



Joseph "Joe" Mascolo, born of immigrant parents from Italy, was raised in Connecticut. He started his career in theatre in the early 1960's. His first film was Hot Spur in 1968. Joe also appeared in prime time television hit shows such as; All in the Family, Lou Grant, The Rockford Files and The Incredible Hulk. Early in his daytime career, he appeared in the soap operas, Where the Heart Is and From These Roots. He later starred in General Hospital as Nicholas Van Buren and Santa Barbara as Carlos Alvarez.





For five years, Joe played Massimo Marone on The Bold and The Beautiful. Massimo came to Los Angeles to expand his business empire, Marone Industries and to reconnect with Stephanie Forrester. During those five years Massimo, would learn that he sired Ridge Forrester many years ago (that was a big deal!) with Stephanie and he also fathered Nick Payne with Jacqueline "Jackie" Payne.

It was hard enough for all three of them to try to establish and develop meaningful relationships after the paternity reveals. But their relationships were further complicated by the fact that Nick and Ridge were in love with the same woman, Brooke Logan. Massimo also was believed to have fathered Diana Carter with Shelia Carter.





Massimo wanted Stephanie but she was and would remain the one who got away. Stephanie always chose Eric. Massimo was also romantically linked with Sally Spectra, Shelia Carter and married and divorced Jacqueline Payne. Massimo left Los Angeles in 2006.





Some words or phrases can be overused and overstated; one of a kind, icon, legend, larger than life. But are there any words too big or too much to describe Joe or Stefano DiMera? I'm gonna go with a big fat no. Stefano DiMera one of the best daytime villains (I hate to use that word to talk of someone who is so beloved) ever. His name is right up there with the few who did it on that level. Some names that come to mind are, James Stenbeck, Roger Thorpe, Helena Cassadine, Shelia Carter (They don't make them like this anymore). Thank God for Pat Falken Smith's mind who conceived Stefano DiMera.





Stefano gave Salem and their residents holy hell. And we eagerly tuned in to watch every single second of it. Theft, kidnapping, brainwashing, murder, conspiracy, drugging, you name it, Stefano masterminded it and his henchmen carried it out. Stefano had the ultimate signature symbols; The Phoenix, chess game, a signature ring, his portrait, DiMera Tunnels, DiMera trick door, DiMera safe, a drink in that special Stefano glass.





Stefano was the original patriarch of the DiMera family, who now over 35 years later is still powerful and influential. Ben, the hottest character in daytime right now, where do the writers have him living? The DiMera Mansion. What was one of the first things Ben did when he moved in? Talked to Stefano's portrait. Last week Ben was on the phone and what did the director's make sure was in the background? Stefano's portrait. There is a swell of voices rising on Social Media to make Ben a what? A D-I-M-E-R-A. It's the power, the mystique. It's still here.





Stefano's mystique flowed to his family as well, Tony, Andre, Kristen, Lexie, EJ, Chad, etc. all were instrumental in creating the dynamic DiMera dynasty. The power and the mystique, of course, didn't just happen. These seeds were sown, cultivated, and reaped (rinse wash repeat) with each actor, each character, each storyline with Joe leading the way.





Everything always flows from the head down. It started with Stefano. It started with Joe. Joe was everything. His acting, his mystique, his aura, his accent, his deep rich laugh, the dismissive wave of his hand and his devilish smile and smirk. It was Joe that made Stefano everything he was. And we miss him dearly.





Joe suffered a stroke in the Spring of 2015. Due to his failing health, he last appeared on contract at Days in early 2016. He made subsequent guest appearances. His final appearance on screen was 2 months after his passing on February 9, 2017.





Joe passed away on December 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, at the age of 87.





Our angel is resting with the Angels. We should all take a moment and give thanks and be grateful to have been able to watch one of the best to ever grace our screens.





Have a drink, play a game of chess if you know how (I don't) in honor of Joe.





Gone but could never be forgotten.





He will always rise in our hearts. To The Phoenix. To Stefano DiMera. To Joe Mascolo.





Salud!!!







