OAN Staff Avril Elfie
12:12pm – Sunday, September 29, 2024
“Days of Our Lives” star Drake Hogestyn has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
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On Saturday, the show announced that Hogestyn, who played John Black on the hit soap opera for nearly 40 years, “passed away peacefully” surrounded by loved ones, the day before his 71st birthday.cent birthday.
“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 in front of the Days audience and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and will miss him forever. ” they continued.
melodrama digest reported that he double majored in applied science and microbiology while playing college baseball at the University of South Florida.
Hogestyn intended to become an oral surgeon, but was drafted by the Cardinals and Yankees in the final round of the 1976 MLB draft. He was in the organization's minor league system until an injury cut short his career.
After being selected for Columbia Pictures' acting training program, he moved to Los Angeles.
In the show, the actor was chosen to play the role of John Black, a secret agent, undercover agent, and mysterious police officer. Hogestyn starred on the hit soap opera for 38 years, appearing in more than 4,200 episodes.
Other credits include “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” a guest role on “Criminal Minds,” and an appearance in the Hallmark holiday movie “Christmas Tree Lane.”
He is survived by his wife Victoria Post, four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachel and Ben, and seven grandchildren.
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