He will always be John to them.
Days of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black on the soap opera for nearly 40 years, has died. The actor died Saturday at the age of 70 from pancreatic cancer, a day before his 71st birthday.
The official Instagram account of the iconic show shared the news of his death.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement read. “Life threw him a curveball when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he rose to the challenge with incredible strength and determination.
“After an incredible battle, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He was the most amazing husband, father, dad and actor. loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the industry. We love him and will forever miss him. .”
In addition to sharing photos of Hogestyn on set and over the years, Hogestyn's co-stars have begun paying tribute to the late star on social media.
Actress Christian Alfonso began speaking with “My Heart.'' Instagram. “I will always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband and dear friend, but mostly as an incredibly passionate human being, generous and extremely kind, always… Thank you for the love you have given us all, Drake, you have always been our hero on set and off.”
“I love you,” she concluded. “Rest in peace 🕊️ my sweet friend.”
Alfonso, 61, is best known for playing Hope Williams Brady on the show, which aired on NBC from 1965 to 2022 and is currently streaming new episodes on Peacock. The former figure skater left the show in 2020, but will return for a special story arc alongside Peter Reckel (famous for playing Beau to Her Hope) to celebrate the show's 60th anniversary. . According to TV Line in September, the reunion episode is scheduled to air in May 2025.
Jeannie Francis, who played Diana Colville, said: “I'm so sad to hear about Drake Hogestyn's passing. He was such a wonderful and kind person. It was a pleasure working with him. I loved how much I loved my children.”
Co-star Ali Sweeney, who has known Hogestyn for decades, also sent her love.
“Drake was a great guy. He was funny, generous, and thoughtful. He cared about every scene, every character. He loved Days and the fans, and he brought that passion to the set. ,” the 48-year-old actress wrote. Instagram. “My heart breaks for his family. They meant everything to him. He was such a big part of my life at Days. I miss him so much. and cherish every story, every joke, and every hug.”
Hogestyn first appeared on Days of Our Lives on January 24, 1986, and starred on the hit show for 38 years, filming more than 4,200 episodes. He, along with Deirdre Hall, who played Malena Evans, became one of the most famous romances in the history of daytime television.
Hall left the show in 1987 to appear on Our House, but returned after its cancellation. In May 2023, she opened up about John and Marlena's relationship in an interview. people.
“We are a couple that shows us that people can always be together, stay in love, stay sensual and sexual. That's something worth fighting for,” she said at the time. “[Fans are] I was able to suspend my disbelief for a while and fully immerse myself in the story. ”
In April 2018, the two spoke again as follows. melodrama digest In a joint interview about their long history on screen, Hall recalled the audition.
“I was going to play with him, so I tested it out with him. And when everyone was done, of course they're watching all the scenes, I got called upstairs and said, I said, “Okay, I know what we're thinking, but what do you think?'' Because I have to work with him? ” And everyone agreed, it was Drake! ” She is from Fort Wayne, Indiana. “There was no one else like that who had that kind of magic and chemistry and appeal as a male hero, and that was the beginning.
Hogestyn said, “As the world changes, one thing remains the same: playfulness and love are on both sides, and they are stronger when combined. John and Marlena make sacrifices for each other. , I think it's the epitome of overcoming all the obstacles that every couple faces every day. We don't take that responsibility lightly, and I think that's a good signal to send to the audience.”
Hogestyn is survived by his wife Victoria Post, four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachel and Ben, and seven grandchildren.
