“Days of Our Lives” fans can’t imagine anyone but Peter Reckell playing the role of Bo Brady. Sure, Robert Kelker-Kelly portrayed the iconic soap character for a short amount of time decades ago. However, the role has always belonged to Reckell. Crazy enough, the soap star recently admitted that A-list actor and household name Tom Cruise actually auditioned for the role of Bo.
Tom Cruise wanted the role of Bo Brady on Days of Our Lives
It seems unthinkable to imagine Tom Cruise as Bo Brady on “Days of Our Lives.” However, it could have easily happened. Peter Reckell told the “Hey Dude…The 90s Called” podcast that Cruise auditioned for the role. However, it was Reckell that won the now iconic soap opera part.
Reckell’s longtime leading lady, Kristian Alfonso, also appeared on the podcast with them. Alfonso, who was cast as Hope Williams. She recalled doing chemistry tests with a handful of potential Bo Brady actors, and Cruise was one of them. Alfonso went on to reveal that a mutual acquaintance of the duo sat next to Cruise on a flight once, and the pair sparked up a conversation. When their pal revealed that they worked at “DOOL,” Cruise admitted that he was in the running for the role of Bo. “This is good bragging rights for Peter,” podcast co-host David Lascher said of the story.
Bo Brady went on to become one of the show’s most iconic characters
After Peter Reckell was cast as Bo Brady, “Days of Our Lives” made quick work of paring the character with Hope Williams. Together, fans were obsessed with the duo. Bo and Hope quickly became a soap opera powerhouse couple. The pair spent decades as part of the epic duo. Although they are no longer regulars on the show, fans still love them just as much as they ever have.
Most recently, Reckell and Alfonso returned to “DOOL” to reprise their fan-favorite roles. The couple’s dramatic storyline was reminiscent of their early days together and left viewers wanting more of Bo and Hope.
Christine Taylor shared her own DOOL audition story
The podcast’s other host, Christine Taylor, also had her own “Days of Our Lives” audition story. Taylor, who is known for her work in films like “Dodgeball” and “Zoolander,” admitted that she previously tried to land the role of Billie Reed on the sudser. Of course, the role eventually went to Lisa Rinna. Of course, the actress knocked it out of the park with her portrayal of the character.
“It was nerve-wracking,” Taylor explained of the process. “We’re in the stage with all the camera people, and I’d never screen-tested for anything in my life. Yeah, Lisa Rinna got it so I wasn’t offended. It wasn’t like it was a prototype of me who got the part, but it was a great experience,” she added.
Peter Reckell was obviously meant to be Bo Brady. However, it is fun to imagine Tom Cruise in the role and what he would have done with the “Days of Our Lives” character.
Image Credits: YouTube, YouTube, Peacock.
Kendra Quinn