Carrying On The Legacy: Stefano DiMera Was “Born” 36 Years Ago

They say time flies when you’re having fun, but it’s still hard to believe that it was 36 years ago today that Joe Mascolo first debuted as Stefano on Days of Our Lives (DOOL).

While soaps had great villains before (there was mob boss Frank Smith on General Hospital, Roger Thorpe on Guiding Light, just to name a couple), Stefano felt like no other — larger than life and capable of anything and everything.

In the hands of anyone less skilled, Stefano could have been a cartoon joke. But Mascolo’s masterful skill turned him into a legend that fans couldn’t get enough of — and neither could the DAYS writing staff.

With Stefano, anything was possible which led to him doing some pretty outlandish things like murder, brain-washing, organ-trafficking, gassing a hospital, kidnapping, body snatching, and countless other crimes.

He was married to both Vivian (Louise Sorel) and Kate (Lauren Koslow) and lived to talk about it. He had countless affairs with various women, including Susan Banks and Celeste.

Because of that, he has more children than anyone in their right mind could keep track of and more keep popping up.

Which brings us to Stefan O. DiMera (Tyler Christopher), who is now in Salem and hoping to carry on the legacy of his father, whom he never got to meet.

Christopher is also saddened to have never met his onscreen father and shared a sweet sentiment in the tweet below. Also, check out a couple videos below that celebrate all that was Stefano — and Joe Mascolo.

Days of our Lives (DOOL) airs weekdays on NBC. Check your local listings for airtimes.