Robert Kelker-Kelly, the actor who stepped into Salem as Bo Brady on Days of Our Lives from 1992 to 1995, died at 62. The St. Charles, Missouri medical examiner has now confirmed the cause: arteriosclerotic heart disease, ruled a natural death. On the evening of October 3, police and paramedics responded to a call in St. Peters for an unconscious, unresponsive man. He had reportedly complained of chest pain beforehand, and despite CPR and advanced life support, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Nothing suspicious was noted.
For daytime fans, Kelker-Kelly is forever tied to the early 90s Bo Brady era. He took over the role from Peter Reckell, and his chemistry with Lisa Rinna, who played Billie Reed, earned the pair a Soap Opera Digest Award for Hottest Soap Couple. He later moved to General Hospital as Stavros Cassadine, and then surprised everyone by leaving acting behind to become a professional pilot.“It was a good run and I had a good time while it lasted,”he once said of his soap days.
His death is also a reminder that heart disease doesn’t wait for old age. Chest pain is one of those signals people talk themselves out of, and this story is a reason not to. Were you watching Days during the Bo and Billie years? Tell us your favorite Bo Brady memory in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.