Drake Hogestyn, Beloved Days of our lives The star who played John Black for 38 years has died. He was 70 years old.
The actor was just one day short of his 71st birthday when he died on September 28, 2024, PEOPLE confirms.
The popular soap opera shared a statement from the actor’s family on social media.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” it said. “He was on the receiving end of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After an incredible fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.”
The statement continued: “He was the most amazing husband, father, dad and actor. He loved performing for ‘Dana’ audiences and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the business. We love him and will miss him all the days of our lives .”
The message was signed “The Hogestyn Family”.
“This is very difficult for all of us,” Days of our lives executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement to PEOPLE. “Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not enough words to express how much we will miss him. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever be unmatched.”
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn initially pursued a career as a professional baseball player, even signing with the New York Yankees and playing for one of their farm teams until he was injured in 1977.
Hogestyn’s first major role came in the early 1980s on the CBS series Seven brides for seven brothers. He initially joined Days of our lives in 1986 as the mysterious character known as “The Pawn” before becoming a fan favorite as John Black.
John has been one half of several beloved couples over the years, but few have been more popular than his relationship with Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall. Together, they won the Soap Opera Digest Favorite Couple Award in 2005.
Costars Deidre Hall and Drake Hogestyn. Courtesy: Getty Images/Alberto E. Rodriguez
Days of our lives‘ Deidre Hall wants to see Marlena face ‘serious illness’ after nearly 50 years in role (Exclusive)
However, Hogestyn was not only known for his long-standing role. He and his childhood sweetheart, Victoria Post, married in 1986 and were married for 37 years. They had four children – daughters Whitney, Alexandra and Rachael and son Ben – and have seven grandchildren.
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An actress DOOL Costars were quick to take to social media to share their memories.
“Drake was an amazing man,” Alison Sweeney wrote on Instagram. “He was funny, generous and attentive. He cared about every scene, every person. He loved daysfans and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a big part of my life in days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke and every hug.”
Kristian Alfonso wrote: “I will always remember you as a loving father, husband and dear friend, but mostly as an amazing, passionate human being, generous and immensely good, Always …… Thank youuuuu for the love you gave us all every day Drake on you were always our hero inside and outside of it.”
Christopher Sean, who played John’s illegitimate son Paul Narita, wrote a touching tribute to X alongside a photo from the show of John and Paul hugging.
I will always love you, he said. “You were more than just my tv dad, in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world has lost a true hero. Miss and I love you so much Drake. Rest in peace Dad .”
Genie Francis remarked, “So sad to hear Drake Hogestyn passed away. Such a wonderful and kind man. He was a pleasure to work with. I always loved how much he loved his wife and children.”
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