Soap world reacts to Joseph Mascolo's death

Members of the daytime community pay their respects to Days of our Lives' Joseph Mascolo (Stefano DiMera), who passed away after a battle with Alzheimer's.

The daytime community has lost yet another legend with the passing of Days of our Lives' Joseph Mascolo, who became a household name with his decades-long portrayal of Salem's most notorious villain, Stefano DiMera.

News of the beloved actor's death spread through social media on Friday, with many of his colleagues sharing their thoughts, memories, and prayers for the actor. In fact, "Stefano DiMera" was trending on Twitter for the better part of Friday afternoon and evening.

"So long Joe," wrote Mascolo's former on-screen son, James Scott (ex-E.J. DiMera, DAYS). "I'll miss you, yet a part of you will always be with me and for that beautiful gift I am so happy and grateful."

Wrote Angelica McDaniel, senior vice president of CBS Daytime: "RIP Joe Mascolo. Sending positive thoughts to his family during this difficult time."

"This is heart breaking," wrote Mark Hapka (ex-Nathan Horton, DAYS). "Joe was such a pleasure to not only work with but be around. Such a strong yet gentle spirit. Sending love."

Former DAYS writer Melissa Salmons tweeted, "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Joe Mascolo, incl. his #DAYS family. it was a privilege to write for this daytime legend."

"Very sad to hear of the passing of the great Joe Mascolo. God bless him and keep him," wrote Eileen Davidson (ex-Kristen DiMera, DAYS; Ashley Abbott, The Young and the Restless).

"The Phoenix will rise...R.I.P. Joe, we love you," Drake Hogestyn (John Black) posted along with a photo of Mascolo on set.

"RIP Joseph Mascolo," wrote Carrie Genzel (ex-Ali McIntyre, DAYS; ex-Skye Chandler, All My Children). "Worked w/ Joe on #DOOL, as a kid I watched the show w/ my Mom so it was a thrill to walk on set w/ the legendary Stefano."

Molly Burnett (ex-Melanie Jonas, DAYS) wrote, "Sweet Joe Mascolo, the King of Daytime Evil with a heart of gold. You were a force to be reckoned with. It was an honor to know you."

"So sad to hear of his passing. What a great guy. I feel the same way. It was an honor." Chrishell Stause (ex-Jordan Ridgeway, DAYS) wrote in response to Burnett's tweet.

Casey Deidrick (ex-Chad DiMera) tweeted, "I am deeply saddened 2 hear of my onscreen Papa passing today. Such a kind heart & pleasure to learn from. I'll never forget my DiMera days"

"So sorry to hear of Joe's passing," wrote Martha Madison (ex-Belle Black, DAYS). "He had an enormous presence. It was such a privilege to work alongside such a pro. Thoughts w his family."

Wrote DAYS' co-head writer, Dena Higley: "In Joe's talented hands, bad never felt so good."

Alison Sweeney (ex-Sami Brady) shared, "Some of my earliest memories of Days are working with Joe... I was really nervous to work with him because Stefano was such a strong, intimidating character and he embodied it so well. Joe was so talented, such a generous actor and always so prepared. I learned so much from working with him. Over the years, I got to know him much better and I stopped being so nervous around him (which probably made it easier for him) but I always had a sense of awe to work with him. There wasn't a day when he didn't give 100 percent to his performance and his character. When I became a director at DAYS, I remember him being so proud and supportive of me. Joe made a special point of pulling me aside to say that, having watched me on the set, it really meant something to him. He was always such a kind, generous man with a fabulously wry sense of humor and a proud, strong and dedicated actor. He will be greatly missed. #RIP"

Wrote Vincent Irizarry (Deimos Kiriakis, DAYS; ex-David Hayward, All My Children): "With great sadness and regret I share, another Daytime luminary has left us. Thank you, Mr. Mascolo, for all the years of brilliance you brought to our screens. Your presence on and off camera can never be replaced... R.I.P."

"Joe gave Stephano charm & passion," James Reynolds (Abe Carver) reflected in a post on Twitter. " He gave us an iconic portrayal. RIP, my friend."

Tributes have also come in from Soap Central readers, including our Two Scoops columnists. "So blessed to have watched #JosephMascolo for so many years," Tony shared on Twitter "He will always be a legend. Much love to his family, friends, and fans." Added Laurisa, "The loss of a true legend. It was a privilege to watch him."

"RIP Joseph Mascolo. Quite frankly the best villain soap opera actor in history," Michael Willoughby posted on Twitter. "Massimo and Stefano were great characters. #legend"

"Wow, I'm shocked! Only villain on daytime television that I loved...may he rest in peace," wrote Marjorie Augustine.

"May he R.I.P. and Thank you for giving us so much of yourself! On #Days you were the one we loved to hate..." added Mari Fry.

And perhaps most touching was a post that offered a nod to Stefano DiMera's nickname as "The Phoenix" for the numerous times he seemingly cheated death.

"He will rise again somewhere. Different universe," shared Barbara Reineri. "RIP Joe."

We will add additional memories as they become available, so please continue to check this article for updates.

For more information on Mascolo's death, including highlights from his varied and successful entertainment career, check out Soap Central's original article on the soap icon's passing.

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