Soap opera veteran Frank Parker, who was known as Shawn Brady on Days of our Lives, died after battling dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
The 79-year-old actor died on 16 September in his home in Vacaville, California, due to complications from Parkinson’s and dementia his obituary on Legacy.com stated.
Frank had been on television screens for the past five decades.
He got his big break in film and television in the ’60s and ’70s and starred in The Young and the Restless and General Hospital before getting his major role in Days of our Lives as Shawn Brady in 1983, reports PEOPLE!
Frank acted in Days of our Lives for 25 years and said goodbye to the soapie in 2008, after his health took a drastic turn.
His character was killed off in a plane hijacking after he gave up his oxygen mask to save the life of his on-screen son Bo Brady, played by Peter Reckell.
In his obituary the veteran actor was described as a man who “touched many lives and was loved by everyone”.
“He could light up a room with his singing voice and was known to burst into song at any moment,” his family wrote.
“He was a ham and loved the spotlight.
“Above all, he was the most supportive, generous, kind man and father. Frank loved his family.”
Frank, who was married twice, had three children – Candace (who died in a car crash in 1998) and twins Lindsay and Danielle (34) – with his first wife, Nola Donelle Rajcok.
He then married Mary Jean Dunning Garofalo in 2005, The Express reports.
His ex co-stars shared their condolences in heartfelt messages on social media.
Stephen Nichols, who plays Steven Johnson, paid tribute to his fellow actor.
“Rest in Peace Frank Parker good man, good actor,” Stephen wrote.
“Best TV pop in law. So full of Blarney and Joy! Much love on your journey.”
James Reynolds, who plays Abe Carver, also wrote on twitter, “#FrankParker, #PaBrady loved to sing and with a smile would burst into song. RIP Frank! @nbcdays @DaysofourLives”
#FrankParker, #PaBrady loved to sing and with a smile would burst into song. RIP Frank! @nbcdays @DaysofourLives #TheBradys #Days @FremontCTheatre #YR #GH https://t.co/Pq1SdHdTM4
— James Reynolds (@JreynoldsJames) September 25, 2018
Source: eNCA
