‘Days of Our Lives’ Death: Frank Parker Dies – Shawn Brady Missed by DOOL Cast
Days of Our Lives’ Frank Parker, who played Shawn Brady on DOOL dies at the age of 79. Frank Parker’s death was reported to be complications of dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The patriarch of the Brady family, Parker portrayed Shawn for over two decades. Also on General Hospital for a short time, Parker has become recognizable to many daytime soap fans.
Days of Our Lives Death: Frank Parker, aka Shawn Brady
Frank Parker first got his start on Days of Our Lives as Shawn Brady in 1983. Playing this role until his retirement in 2008, He is recognizable to newer Days viewers as Grandpa Shawn. Parker acted opposite Peggy McCay, who played Salem resident Caroline Brady, for almost a quarter century.
Caroline and Shawn Brady’s marriage became a steadying force in Salem for decades. Many children and grandchildren would be born under the Brady name. This made the Bradys a prominent family in all of Salem. He is the biological father to Roman Brady (Josh Taylor), Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans) and Kimberly Brady (Patsy Pease). Shawn also adopted Max Brady (Darin Brooks) and Frankie Brady (Billie Warlock). He is also the legal father of Bo Brady (Peter Reckell).
Through his children, DOOL‘s Shawn had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including his grandson Rex Brady (Kyle Lowder).
How did Shawn Brady die?
Shawn died as the result of an airplane that was sabotaged. To help save his son Bo’s life, Shawn gave him his own oxygen mask. He dies by saving his son’s life.
Frank Parker, who played Shawn Brady, has died at 79. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. ❤️ #Days #DOOL https://t.co/4dErCzCb9J pic.twitter.com/fj7LzuZHei
— ⏳DaysFan28⏳ (@DaysFan28) September 25, 2018
Days of Our Lives Death: DOOL Cast Remembers Frank Parker
Days of Our Lives cast members have already taken to social media to express their condolences to Parker’s family, as well as reflect on his passing. Mary Beth Evans, who played as Shawn’s daughter, posted a picture of Parker on Instagram. She said he was the “best pop ever”.
Stephen Nichols, who played Steve Johnson, his longtime son in law, also went on social media to show his love for his former cast member. Nichols wrote, “Rest In Peace Frank Parker Good man Good actor. Best TV pop in law So full of Blarney and Joy! Much love on your Journey.”
Wally Kurth, who currently plays character Justin Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives, also took to social media with condolences. He wrote, “This is sad news. I so enjoyed spending time with this man. He was a natural actor. Very believable – with a twinkle in his eye that matched his Irish brogue. RIP Frank.”
#Days RIP Frank Parker "Pop" will be forever missed in Salem. Here's a scene from 1989 with Ma, Pa, Steve and Kayla. I miss this family @officialnichols @marybeth_evans1 #Bradyfamily pic.twitter.com/mzsuDt7mYD
— Steve&KaylaFans (@SteveKaylaGroup) September 25, 2018
Frank Parker’s Acting Career Before and After Days of Our Lives
Frank Parker is most known for his acting on Days of Our Lives for over two decades. He has also acted on many different television shows and movies. Longtime General Hospital fans may recognize him from his short time in Port Charles, where he played Paddy Kelly.
His acting credits also include Quincey M.E., Lost in Space, Hogan’s Heroes, TV series Mission: Impossible, The Six Million Dollar Man, Battlestar Galactica, CHiPs, Little House on the Prairie, Mod Squad, S.W.A.T, and Wonder Woman.
However, Frank Parker’s role as Shawn Brady on Days of Our Lives is both his longest and most well-known role. While others have played the role before, fans always think of him when they think of Grandpa Shawn. The long lasting is the main reasons why Shawn Brady, and therefore Frank Parker, will always be remembered. He’s a major part of Days of Our Lives history.
He left behind his wife, Mary, and his two daughters, Lindsay and Danielle.
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