As Stefano DiMera on the long-running series Days of our Lives, he seemed to step back from every precipice, to the horror of the good folk of Salem.

But at the age of 87, Mascolo has died after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

His legendary alter-ego will go with him.

"It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and beloved member of the Days of Our Lives family," producer Ken Corday said in a statement.

"The smile on Joe's face is something we'd all come to find comfort in, and he will be sorely missed.

"His larger-than-life presence, kind heart, and unwavering positivity has impacted us all for decades, and will live on in the memories of his many fans."

Mascolo was born in West Hartford, Connecticut, but moved to the west coast of the United States to pursue his career in acting.

He joined Days of Our Lives in 1982 playing Stefano DiMera who was then written as a wealthy international playboy.

On the series, DiMera was set against the show's established Horton and Brady families; he was also notably the arch-nemesis of Roman Brady (Wayne Northrop, later Josh Taylor) and Dr Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall).

Mascolo stayed on the show until 1985, returning in 1988 and then returning periodically between 1993 to 2001.

The character's leitmotif was that each time he seemed to die, he would return, fulfilling the soap opera cliche of the villain "returning from the dead".

The character was last killed off earlier this year.

Mascolo's credits also include three other daytime soap operas, The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital and Santa Barbara.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, two children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.