After giving Will Horton (Chandler Massey) the “evil eye” on Tuesday’s episode of “Days of our Lives,” actor Greg Rikaart announced he’s officially wrapped his one-year run as Leo Stark on the daytime drama series.
On Twitter, the actor wrote, “That’s a wrap on Leo. Thanks for all the love. Playing this role has been a gift. An absurdly fun and delicious gift.”
In the episode, which found Leo leaving Will and Sonny Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) with an ominous parting shot as the duo confronted him over his dirty deeds, including proof he isn’t John’s son as he claimed, Leo told the pair that he had placed the greek curse, Mati, on Will. “It dates back to ancient Greece,” said the character. “I heard your uncle Vic talking about it so I looked it up, hoping it would come in handy one day. And now it has.”
While Sonny called the “curse” a superstition, a noticeably shaken Will took the matter seriously. “Isn’t that what everyone said about the amulet that Chad found? It could like crash planes…” Will questioned Sonny.
Interrupting the couple, Leo further clarified the ramifications of the curse to the confused gentleman. “It’s simple really. You glare at someone like I did to young William here. Next thing you know, he’s going to develop a small headache. Things will go from bad to worse, until ultimately your entire life falls apart, which I sincerely hope it does. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to blow this popsicle stand,” said Leo before gleefully walking out of the Kiriakis mansion, and potentially out of Sonny and Will’s lives forever.
“Leo is a bitch, not a witch,” proclaimed Sonny to Will immediately after hearing the front door slam shut, indicating Leo’s departure. “You are not cursed,” a loving Sonny continued, gesturing to the signed documents. “Look at this. Leo signed the annulment, which means I am free and we can finally be together.” While sharing several kisses on the lips, a doubtful Will still couldn’t get the idea of the curse out off of his mind. “I don’t know, there was something weird about the way he was looking at me,” Will told Sonny before the latter left the room to retrieve something that he thought would help calm the former’s nerves. Unfortunately, it may have added to it.
Returning to the Kiriakis living room, Sonny produces a pendant to Will which he referenced as a Mati and says was a gift from Maggie and his uncle Victor for his birthday. He then explained that it is used to ward off the negative effects of the evil eye. Although Sonny doesn’t believe Will is cursed, he does think he’s freaking out just a bit and wants to help get rid of any bad juju floating around. He then placed the pendant around Will’s neck and insisted that the next piece of jewelry he places on Will would be that of a wedding band. The two shared more kisses after that. By the next scene, however, Will told Sonny that he’s starting to have a headache.
The episode ended with an unresponsive Will collapsed on the ground as Sonny returned to the room with some aspirin for Will’s headache. This time, Sonny was the one freaking out.
“You’re a pleasure, talent, and overall stud muffin. Come back soon,” said Eric Martsolf (Brady Black) in response to Rikaart’s tweet about his departure. Rikaart replied to Martsolf, saying, “Back at ya, Eric. Kissing you was one of the highlights of both of our careers. I’m certain of it.”
An “offended” Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis) commented in response, “What am I, chopped haggis?” Rikaart gave the actor his due, saying, “I sent you an eggplant emoji, loverlips!! It’s never enough with you, is it?”
Fresh into his role as Stefan O. DiMera, Brandon Barash told Rikaart, “So much fun playing pretend w you, albeit briefly. Look forward to the next time!” Rikaart provided a witty response, saying, “Ditto! You can choke me out anytime, BB.” Barash responded, “You take it like a champ!”
READ: Brandon Barash Talks ‘DAYS’ Debut
With Leo out of Salem, many are already wondering if Rikaart might be popping back into Genoa City now that the show’s new regime is fully in place. We know we’d love to see the actor back as Kevin Fisher, even better if the character has a little bit of Leo infused in him.
That’s a wrap on Leo. Thanks for all the love. Playing this role has been a gift. An absurdly fun and delicious gift. #DAYS
— Greg Rikaart (@gregrikaart) March 26, 2019