a minor in music and dance. He paid for his college education by working as a singing waiter.[5][6] He graduated in 1977.[7]

Career

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1977-1983: Days of Our Lives

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Reckell's early credits include stage productions of Oklahoma!, West Side Story, and Moonchildren.[6][7][1] Reckell played The Mute in the Off Broadway production of The Fantasticks at New York's Sullivan Street Playhouse.[8]

He was cast as Eric Hollister on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, first airing on March 19, 1980. The character was paired with Hayley Wilson (Dana Delany). Reckell played the role until February 1982.[9] He also made a guest appearance on The Facts of Life in 1982.[10]

Reckell was cast as Bo Brady on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives, first airing on May 3, 1983.[11] The character was paired with Hope Williams (played by Kristian Alfonso). Soap Opera Digest described the romantic storyline as "classic in its origins and continues to make people melt: gruff boy from the wrong side of the tracks...tames the spoiled rich girl who was getting into all sorts of trouble."[12]

1984-1989: After Days

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Reckell won two Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor for his work on Days, in 1984 and 1985.[13][14] In 1986, he won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Outstanding Young Leading Actor. He also received a nomination, with Kristian Alfonso, for Favorite Daytime Super Couple.[15][16]

During time off from Days, he starred in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar at the Melody Top Theatre in Milwaukee.[17] He also starred in productions of The Pirates of Penzance (playing The Pirate King) and Carousel (playing Billy Bigelow).[18]

Reckell and Alfonso decided to leave Days of Our Lives, last airing April 20, 1987. He said that he was burned out from the show's schedule and needed to try something new. The characters of Bo and Hope left Salem to sail around the world with their son, Shawn.[7][3][11]

After leaving Days, Reckell starred in the play Deathtrap at Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theatre. He also appeared in a production of the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in Sacramento.[3] He played Tommy Rivers in the television film Shades of Love: Moonlight Flight.[19] Reckell joined the cast of the CBS series Knots Landing, playing Johnny Rourke from 1988 to 1989.[3][1]

1990-1996: Days return

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Reckell returned to Days of Our Lives, first airing April 19, 1990. He signed a long term contract with the show.[20][11] He played Danny in the television film Locked Up: A Mother's Rage (1991).[21] In June 1991, Reckell appeared as Andrew in the play Love Letters at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.[22][16]

Reckell decided to leave Days of Our Lives again, last airing January 17, 1992. He said that he had been dissatisfied with his storyline since returning to the show. The role of Bo was recast with Robert Kelker-Kelly.[7][11]

In August 1992, Reckell starred as Benny in the play Misconduct Allowed at the Tiffany Theater in Los Angeles.[23] He was cast as Jeff in the film Broken Bridges, which was shot in Moscow and Azerbaijan. The film's release was delayed until 1999.[24][25]

In July 1993, he starred in the play Allocating Annie at Conklin's Star Dinner Theater in Illinois.[7] He also guest starred on Baywatch in 1993.[16] Reckell played Ben in the television film Heavenly Road (1994).[26] He guest starred on Women of the House in 1995.[16]

Reckell returned to Days of Our Lives as Bo Brady, first airing August 1, 1995. He signed a long term contract with the show. Rumors circulated that he was asked to return because his replacement, Robert Kelker-Kelly, had been difficult to work with.[27][11] Reckell won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Hottest Male Star in 1996.[28] He also guest starred on Hope & Gloria in 1996.[16]

2000-2009: Other work

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In 2000, Reckell played Bo Brady in the television film Days of Our Lives' 35th Anniversary.[29] In 2001, he and Kristian Alfonso won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple.[30] He also guest starred on Sheena in 2001.[10]

In 2002, Reckell and Kristian Alfonso won a special Daytime Emmy Award, voted on by fans, for America's Favorite Couple.[31] He released his debut album, Peter Reckell, in 2003. The album was produced by his wife, Kelly Moneymaker, and released on the independent label Midnite Sun Records.[4] In 2005, Reckell and Alfonso were nominated for a special Daytime Emmy Award, voted on by fans, for Most Irresistible Combination.[32]

In 2009, Reckell and Alfonso guest starred as their Days characters, Bo and Hope, on an episode of 30 Rock.[33] He played Dan Reynolds in the film Street Dreams.[34] On May 14, 2009, twenty-six years after his debut on Days of Our Lives, Reckell was nominated for his first Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.[35]

2010-present

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In June 2010, Reckell joined the cast of the web series Venice: The Series.[36] In June 2012, it was announced that he would be leaving Days of Our Lives. His exit was rumored to be caused by budget cuts. He last aired in October 2012. In March 2015, it was announced that he would return to Days for the show's 50th anniversary.[37][38][39] The character of Bo died from a brain tumor.[40] On June 8, 2016, Reckell returned as Bo's ghost for a special episode of Days of Our Lives, focused on Hope Williams Brady.[41]

In September 2016, he played El Gallo in The Fantasticks at New York's Jerry Orbach Theater.[8] In 2020, he starred in Permanent Resident, a short film set during the COVID-19 pandemic.[42]

Reckell made a brief return to Days of Our Lives as Bo's ghost in May 2022.[43] He played Bo on Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem, a spin off series streaming on Peacock in July 2022.[44] It was revealed that the character was still alive after having been cryogenically frozen.[45] Reckell made a short return to Days in 2023, along with his former co-stars Kristian Alfonso and Victoria Konefal.[46]

Personal life

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In December 1987, Reckell married actress Dale Kristien, who is best known for playing Christine in Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera.[3] They divorced in 1991.[1]

He married Kelly Moneymaker, the former singer of Exposé, on April 18, 1998.[6] Their daughter was born on October 25, 2007.[47]

Reckell is an environmentalist. He lives in a solar powered home and drives an electric car. He also sometimes uses a bicycle for transportation.[6]

He won the 2003 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Grand Prix of Long Beach, California.[6]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
1999 Broken Bridges Jeff
2009 Street Dreams Dan Reynolds
2020 Permanent Resident Short film

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1980–1982 As the World Turns Eric Hollister Contract role
1982 The Facts of Life Alan Cooke Episode: "The Affair"
1983–1987; 1990–1992; 1995–2012; 2015–2016; 2022; 2023 Days of Our Lives Bo Brady Contract role; Recurring role (2016, 2022, 2023)
1985 Circus of the Stars Himself Episode 10
Bob Hope's Comedy Salute to the Soaps Himself
1987 The Law & Harry McGraw Lawrence Packard Episode: "State of the Art"
1988 Shades of Love: Moonlight Flight Tommy Rivers Television film
1988–1989 Knots Landing Johnny Rourke 31 episodes
1991 Locked Up: A Mother's Rage Danny Television film
1992 Days of our Lives: One Stormy Night Bo Brady Television film
1993 Baywatch Jordan Stewart Episode: "Tentacles: Part 2"
1994 Heavenly Road Ben Television film
1995 Women of the House Steve Briston Episode: "North to Alaska"
1996 Hope & Gloria Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) Episode: "A New York Story"
2000 Days of our Lives' 35th Anniversary Bo Brady Television film
2001 Sheena Cody Episode: "Rendezvous"
2004 1 Day With Himself 1 episode
2009 30 Rock Bo Brady Episode: "Dealbreakers Talk Show No. 0001"
2022 Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem Bo Brady TV miniseries

5 episodes

Web series

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Year Title Role Notes
2010–2012 Venice: The Series Richard 24 episodes
2013 The Grove: The Series Johnny Chava

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Title Result Ref.
1984 Soap Opera Digest Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Soap Opera Days of Our Lives Won [13]
1985 Soap Opera Digest Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Soap Opera Days of Our Lives Won [14]
1986 Soap Opera Digest Award Favorite Daytime Super Couple (shared with Kristian Alfonso) Days of Our Lives Nominated [16]
Soap Opera Digest Award Outstanding Young Leading Actor Days of Our Lives Won [15]
1996 Soap Opera Digest Award Hottest Male Star Days of Our Lives Won [28]
2001 Soap Opera Digest Award Favorite Couple (shared with Kristian Alfonso) Days of Our Lives Won [30]
2002 Daytime Emmy Award America's Favorite Couple (voted on by fans, shared with Kristian Alfonso) Days of Our Lives Won [31]
2005 Daytime Emmy Award Most Irresistable Combination (voted on by fans, shared with Kristian Alfonso) Days of Our Lives Nominated [32]
2009 Daytime Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series Days of Our Lives Nominated [35]

Discography

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Album

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  • Peter Reckell (2003)

Other appearances

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  • "When Two Chevys Collide" on Days of Our Lives: Love Songs (2007)

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "About the Actors: Peter Reckell". Soap Central. Archived from the original on November 28, 2023. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  2. ^ Smith, Kathie (April 2, 2002). "Local food shines during celeb dinner". Toledo Blade. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e Byron, Ellen (August 21, 1990). "A Tough Act to Follow". Soap Opera Digest. 15 (17): 114–118.
  4. ^ a b "Peter Reckell Facts: A Days of Our Lives Cast Primer". Soap Hub. October 8, 2019. Archived from the original on September 25, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  5. ^ "Boston Conservatory". nndb.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  6. ^ a b c d e "The 411: Peter Reckell". Soap Opera Digest. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e "For Peter Reckell, Life After 'Lives' Starts in Illinois". The Chicago Tribune. July 22, 1993. Archived from the original on July 12, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Viagas, Robert (July 19, 2016). "Actor Returns to The Fantasticks After 35 Years". Playbill. Archived from the original on November 13, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  9. ^ "Who's Who in Oakdale: Eric Hollister". Soap Central. Archived from the original on February 19, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Credits: Peter Reckell". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 12, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d e "Who's Who in Salem: Bo Brady". Soap Central. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  12. ^ "#TBT - Kristian Alfonso". Soap Opera Digest. March 16, 2023. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  13. ^ a b "The Soap Opera Digest Awards 1984". Soap Opera Digest. Archived from the original on August 9, 2004. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  14. ^ a b "The Soap Opera Digest Awards 1985". Soap Opera Digest Awards. Archived from the original on August 9, 2004. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  15. ^ a b "The Soap Opera Digest Awards 1986". Soap Opera Digest Awards. Archived from the original on August 9, 2004. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  16. ^ a b c d e f "Reckell, Peter 1955 -". encyclopedia.com. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  17. ^ "Memories of Melody Top". memoriesofmelodytop.com. Archived from the original on April 9, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  18. ^ Wiener, Iris. "Soap Star Peter Reckell Returns to The Fantasticks After 35 Years". theaterlife.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  19. ^ "Shades of Love: Moonlight Flight - 1988". AV Club. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  20. ^ Bonderoff, Jason (April 17, 1990). "Late Breaking News: Can Peter Reckell and Kristian Alfonso Bring Back the Magic?". Soap Opera Digest. 15 (8): 72–73.
  21. ^ "Locked Up: A Mother's Rage - Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  22. ^ Shirley, Don (July 28, 1991). "LATC Shuffle Puts Ethnic Productions on Hold". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  23. ^ Meeks, Christopher (September 3, 1992). "Misconduct Allowed". Variety. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  24. ^ "Broken Bridges - Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 12, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  25. ^ "Why Actors Really Left Their Roles". Soap Opera Digest. 17 (25): 8–9. December 8, 1992.
  26. ^ "Heavenly Road - Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 12, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  27. ^ Caploe, Roberta (August 1, 1995). "Divided Loyalties". Soap Opera Digest. 20 (16): 28–29.
  28. ^ a b "The Soap Opera Digest Awards 1996". Soap Opera Digest. Archived from the original on August 9, 2004. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  29. ^ "Days of Our Lives' 35th Anniversary". AV Club. Archived from the original on July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  30. ^ a b "The Soap Opera Digest Awards 2001". Soap Opera Digest. Archived from the original on August 9, 2004. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Kristian Alfonso Archives". Soap Opera Digest. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved 2020-07-07.
  32. ^ a b "Most Irresistible Combination". CBS.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2007. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  33. ^ Bowe, Jillian (December 3, 2009). "Kristian Alfonso & Peter Reckell Debut on 30 Rock Tonight!". Daytime Confidential. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  34. ^ "Street Dreams - Full Cast & Crew". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 12, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  35. ^ a b West, Abby (May 14, 2009). "Daytime Emmy nominations: Where's the love for 'The Young and the Restless'?". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 27, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  36. ^ Bowe, Jillian (June 12, 2010). "Days' Peter Reckell Joins Venice". Daytime Confidential. Archived from the original on October 15, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  37. ^ "Peter Reckell confirms he's said 'goodbye' to Days". Soap Central. June 18, 2012. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  38. ^ Clifford, Kambra (March 18, 2015). "Peter Reckell and Stephen Nichols returning to Days". Soap Central. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  39. ^ Hendrickson, Paula (November 5, 2015). "'Days of Our Lives' Rings in 50th Anniversary". Variety. Archived from the original on March 20, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  40. ^ Eades, Chris (May 16, 2022). "What happened to Bo Brady on Days of Our Lives". Soaps in Depth. Archived from the original on December 5, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  41. ^ Clifford, Kambra (June 3, 2016). "Hope Floats: Peter Reckell, Joseph Mascolo and Andrew Masset return for Hope-centric Days episode". Soap Central. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  42. ^ Clifford, Kambra (May 13, 2020). "Watch: Days of our Lives' Peter Reckell stars in COVID-19 short Permanent Resident". Soap Central. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  43. ^ Clifford, Kambra (June 7, 2022). "Peter Reckell on his return to Days and whether or not he's open to coming back full-time". Soap Central. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  44. ^ Clifford, Kambra (July 18, 2022). "Peter Reckell: Beyond Salem could be "just the beginning" of his Days of our Lives return". Soap Central. Archived from the original on January 12, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  45. ^ Campbell, Hope (June 20, 2024). "Bringing Bo Back? Peter Reckell hints at a return to Days of our Lives". Soap Central. Archived from the original on July 3, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  46. ^ Kroll, Dan J. (November 12, 2022). "Peter Reckell, Kristian Alfonso, and Victoria Konefal returning to Days of our Lives". Soap Central. Archived from the original on March 2, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  47. ^ "Revel with a Cause". Soap Opera Digest. April 2012. p. 41.
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