Drake Hogestyn, the beloved star of the long-running soap opera Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 70, just one day shy of his 71st birthday. Hogestyn's family shared the news on September 28, 2024, indicating he succumbed to pancreatic cancer, following what they described as an "unbelievable fight" against the disease.
His family released an emotional statement through the Days of Our Lives Instagram account, saying, "It's with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones." They remembered him as "the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor" who truly loved performing.
Known for his iconic role as John Black, Hogestyn's career spanned nearly four decades on the show. He joined the Days cast on January 24, 1986, and had over 4,000 episodes under his belt. Beyond the soap opera, he had appearances in other shows and films, including the Hallmark movie Christmas Tree Lane and the short-lived series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Hogestyn's portrayal of John Black became one of daytime television's most enduring characters. Initially shrouded in mystery, John's complex storyline involved multiple identities, including his time as the presumed dead Roman Brady. Over the years, he developed significant on-screen chemistry with Deidre Hall, who played Marlena Evans, forming one of the soap's most iconic couples. Their relationship faced numerous challenges, but they remained the heart of the show's narrative.
Born Donald Drake Hogestyn on September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he pursued higher education at the University of South Florida, where he originally planned to enter dentistry. His collegiate experience included playing baseball, which would lead to his brief tenure with Major League Baseball teams before he transitioned to acting after being selected through Columbia Pictures' talent program.
Many fans and colleagues expressed sadness over Hogestyn's passing. Ken Corday, the executive producer of Days of Our Lives, said, "This is very difficult for 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, personally and professionally, was significant and will forever remain unmatched."
Fans took to social media to share their grief and memories of him. One remarked, "Drake is such an amazing actor and so beloved as a human," highlighting the impact he had not just as a performer but as a person. The heartfelt tributes poured in from social media reflecting the love and admiration many held for him.
Survived by his devoted wife, Victoria, and their four children—Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben—Hogestyn leaves behind a legacy intertwined with the lives of countless fans who tuned in day after day to see his character's adventures and romantic exploits. His influence on the soap opera genre and the hearts of its audience cannot be overstated. He will be remembered not just for his performances but for the warmth he brought to his roles and the richness he added to the lives of those who watched him.
Hogestyn's final appearance on Days of Our Lives aired on June 11, 2024. Fans will continue to celebrate his work, which will remain part of the show for years to come, as episodes are frequently rebroadcasted. His dedication to his craft and the support he showed to his colleagues and fans epitomized the spirit of Daytime TV. Indeed, Drake Hogestyn will be deeply missed, but he will also be cherished through every scene he graced.
