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Drake Hogestyn, the actor best known for playing John Black on the famoussoap operaDays of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 70.
He died from pancreatic cancer just one day before his 71st birthday.
Hogestyn fought his illness with courage and determination, but he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
His death was announced onDays of Our Lives‘social media, where fans, co-stars, and friends expressed their love and sadness.
Hogestyn was part of the show for 38 years, making him one of the most well-known faces in daytime television.
He first appeared on the show in 1986, playing a mystery character known as “The Pawn” before taking on the role of John Black.
He appeared in more than 4,200 episodes over nearly four decades.
After news of his passing, many of Hogestyn’s co-stars shared theirmemoriesand tributes.
Christopher Sean, who played his on-screen son, wrote a heartfelt message saying that Drake was more than just a TV father to him—he was like a real dad.
He thanked Drake for everything he had taught him and said the world had lost a true hero.
OtherDays of Our Livesactors, including Kassie DePaiva, Alison Sweeney, and Kristian Alfonso, shared how much Drake meant to them.
Alison Sweeney described him as funny, thoughtful, and caring.
She remembered how much he loved every scene he worked on and how he treated everyone on set with kindness.
Kristian Alfonso, who played Hope Williams Brady on the show, posted a video tribute, saying that Drake was an incredible actor plus a loving husband, father, and friend.
She remembered him as a generous, kind person who made the world a better place.
Drake Hogestyn was as dedicated to his family as he was to his career.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Victoria Post, in 1986, and they shared a long, happy marriage.
Thecouplehad four children—Whitney, Rachael, Alexandra, and Ben—and seven grandchildren.
Drake often spoke about how he fell in love with Victoria when he was just 15 years old and she was 12.
They met on a baseball field, and he said that from thatmoment, he knew she was the one for him.
In interviews, he often said that when he looked at her, he could still see the girl he fell in love with all those years ago.
Achievements and Awards
Throughout his career, Drake Hogestyn earned a number of awards for his work onDays of Our Lives.
He won four Soap Opera Digest Awards, including two for “Hottest Male Star” in 1994 and 1995, as well as two for “Favorite Couple” with his co-star Deidre Hall.
HisperformanceshelpedDays of Our Liveswin several awards, including Daytime Emmy Awards and People’s Choice Awards.
Even though there were times when Hogestyn faced toughchallenges—like when he and Deidre Hall were briefly let go from the show in 2009 due to budget cuts—he remained grateful for his career and his return to the show in 2011.
He once said that coming back to the set brought tears to his eyes because he felt so welcomed and loved by everyone.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Hogestyn’s life was not withouthardship. In 2016, he suffered a serious brain injury that kept him off the show for several months.
Despite this setback, he returned toDays of Our Livesin 2017 and continued to perform with the same passion and dedication that made him a fanfavorite.
He spoke openly about how tough it was to deal with life’s ups and downs, but he always maintained a positive attitude.
In interviews, he often reflected on the unusual nature of being both a public figure and living a normal life.
He said that being part of a soap opera gave him a “dual life”—one where he experienced real weddings and funerals, while also playing out those same emotions on screen.
Drake Hogestyn’s passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his fans, co-stars, and loved ones.
His portrayal of John Black made him a soap operalegend, but it was his kindness, generosity, and love for his family that truly defined him as a person.
As his former co-star Deidre Hall once said, Drake was not only serious about his work, but he was also “dreamy” and a joy to work with.
She recalled how from the very first moment they worked together, she knew he was the right choice for the role of John Black.
Drake Hogestyn will always be remembered for hisincrediblecontribution to television and for the deep love he shared with his family.
His legacy will live on, both in the many episodes ofDays of Our Livesthat fans continue to enjoy and in the hearts of those who knew him personally.
Drake Hogestyn’s Achievements
Category
Details
Television Career
Played John Black onDays of Our Livesfor 38 years (1986-2024).
Total Episodes
Appeared in over 4,200 episodes ofDays of Our Lives.
Awards
4 Soap Opera Digest Awards: – Hottest Male Star (1994, 1995) – Favorite Couple with Deidre Hall (1995, 2005)
Show Awards
Contributed toDays of Our Liveswinning multiple awards: – Daytime Emmy Awards (Best Drama, 1978 & 2013) – People’s Choice Award (Favorite TV Daytime Serial, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003) – Writers Guild of America Award for Daytime Drama (2024) – Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Drama Series (2024)
Personal Achievements
Overcame a serious brain injury in 2016 and returned to acting in 2017.
Career Before Acting
Played minor league baseball with the New York Yankees before transitioning to acting.
Big Break
Selected from 75,000 participants in a Columbia Pictures talent search.
Family
Married childhood sweetheart Victoria Post in 1986, with 4 children and 7 grandchildren.
Drake Hogestyn’s achievements reflect his impressive contributions to daytime television.
Conclusion
Drake Hogestyn’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in television history.
For 38 years, he brought the character of John Black to life onDays of Our Lives, captivating audiences with his talent, dedication, and charm.
More than just an actor, Hogestyn was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of those around him with his kindness and generosity.
His co-stars, fans, and family remember him for his work and the love and strength he showed throughout his life.
Though he is gone, his legacy will live on in the memories he created on and off-screen, leaving an unforgettable mark on the world of daytime television and in the hearts of those who loved him.
Last Updated: September 29, 2024
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