With profound sorrow, we mourn the loss of Drake Hogestyn, the beloved actor who graced our screens as John Black on the iconic series "Days of Our Lives" for an extraordinary 38 years. His family's heartfelt announcement, shared via the enduring soap opera's Instagram page, painted a poignant portrait of a life cut short by pancreatic cancer.
"In a moment that weighed heavily on our hearts, we sorrowfully bid farewell to Drake Hogestyn. Faced with the devastating diagnosis that upended his life, he confronted the formidable challenge with unparalleled courage and unwavering resolve. Despite an extraordinary battle fought with unparalleled ferocity, he peacefully transitioned, surrounded by an ocean of love from those he cherished. He was a husband of unparalleled devotion, a father of profound inspiration, a beloved grandfather, and an actor whose talent shone brightly. He cherished every moment performing for the 'Days' family, sharing the stage with the incomparable cast, crew, and production team that epitomized excellence in our industry. He lives on in our hearts, and his absence will be felt in every fiber of our being, for all the Days of our Lives."
Hogestyn's debut on "Days of Our Lives" on January 24, 1986, marked the beginning of a legendary journey, where he portrayed John Black – a multifaceted character whose identity shifted from a mysterious spy to a heroic mercenary, police officer, private investigator, and secret agent – across an astonishing 4,200+ episodes. Alongside Deidre Hall's Marlena Evans, they weaved one of daytime television's most enduring love stories.
Beyond the halls of "Days," Hogestyn's impressive resume included a stint on the musical CBS series "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and a string of telefilms throughout the 1980s and 90s, such as "Generation," "Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues," "One Stormy Night," and "Night Sins," further showcasing his versatile talents.
Kassie DePaiva, who portrayed Eve on "Days of Our Lives," echoed the sentiments of many in a heartfelt tribute, penning on social media, "My heart is heavy with this news. Drake Hogestyn was one of the kindest souls I had the honor of working with. His life was a testament to greatness, and his absence will leave an indelible void. He made the world a warmer, brighter place, and he will be deeply missed."
