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Greg Rikaart: “That’s a wrap on Leo. Playing this role has been a gift. An absurdly fun and delicious gift”
I’m sure there were plenty of Days of Our Lives fans who were hoping that Leo Stark would indeed be John Black’s biological son and that he would remain in Salem for a long time.
Played by 2019 Emmy nominee Greg Rikaart, the character has been one of the most delicious – and hilarious – that I’ve seen in the decade that I have watched the show.
I will miss him very much.
Rikaart joined the show a year ago and it has been such a ride! Leo hired to date a brokenhearted Sonny then frame him for sexual harassment. Then we think Leo has been accidentally killed by Will and Sonny who roll up his body in a rug. Before they can ditch the body, it disappears! Leo returns months later with revenge and blackmail on his mind. That’s when things got deliriously fun with Leo forcing Sonny to marry him and ends up living in the Kiriakis mansion annoying Victor, trying to seduce Xander, making Sonny miserable and being annoyed by Will and Sonny’s daughter.
The arrival of his evil mother Diana added new layers to Leo as we see the reasons behind his behavior, and we see how desperately Leo wanted to be John’ son.
I sincerely hope we will see the character resurface from time to time and that Rikaart is leaving to take on another great role – maybe in a comedy! Whatever he does, I will be watching.
Greg is already an Emmy winner for his portrayal of Kevin on The Young and the Restless which he was on for more than a decade. I’m thinking he’s a solid pick to win again this year.
Below is the tweet Greg sent out to fans today, one of his final scenes, and some stills from episodes gone by.
That’s a wrap on Leo. Thanks for all the love. Playing this role has been a gift. An absurdly fun and delicious gift. #DAYS
— Greg Rikaart (@gregrikaart) March 26, 2019
#Days Leo wants to renegotiate the terms of the annulment with Sonny or “Uncle Leo” will make his life a living hell. Luckily, Will comes in and bursts his bubble! #WilSon #ByeLeo @gregrikaart @freddiemsmith @ChandlerMassey pic.twitter.com/66qw6em867
— Jenny P. (@jenpoll) March 26, 2019
Comments
(All comments are reviewed before being published, and I review submissions several times per day.)
Brew69 says:
I am sorry to hear that this is a wrap for both Diana & Leo. During the past few months they have added so much humor and spice to DOOL. This duo should have been made permanent at DOOL since so many other actors have left the show. I will miss them very much.
Ed Meiller says:
Over the top acting is understating the performances of both ‘Leo and Diana’. They are what makes soaps, soaps. I will miss Leo most because I think that so much more could have been done with the character.
Scott Kjeer says:
I loved Diana’s Norma Desmond-esque character! Leo was just annoying, but fun to watch.I am so glad his damage to the relationship with Will and Sonny is not in danger.