Drake Hogestyn, the renowned actor best known for his portrayal of John Black on the beloved daytime drama Days of Our Lives, has died at the age of 70. Hogestyn passed away on September 28, 2024, just one day shy of his 71st birthday. His death was confirmed by his family through a heartfelt statement shared by the show’s official social media channels.
A Legacy Spanning Nearly Four Decades
Early Beginnings and Career Transition
Drake Hogestyn, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had a life marked by early promise in sports before transitioning into a successful acting career. Initially, he pursued a professional baseball career and even signed with the New York Yankees, playing for their minor league teams. Unfortunately, a severe injury in 1977 put an end to his sports aspirations. This unexpected turn of events led him to explore other avenues, eventually steering him toward acting.
His first significant break came in the early 1980s when he starred in the CBS series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. However, it was his role as John Black on Days of Our Lives that defined his career. He joined the long-running soap opera in 1986, initially portraying a character shrouded in mystery known only as “The Pawn.” As the storylines unfolded, John Black emerged as a central figure on the show, becoming a household name for soap opera enthusiasts.
John Black: A Character Loved By Generations
From “The Pawn” to an Iconic Hero
Hogestyn’s portrayal of John Black resonated deeply with fans, making him one of the most beloved characters in Days of Our Lives history. His evolution from the enigmatic “Pawn” to a dashing hero captivated audiences for decades. John Black’s charm, loyalty, and resilience became defining traits that viewers came to cherish.
John’s relationship with Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall, became one of the most enduring love stories on daytime television. Their chemistry and complex narrative arcs kept fans glued to their screens, earning them a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple in 2005. Together, they weathered dramatic storylines, ranging from amnesia and doppelgangers to supernatural adventures, all while maintaining a compelling emotional core that resonated with audiences.
A True Professional and Devoted Family Man
Personal Life and Lasting Love
Off-screen, Hogestyn was equally admired for his dedication to his family. He married his childhood sweetheart, Victoria Post, in 1986, the same year he joined Days of Our Lives. Their marriage spanned 37 years, and together they raised four children—daughters Whitney, Alexandra, and Rachael, and son Ben. Hogestyn was also a proud grandfather of seven, a role that he cherished deeply.
The family’s statement regarding his passing highlighted not just his professional achievements, but also his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. “He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of Our Lives,” the statement concluded.
Battling Pancreatic Cancer with Strength
An Unwavering Spirit
Drake Hogestyn’s final battle was fought with the same courage and tenacity he brought to his roles. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he faced the disease with incredible strength, according to his family. Despite the grim prognosis, Hogestyn remained resilient and continued to be a source of inspiration to those around him. His perseverance was emblematic of the same spirit that had endeared him to fans and colleagues alike.
“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,” said Ken Corday, the executive producer of Days of Our Lives, in a statement to PEOPLE.
Tributes Pour In from Costars and Friends
Remembering a Kind and Generous Spirit
The Days of Our Lives community, both past and present, mourned the loss of a man who was not just a talented actor but a beloved friend. Many of his costars took to social media to honor his memory and share the impact he had on their lives.
Alison Sweeney, who worked closely with Hogestyn, wrote on Instagram, “Drake was an incredible man. He was funny, generous, and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family; they meant everything to him.”
Kristian Alfonso, who played Hope Brady on the soap, also expressed her admiration. “I’ll always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband, and dear friend, but mostly an incredible, passionate human being—generous and immensely kind. Thank you for the love you gave us all every day, Drake, on set and off—you were always our hero.”
Christopher Sean, who portrayed John’s illegitimate son Paul Narita, shared a poignant tribute on X (formerly Twitter) along with a touching photo of their characters embracing. “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.”
Genie Francis, a fellow daytime TV star, also reflected on his passing, stating, “So sad to hear of Drake Hogestyn’s passing. Such a wonderful and kind man. It was a pleasure to work with him. I always loved how much he loved his wife and children.”
An Enduring Impact on the Soap Opera World
A Career to Be Celebrated
Throughout his 38 years on Days of Our Lives, Drake Hogestyn remained a consummate professional, bringing depth, emotion, and passion to his role. He navigated the shifting tides of soap opera storytelling with grace, making John Black a fixture in countless storylines. Whether he was rescuing loved ones, unraveling mysteries, or confronting enemies, his performances were always riveting and heartfelt.
Hogestyn’s influence extended beyond just his character’s narrative arcs. He helped set a standard for what it meant to be a leading man on daytime television, combining strength and sensitivity in a way that few have been able to replicate. His legacy on Days of Our Lives will be remembered for generations, as newer viewers discover his storylines and veteran fans continue to cherish his iconic moments.
A Final Curtain Call
Farewell to a Legend
Drake Hogestyn’s passing marks the end of an era for Days of Our Lives. He leaves behind not just a memorable character, but also a profound legacy of professionalism, dedication, and kindness. As tributes from fans and colleagues continue to pour in, it’s clear that Hogestyn’s impact went far beyond the screen. His memory will live on, both in the hearts of his loved ones and in the countless fans who followed his journey.
For those who knew him personally, his strength and warmth made him a hero off-screen as well. For the millions who watched his portrayal of John Black, his presence will always be felt in the countless episodes that captured his talent and charisma. While the show will go on, it will forever be missing a vital part of its soul.
Drake Hogestyn may have taken his final bow, but his legacy will endure—now and for all the Days of Our Lives.
