"Days of Our Lives" star Joseph Mascolo, who popularly played the crime boss Stefano DiMera on the NBC soap opera for decades, has died on Dec. 7, Thursday. He was 87 years old.
Mascolo was battling Alzheimer's disease for years. He was survived by his wife, Patricia Schultz-Mascolo, a son and a step-daughter along with five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, New York Times reported.
Born in 1929, the late actor was raised in Connecticut. Originally trained in classical music, he studied acting under famous coach Stella Adler to support himself financially.
Mascolo started his acting career with a brief role in "Jaws 2." He was also seen in the 1972 sequel "Shaft's Big Score" and "Sharky's Machine."
Despite a host of other roles, Mascolo became a household name owing to the portrayal of Stefano DiMera in "Days of Our Lives." He played the role from 1982 to 1985, returning briefly in 1988 after which he again reprised the role in 1993. He continued to appear till 2001.
Mascolo again continued his brief appearances in the hit NBC show from 2007. His character was said to be one of the best villains on TV.
The late actor last appeared on the show in July this year when his character was apparently shot to death. Although it was anticipated that it was his character's another fake death, the late actor hinted otherwise.
"Last spring, I had a small stroke," Mascolo told Soap Opera Digest. "During my rehab, I thought this would be a good time for Stefano to leave."
The late actor's TV credits also included the prime-time series "Kojak," "Hill Street Blues," and "It's Garry Shandling's Show." He also appeared in the daytime serials "The Bold and the Beautiful," "General Hospital" and "Santa Barbara." He won three Soap Opera Digest Awards during his career.
Mascolo's demise was acknowledged by NBC on social media. Soap opera star Eileen Davidson, who starred in both "Days of Our Lives" and "The Bold and the Beautiful," took to Twitter to pay her homage to the late actor.
Watch Mascolo's last scene in "Days of Our Lives" below: