We are deeply saddened to report that Days of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn passed away on September 28, at the age of 70. The beloved daytime actor was just one day away from his 71st birthday.
Hogestyn’s family issued a statement explaining that their loved one had succumbed to pancreatic cancer after “putting up an unbelievable fight”. They remembered him as an “amazing husband, father, papa, and actor.”
💔 pic.twitter.com/AWZvS2tJV8
— Days of our Lives (@DaysPeacock) September 29, 2024
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Days of Our Lives’ executive producer Ken Corday stated, “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, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”
Christopher Sean, who played Hogestyn’s onscreen son, Paul, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media after the news broke, and said, “You were more than just my TV father, in my eyes you were my dad.”
I will always love you. You were more than just my tv father, in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world lost a true Hero. Miss and love you so much Drake. Rest in Peace Dad.
“Keep Swinging for the Fences.”Drake Hogestyn pic.twitter.com/NpRqGrgAbN— Christopher Sean 🇺🇸 🇯🇵 (@ChristopherSean) September 29, 2024
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Hogestyn was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and played Major League Baseball before an injury changed his path in life. After entering a talent search, he found himself knee deep in an acting career in Los Angeles, landing numerous primetime roles, including his first, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Life changed forever when Hogestyn audtioned for, and won, the role of John Black on NBC’s Days of Our Lives. He made his debut on January 24, 1986, in a soap gig that was only supposed to last for a few months… but went on to span nearly four decades after Black was revealed to be Marlena Evans’ presumed-dead husband, Roman Brady. Though his character name and storyline changed over the years, Hogestyn earned a special place in the heart of daytime fans.
Hogestyn is survived by his wife, Victoria, and their four children Rachael, Ben, Whitney, Alexandra, their spouses, and his seven grandchildren.
All of us here at SOAPS extend our heartfelt condolences to Hogestyn’s loved ones and colleagues.
As we fondly remember Drake Hogestyn, join us in taking a look back on John Black’s life in Salem in the photo gallery below.
