At 68, Bo from ‘Days of Our Lives’ Enjoys Quiet Life in New Zealand with ‘Stunner’ Wife & Daughter
- Peter Reckell was on television for 23 years playing Bo in "Days of Our Lives."
- After leaving the show, he chose to retire away from Hollywood, a place he called home for so long.
- At 68, the actor lives a quiet life in New Zealand with his wife and kids.
Peter Reckell played Bo Brady in "Days of Our Lives," a series on air since 1965. The series has had its stars come and go through the years, and Peter Reckell was one of them.
In 2015, Peter Reckell walked away from "Days of Our Lives" after two long decades. His character, Bo Brady, died in his wife's arms. Kristian Alonso, who played his wife, Hope Williams Brady, also announced that she would not return to the show.
Peter Reckell as Bo Brady on "Days of Our Lives" circa 1996. | Source: Getty Images
Both actors credited the show for changing their lives and giving them lifelong friends in their castmates. After moving on from the show, Reckell chose to live a quiet life away from the spotlight.
After being married to his former co-star Dale Kristien from 1987 to 1990, Reckell found love again in Kelly Moneymaker, with whom he's been married since 1998.
Peter Reckell and wife Dale Kristien attend the Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know Opening Night Performance on August 23, 1989 at Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles Music Center in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2022, Reckell delighted fans when it was announced he and his on-screen wife would be back in "Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem." Their appearance on the spin-off features five exciting episodes set worldwide.
On one occasion, Reckell supported his wife's fundraising Christmas song by appearing in its music video.
All About Peter Reckell's Second Marriage
Reckell and Moneymaker married in April 1998 and shared a daughter named Loden Sloan. Their daughter was born in 2007.
Moneymaker is an American singer-songwriter and documentary film director from Fairbanks, Alaska. She keeps an active Instagram profile, sharing bits of her life with fans worldwide. Her fans always shower the singer with kind words, especially about her appearance, one even calling her a "stunner."
A fan's comment on Kelly Moneymaker's Instagram. | Source: Instagram.com/KellyMoneymaker
A fan's comment on Kelly Moneymaker's Instagram. | Source: Instagram.com/KellyMoneymaker
A fan's comment on Kelly Moneymaker's Instagram. | Source: Instagram.com/KellyMoneymaker
Moneymaker was once part of the girl group Expose. She replaced Giogia Bruno in the group, which was a huge success.
Years later, the singer-songwriter decided to pursue a solo career. Occasionally, Moneymaker would reunite with her former group members to host concerts for their loyal fanbase.
In one of her recent posts, fans couldn't help but gush about her gorgeous appearance. Others asked when she'd be going on tour in the US.
On one occasion, Reckell supported his wife's fundraising Christmas song by appearing in its music video. Proceeds from sales of the song helped raise funds for Polar Bears International and NRDC.
Through the years, the actor has enjoyed many things besides his craft. He likes to stay active, which is how he's kept a good figure through the years.
His favorite activities include yoga, Pilates, swimming, martial arts, horseback riding, and biking. His favorite activities have remained the same for decades, and as much as possible, they're part of his routine.
One time, Reckell and his wife asked for help from their fans to report an impersonator who stole their photos and videos. Reckell needed help to get a hold of his name on the platform, despite him and Moneymaker showing IDs as proof of identity, to no avail.
A Quiet Life in New Zealand
After living most of his life in Hollywood, Reckell relocated to the quiet country of New Zealand with his wife and daughter. The move came after he and Moneymaker went to the country during their honeymoon, falling in love with it.
Through the years, the lovely couple continued to visit New Zealand. Once, they took their daughter with them, and she, too, fell in love with the place.
Peter Reckell and wife Kelly Moneymaker during 31st Annual Daytime Emmys - New York City Mayor Bloomberg's Reception at Gracie Mansion in New York City, New York, United States on May 20, 2004. | Source: Getty Images
They then realized they could move to the small country, as all three felt strongly about the place. To them, it was home.
With a population of 5,000,000, New Zealand was a far cry from the busy Los Angeles town they once lived in. It was a breath of fresh air that they didn't mind staying in for good.
Peter Reckell and wife Kelly Moneymaker attend the 15th Annual Soap Opera Digest Awards on February 26, 1999 at Universal Amphitheatre in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Their daughter Loden is now a teenager who wants to be left alone most of the time. With a lot more time on his hands now that his daughter is older, Reckell can do some acting here and there.
The actor got an agent in New Zealand to get his career kickstarted. After years of living halfway across the world, Hollywood still comes knocking on his door occasionally, which is why he reprised his role in "Days of Our Lives" this year.
The Reckells are thriving in their new home. The actor can do a lot of adventurous outdoor activities, things he enjoyed doing in California since he was a young actor.
Actor Peter Reckell (R) and wife Kelly Moneymaker attend the annual Daytime Emmy nominee party presented by SOAPnet held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on April 27, 2006 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
He and Moneymaker have gone spelunking, camping, river rafting, horseback riding, and more. What made everything even better was that all those activities were within reach.
His love for the outdoors and the environment has rubbed off on his daughter Loden, who was photographed at a Climate Change Student March with her dad in 2019.
While at the march, Reckell was proud to see his "little environmentalist" stopping to hug a tree. Despite Loden growing up quickly, the actor is glad he can share simple moments like the student march with his daughter.
Reckell's passion for the environment springs from his being a father. He wants his daughter to grow up in a healthy world, and with the platform he's given, he does his part to get the message across to as many people as possible.
When Reckell was working on "Days of Our Lives," the filming schedule would be so hectic that his daughter would beg him to stay whenever he left the house. Then, the actor decided to say goodbye to his character, as, more than anything, being a father was his main priority.
However, he couldn't say no to a 5-episode return on the hit show this 2023. His loyal fans now get to see the actor on the TV screen again.