What role does Greg Rikaart play on Days of Our Lives? Character details explored 

Daytime television actor Greg Rikaart is known for his performances across multiple soap operas, including Days of Our Lives. On the long-running NBC and Peacock series, Rikaart takes on the role of Leo Stark, a mischievous character who adds drama and humor to the Salem canvas.

Introduced as a con artist, Leo quickly became a fan favorite due to his sharp wit, unpredictable alliances, and emotional arcs. Rikaart’s portrayal brings nuance to Leo’s morally grey actions. In an interview with TV Insider published on July 14, 2023, Rikaart was asked how he felt about playing Leo on Days of Our Lives. He replied:

"Freeing, in a way. To your point, I see that we’re doing something that hasn’t been done before. It’s a rare thing and a fun thing to experience, given how long soaps have been around."

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Greg Rikaart plays Leo Stark on Days of Our Lives

Leo Chalamet Stark, portrayed by Greg Rikaart, was introduced in 2018 on Days of Our Lives. Leo began as a con artist hired by Vivian Alamain to seduce Sonny Kiriakis and sabotage TITAN Industries. After Sonny ended things, Leo manipulated the situation by sending himself harassing texts from Sonny’s phone and staging a compromising video.

Represented by Ted Laurent and backed by Kate Roberts, Leo used the footage to launch a lawsuit. When Kate pulled out, Leo blackmailed Sonny into marriage, but Will Horton exposed Leo as a prostitute named Matthew Cooper. In a heated moment, Leo seemingly died but later resurfaced alive.

Leo’s mother, Diana Colville, falsely claimed John Black was his father, but her lie was soon uncovered. After a few exits and spin-off appearances in Beyond Salem and A Very Salem Christmas, Leo returned to Days of Our Lives in 2022 with a new love interest, Craig Wesley.

When his con was revealed, Leo turned to Gwen Rizczech and later Dimitri Von Leuschner. He and Dimitri became lovers and co-conspirators in several plots, including a failed inheritance scam and a police escape.

Leo also helped Nicole Walker deliver her baby, but the child was stolen by Sloan Petersen and Melinda Trask. Leo learned the truth and tried to confess, but was dismissed by EJ DiMera. Resorting to blackmail, Leo pressured Sloan to return the child.

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About Greg Rikaart

Greg Rikaart (born February 26, 1977) is an American television actor and LGBTQ+ advocate. He earned his degree with honors from Villanova University in 1999. Rikaart rose to fame in 2003 as Kevin Fisher on The Young and the Restless, a role that earned him a Daytime Emmy win in 2005 and multiple nominations thereafter.

Since 2018, he has been on-screen as the flamboyant Leo Stark on Days of Our Lives, garnering a 2019 Emmy nod for his portrayal. His screen work also includes guest roles in dramas like Felicity, Gilmore Girls, Dawson’s Creek, and CSI: Miami, along with film appearances in X2 and Prey for Rock & Roll. He is married to Robert Sudduth, with whom he has a son via surrogacy.

In the interview with TV Insider (July 14, 2023) on his 20th anniversary on daytime television, Rikaart thanked his co-workers and fans.

"I have two great roles on two great shows. I have so much gratitude for the fans. If it weren’t for them and their investment in Kevin and Leo, neither of them would still be around," he said.

The actor continued:

"I’m grateful to the slew of great writers who’ve given me great stuff over the years — Jack, Kay, Lynn [Latham], Chuck [Pratt], Jean [Passanante] and Shelly [Altman], Maria [Bell], and Josh [Griffith, Y&R’s current head writer/executive producer]…and Ron, of course. I think he has a field day with Leo."

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