Imagine the red carpet at a major awards ceremony glowing not just with star power, but with genuine family warmth—Greg Rikaart, the beloved actor from Days of Our Lives, made a rare and heartfelt public outing at the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards on October 17 in Pasadena, bringing along his husband Robert Sudduth and their young son Montgomery. This touching moment captured fans' hearts, highlighting how even Hollywood icons balance fame with personal joys. But here's where it gets interesting—the spotlight shifted from glittering gowns to everyday love, making us wonder just how much we really know about these stars behind the scenes.
Dressed impeccably for the occasion, the 48-year-old Greg opted for a timeless black suit, while Robert complemented the look in a sleek all-black outfit. Their nine-year-old son, Montgomery Argo Rikaart-Sudduth, stole the show in a charming navy blue suit paired with a playful skeleton black t-shirt—a fun Halloween-inspired touch that added a lighthearted vibe to the elegant event.
Greg and his fellow Days of Our Lives cast members were gearing up for an exciting evening at the Emmys, which honor outstanding achievements in daytime television programming like soaps, talk shows, and children's series—perfect for beginners to know it's basically the Oscars for afternoon TV. The actor was up for a nomination in the Lead Performance category for his role as the cunning Leo Stark on the long-running soap opera. In an emotional turn of events, Greg graciously conceded the win to his co-star Paul Telfer, who took home the award for his portrayal of the charismatic Xander Kiriakis. Yet, Greg's night transcended awards; it was a celebration of his loving partnership and parenthood.
Nine years prior, Greg and Robert welcomed Montgomery through their dedicated surrogate, a process that can be complex and involves a gestational carrier helping intended parents have a child—think of it as a selfless helper who carries the baby to term. Greg shared the joyous news with his nearly 90,000 Instagram followers in a poignant post: 'We combat hate, fear, prejudice, homophobia, and unfairness globally with love, wisdom, and progress. In the purest sense, Rob and I are thrilled to present our son, Montgomery Argo Rikaart-Sudduth.' And this is the part most people miss—their story isn't just about family; it's a quiet stand against societal challenges, embodying resilience in the face of potential backlash.
The couple brought Montgomery into their lives in 2016, just one year after exchanging vows in a picturesque Maui, Hawaii wedding. Their relationship blossomed back in 2005, and Robert, a talented actor, producer, and writer, has made waves in the industry with roles in shows like Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist—a musical comedy about a woman discovering her life through song—alongside classics such as Desperate Housewives, a drama about suburban secrets, and Veronica Mars, the clever mystery series about a teenage detective.
Speaking of related stories, fans might enjoy checking out the full rundown of this year's Daytime Emmys winners, including hilarious moments like Lisa Yamada's tearful reaction and Nancy Lee Grahn's powerful protest speech. Or, take a peek at how The Bold & The Beautiful's Don Diamont was overshadowed by his wife's stunning bridal-inspired dress—proving that fashion can steal the show!
Greg has been a daytime TV fixture for decades, but his Emmys appearance with Montgomery marked a first-time family debut on such a grand stage. He occasionally posts sweet glimpses of his dad life on Instagram, yet he maintains a strong boundary around his private world—a choice that sparks debate: should celebrities open up more about their families for relatability, or is guarding personal boundaries essential in an invasive media landscape?
Greg's journey in daytime television began as Kevin Fisher on The Young and the Restless, where he started as a recurring character from 2003 to 2017. Reflecting on it, he told People magazine in an interview, 'I lucked out with Kevin because the part was initially planned for just a short storyline of 10 to 20 episodes. It seemed like a great opportunity to dive into soap territory for a brief stint.' Unexpectedly, his stint extended far beyond that—'Once I was immersed, external opinions faded; I was hooked and grateful for the steady work.'
Fast-forward to 2018, when Greg joined Days of Our Lives as Leo Stark, a role that led to starring in spin-offs like Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem and the holiday special Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas. Over his career in daytime TV, he's earned nine Daytime Emmy nominations and clinched one victory, showcasing his enduring talent.
Now, here's a controversial angle to ponder: In an era where same-sex parenting via surrogacy is becoming more common—celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris and Elton John have shared similar paths—some argue it normalizes diverse families, while others worry about ethical concerns like exploitation or the high costs that might favor the wealthy. Greg and Robert's story exemplifies triumph over adversity, but it raises questions: Is this a step toward broader acceptance, or does it highlight inequalities in family-building? What do you think—does publicizing such personal milestones help break down barriers, or should we respect privacy even for famous faces? Drop your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear your take!
