Robert Kelker-Kelly, Soap Opera Star, Dies at 62 in St. Peters

Robert Kelker-Kelly, an actor known for his roles in soap operas including “Days of Our Lives” and “General Hospital,” died Oct. 3 in St. Peters, Missouri. He was 62.

Authorities responded to a report of an unconscious man and identified him as Kelker-Kelly. Police stated the actor had complained of chest pain before becoming unresponsive. The cause of death has not been released.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1964, Kelker-Kelly began his acting career in 1987 on “Another World.” He played Sam Fowler and later Dr. Shane Roberts, also known as Bobby Reno, appearing in over 400 episodes across his two stints.

Kelker-Kelly gained recognition for his portrayal of Bo Brady on “Days of Our Lives” from 1992 to 1995. He co-starred with Lisa Rinna during this time. Rinna later wrote about their contentious behind-the-scenes relationship in her memoir, despite their on-screen chemistry which earned them the Hottest Soap Couple award at the Soap Opera Digest Awards in 1995.

Following his time on “Days of Our Lives,” Kelker-Kelly joined the casts of “Port Charles” and “General Hospital” from 1997 to 2003. He reprised his role as Stavros Cassadine on “General Hospital” from 2013 to 2014, listed as his final acting credit.

Beyond acting, Kelker-Kelly was a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic, an acting teacher, and a professional pilot.