Hogestyn died from pancreatic cancer
"Days of our Lives" actor Drake Hogestyn has passed away, one day before what would have been his 71st birthday.
The family of the longtime soap star, who had appeared in nearly 4,300 episodes, shared a statement on the show's social media Saturday evening.
"It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones."
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Drake Hogestyn portrayed John Black on "Days of our Lives" for nearly 4,300 episodes. (Evans Vestal Ward/Peacock via Getty Images)
"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," the family wrote.
Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans and Drake Hogestyn as John Black were a power couple on television for decades. (Evans Vestal Ward/Peacock/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
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Hogestyn took on the role of John Black – an undercover agent for a fictional intelligence unit – in 1986. His character garnered interest for its dramatic backstory; Black was actually Roman Brady (played by Wayne Northrop), who had died two years earlier on the show. After plastic surgery and amnesia, he reappeared as a new man. He and Deirdre Hall were married on the show and were one of television's most beloved couples.
The actor briefly exited "Days of our Lives" in 2009, only to return in 2011.
Several of Hogestyn's current and former costars mourned the actor. Alison Sweeney, who left the program in 2022, shared her heartbreak on X, writing in part, "[Drake] cared about every single scene, every single person."
His TV son, Christopher Sean, called Hogestyn a "true hero."
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. He was such a huge part of my… pic.twitter.com/RAzQOH5GrI
— Alison Sweeney (@Ali_Sweeney) September 29, 2024
His TV daughter, Martha Madison, wrote a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
"One of my favorite memories of Drake was from not too long ago," she wrote in part. "He knew I was super nervous as I was preparing to deliver a five page deathbed monologue, and after we finished the scene (both soaked in tears and snot), he gave me a huge hug and whispered, 'Kid, it was like that moment when you hear the crack of the bat against a long ball that flies into the stands and the crowd goes wild.'"
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Australian actor Dan Feuerriegel, who only joined the series in 2021, noted how welcoming the veteran actor was on set.
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.
— Christopher Sean 🇺🇸 🇯🇵 (@ChristopherSean) September 29, 2024
“Keep Swinging for the Fences.”Drake Hogestyn pic.twitter.com/NpRqGrgAbN
Mary Beth Evans and Drake Hogestyn attend the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards in December 2023. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Hogestyn is survived by his childhood sweetheart Victoria and their four children, as well as grandchildren.
Caroline Thayer is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Follow Caroline Thayer on Twitter at @carolinejthayer. Story tips can be sent to
