Frank Parker Dies; Days of Our Lives Actor Was 79

Beloved Days of Our Lives actor, Frank Parker, has died from complications of Parkinson's disease and dementia, according to Deadline. 

He was 79. 

The report goes on to state that he passed away on September 26 in Vacaville, CA. 

Parker is best known for starring on NBC soap, Days of Our Lives as Shawn Brady. He starred on the show on and off between 1983 to 2008. 

His final storyline on the daytime TV series found Shawn giving up his oxygen mask to his son, Bo following an airplane disaster. 

It was one of the most shocking storylines to rock the show and a dramatic exit for someone who appeared on it for almost 25 years. 

Parker also appeared on other TV shows throughout his time in the spotlight, including:

Gomer Pyle: USMC, Daktari and Hogan’s Heroes, Mission: Impossible, Mod Squad, Little House on the Prairie, S.W.A.T., Wonder Woman, Lost in Space, Battlestar Galactica, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Quincy, M.E..

Parker's Days of Our Lives co-star, Stephen Nichols led the tributes on social media shortly after news of the death went public. 

“Rest In Peace Frank Parker,” he wrote. “Good man Good actor. Best TV pop in law. So full of Blarney and Joy! Much love on your Journey.”

Parker leaves behind his wife, Mary; daughters, Danielle Buckles and Lindsay Parker (Travis Burbank); his grandson, Jaxson Dale; and multiple nieces and nephews. 

We extend our thoughts and prayers to Parker's friends and family during this difficult time. 

Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.