Drake Hogestyn, the cherished star of “Days of Our Lives,” known for his iconic role as John Black, has sadly passed away at the age of 70. He died on Saturday, September 28, just one day shy of his 71st birthday, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, as confirmed by a heartfelt statement from his family shared on the soap opera’s social media accounts.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement reads. “He faced the challenge of pancreatic cancer with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
The family expressed their deep love for Hogestyn, describing him as “the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor.” They highlighted his passion for performing and his joy in sharing the stage with the talented cast, crew, and production team of “Days of Our Lives.” “We love him, and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives,” they added.
Days Executive Producer Ken Corday reflected on Hogestyn’s profound impact, stating, “This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player, and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, both personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”
Hogestyn made his debut on “Days of Our Lives” in 1986, captivating audiences in over 4,200 episodes throughout nearly four decades. His character’s beloved romance with Marlena Evans, portrayed by Deidre Hall, earned the duo a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple in 2005, solidifying their status as fan favorites.
Beyond his iconic role, Hogestyn appeared in various projects throughout his career, including the ’80s series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” which marked his first significant television role, as well as “Overworld” and TV movies like “Generation,” “Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues,” “One Stormy Night,” and “Night Sins.”
Many of Hogestyn’s co-stars from “Days of Our Lives” took to social media to express their sorrow over his passing. Allison Sweeney shared a touching tribute on Instagram, saying, “Drake was an incredible man. He was funny, generous, and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene and every person. He loved ‘Days,’ the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family; they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at ‘Days.’ I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke, and every hug.”
As we remember Drake Hogestyn, we celebrate a remarkable talent whose legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike. His contributions to television and the warmth he brought to those around him will never be forgotten.