Ending months of speculation, Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) has confirmed that he is leaving the NBC soap.
"Days of our Lives has been my home, my life, for almost 30 years. Bo Is a character that developed from my soul, and has touched many lives, but none more than my own," Reckell said in a statement released on Twitter. "I took my place in the hierarchy of the show, in the storyline, moving others aside, in the [1980s]. Now others have moved into the place I once held. I have been very fortunate to have had such a long, meaningful, run. But now, with a torn heart, I have to say goodbye to the people, family, the character, that I love."
In early May, rumors surfaced that Reckell, who made his first appearance as Bo in 1983, might be cut from the cast due to budgetary constraints. Reportedly, Reckell was asked to take a salary cut -- just several years after he'd agreed to take as much as a 45% pay reduction. Soap Opera Digest reported in early May that Reckell had been "quietly informing castmates" that he would be exiting the show
Last week, Reckell's wife, Kelly Moneymaker, hinted to followers on Twitter that her husband's fate with the NBC soap had already been sealed.
"Hard to say goodbye to characters who've been on 4ever!! Hard 2 believe Bo will be one of those shortly," Monkeymaker wrote.
If there is any consolation for fans of DAYS and Reckell's Bo, it's that the actor has hinted that he is very open to returning to the show in the future.
"You have to know this has not been easy. I do not want to give up Bo, and with luck, in the future, will be able to return to the character that I fought so hard to preserve. Thank you for being the most supportive, forgiving, loyal viewers there are. You have given me strength in difficult times. You are the reason [Days of our Lives] is still standing and will continue for years to come. Thank you for all you have given me and the character I love!"
A Days of our Lives spokesperson did not immediately reply to requests for a statement.
According to Reckell, due to DAYS' feverish taping schedule, "Bo will be in the story until late October."
Reckell originated the role of Bo Brady in 1983. He later left the show in 1987, before returning again from 1990 to 1992. His most recent return began in 1995 and is currently ongoing.
