Joseph Mascolo, who played bad guy Stefano DiMera on soap Days of Our Lives, has died at the age of 87.

A statement from his wife said he died on Wednesday after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Although best known for his soap opera role, Joseph was a classically trained musician and appeared on Broadway in plays including Dinner at Eight and That Championship Season.

His wide-ranging TV credits included the prime-time series Kojak, Hill Street Blues and It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.

Besides starring on Days of Our Lives, he also appeared in the The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital and Santa Barbara.