‘Days of Our Lives’ Icon Peter Reckell Reveals What Made His First Day as Bo Brady So ‘Scary’

Days of Our Lives favorite Peter Reckell hasn’t stepped into Bo Brady’s shoes for over a year, but that doesn’t mean the actor doesn’t remember his early days playing Salem’s forever hero. As the actress who plays a Salem forever heroine got ready to celebrate 50 years in the role, an old video reminded Reckell about those first-day jitters.

Peter Reckell Remembers Bo and Marlena

Deidre Hall marks 50 years as Marlena Evans on June 21, 2026, with fans sharing clips of the legendary actress and the legendary character she has played for the last half-century. To honor the occasion, a special DAYS super fan took to X and posted a video compilation of some of Bo and Marlena’s best scenes through the years, including their first scene 43 years ago in 1983.

“To celebrate Deidre Hall’s special anniversary this weekend, here is a montage I made of the special relationship between Marlena and Bo in the very early years,” @evangelia wrote.

In 1983, Roman (then played by Wayne Northrop) and Marlena had just gotten married a few months earlier when Roman’s baby brother returned to Salem from his stint in the merchant marines. He gave his new sister-in-law a kiss to introduce himself, as well as a stolen microwave as a wedding gift. “Welcome to the family, sis, you sure are pretty,” Bo said.

Reckell retweeted the video, writing, “Talk about scary!!! My first day and I’m kissing the queen of not only DOOL, but all of daytime!! Deidre has always been so much fun to work with no matter what we do, and we have run the gamut. Congrats on your 50th. You deserve to be celebrated.”

In the years since, Bo and Marlena forged a warm bond, even after she and Roman had split for good and she moved on with John. In 2025, Reckell brought Bo back to Days of Our Lives and Salem to say goodbye to Drake Hogestyn. Marlena’s husband died while trying to get a special medication to save Bo’s life, endearing Bo to her more than ever before.