Drake Hogestyn, the beloved actor known for his role as John Black on “Days of Our Lives,” has sadly passed away at the age of 70. He died on September 28, 2024, just one day before his 71st birthday. Drake had been battling pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis he faced with incredible strength and determination.
Drake’s career in acting spanned over four decades. He first joined “Days of Our Lives” in 1986 and quickly became a fan favorite. His character, John Black, went through many dramatic storylines, including being revealed as the presumed-dead Roman Brady after plastic surgery and memory loss. Drake’s portrayal of John Black made him a household name and earned him a special place in the hearts of soap opera fans.
Before becoming an actor, Drake always dreamed of being a professional baseball player. He attended university on a baseball scholarship and was drafted into two Major League Baseball teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. Unfortunately, an injury in 1977 stopped him from continuing that, and he soon turned his attention to acting. He was chosen along with 29 other actors out of 75,000 applicants as part of a nationwide talent search conducted by Columbia Pictures.
Drake’s family made the sad announcement of his passing in a statement released through the “Days of Our Lives” Instagram page. They described him as an amazing husband, father, and grandfather who loved taking center stage for his fans. His family said in the statement, “His chemotherapy fight for cancer was chivalrous. He faced his circumstances with grace, and his care team still feels the love he sent their way.” He died peacefully and was surrounded by loved ones.
The soap opera community and its fans have been in mourning for the loss of this great man. Colleagues and fellow actors have shared messages of condolence and memories of Drake. Nancy Lee Grahn, star of “General Hospital,” said he was a lovely and gracious man. The executive producer of “Days of Our Lives,” Ken Corday, put into words how much Drake will be missed and how tremendous his impact was.
The legacy of Drake Hogestyn will live on through the performance he gave and the love he shared with his fans and colleagues in equal measure. His dedication to the craft and to the connection with audiences made him an icon, pure and simple, in daytime television. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and watched him on screen.
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