Drake Hogestyn, widely known for his iconic role as John Black on Days of Our Lives, passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 70. His family confirmed the news, stating he had been battling pancreatic cancer, marking the end of nearly four decades of his unforgettable contributions to daytime television.
The announcement of Hogestyn's death was shared via the official social media channels of Days of Our Lives, where his family expressed deep sorrow, saying, "It’s with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was thrown the curveball of his life when 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." This poignant tribute reflected not just his struggles with illness but also his love for his family, friends, and his dedicated fanbase.
Drake Hogestyn, born just one day before his untimely passing on September 29, 1953, had earned his place as a beloved figure among soap opera audiences. He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and his courageous battle against the disease drew widespread attention from fans and co-stars alike. He is survived by his wife, Victoria Post, and their four children, alongside seven grandchildren who were central to his life.
Many of his co-stars took to social media to share their tributes. Deidre Hall, who portrayed Marlena Evans alongside Hogestyn for nearly four decades, described their iconic pairing as one of daytime TV's most beloved couples, affectionately known as Jarlena. "For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man," she shared with Access Hollywood. Hall emphasized Hogestyn's professionalism, noting his unwavering preparation, kindness, and genuine love for his craft, adding, "He was gracious and kind to everyone." Hall also acknowledged Hogestyn's greatest loves: his family and his passion for the New York Yankees.
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn carved out his path to success early on, with his initial roles including television shows like Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and various TV movies. His appearance on Days of Our Lives began on January 24, 1986, and he quickly became a central figure on the show, amassing over 4,200 episodes. Hogestyn's character, John Black, was renowned for being complex and multifaceted, appearing as everything from a private investigator to undercover agents and even surviving impossible situations like helicopter crashes and resurrection after death.
The chemistry between Hall and Hogestyn created not just captivating storylines but also earned them accolades, such as the Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple back in 2005. Audiences were enthralled by the emotional range both actors brought to their iconic characters, transforming the narratives they portrayed and making them staples of the genre.
Once the news of his passing circulated, many networks highlighted Hogestyn's remarkable contributions, with Ken Corday, the executive producer of Days of Our Lives, reflecting on Hogestyn's unmatched impact both personally and professionally on the show, 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." Corday's heartfelt comments captured the sentiment shared by many within the industry.
Other co-stars also chimed in. Allison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady, remembered Hogestyn as being incredibly caring and passionate about his work. She noted, "He was funny, generous, thoughtful — he cared about every single scene, every person." The camaraderie among the cast members was evident, as numerous actors praised Hogestyn's significant contributions to their collective experiences on the show.
Through his work, Drake Hogestyn not only entertained generations of soap opera fans but also made indelible marks on the lives of his colleagues, friends, and family. His performances and the stories he helped tell will live on within the hearts of many, reflecting both the highs and lows of the soap opera’s rich legacy.
Although his passing marks the end of an era for Days of Our Lives, Hogestyn's legacy will undoubtedly continue through the beloved stories of John Black and the many characters and plots he so fiercely represented. The impact of his character, both as Marlena's heroic partner and as part of the larger ensemble, will resonate long after his final scenes.