SO SAD! Greg Rikaart Bids Emotional Farewell to DOOL’s Ron Carlivati, Their Final Words Leave ‘Days’ Fans in Tears😭
The daytime drama world was thrown into a frenzy last week when it was announced that Ron Carlivati, the Daytime Emmy-winning head writer of Days of our Lives, was leaving the Peacock streaming soap opera, ending a remarkable seven-year run.
Fans were left wondering what this meant for their beloved characters, especially those who were Carlivati’s muse, like the scheming and utterly delightful Leo Stark, played by the talented Greg Rikaart.
A Touch of Drama and Farewell Wishes
It was no surprise that Rikaart took to Instagram to express his gratitude to Carlivati, posting a heartfelt message that read, “Thank you Ron Carlivati. What a Great Run.” The message served as a reminder of the special bond the actor and writer shared, evident in the undeniable chemistry between Rikaart and the character of Leo.
Rikaart’s post also ignited a wave of speculation and anticipation among fans, eager to understand the impact of Carlivati’s departure on Leo and the future of the show.
A Character Born from Creative Genius
It’s no secret that Leo Stark became a fan favorite, known for his witty one-liners, comedic antics, and involvement in storylines that brought LGBTQ representation to the forefront of the show.
Carlivati’s creative vision breathed life into the character, crafting engaging storylines that intertwined Leo with other LGBTQ characters like Sonny Kiriakis (Zach Tinker) and Craig Wesley (Kevin Spirtas), creating a sense of community and realistic representation within the show’s narrative.
A Farewell to a “Delicious Gift”
Leo’s journey on Days of our Lives has been far from ordinary. After making his debut in 2018, he was briefly “killed off” only to return later that year. He exited again in 2019 but found his way back into the fold in 2020, appearing in both the main series and the limited series
Days of our Lives: Beyond Salem in 2021. In February 2022, Leo returned to the mothership, and, as of current streaming episodes, remains an active character.
A Legacy of Laughter and Intrigue
Rikaart has openly described the opportunity to play Leo as a “delicious gift.” The character’s unpredictable nature and penchant for chaos have brought a unique energy to the show, leaving audiences entertained and engaged.
As Carlivati steps down, the question remains: will Leo Stark continue to be a scene stealer under the new co-head writers, Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford? Only time will tell what the future holds for Leo, but one thing is certain – his presence on the show has left an indelible mark on the show and its viewers.
A New Chapter for DAYS?
The new co-head writers have a lot to live up to, facing the challenge of maintaining the show’s momentum and captivating its dedicated audience. While Carlivati’s exit marks the end of an era, fans are excited to see what the future holds for
Days of our Lives. Will the new writers embrace the legacy established by Carlivati and continue to give us captivating and well-crafted storylines? Will Leo Stark continue to bring his signature charm and mischief to Salem? Only time will tell, but the soap opera world is eagerly watching to see how this new chapter unfolds.
