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    Drake Hogestyn ‘Days of Our Lives’ Star Dies at 70


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    Source; Instagram
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    Drake Hogestyn, the actor best known for playing John Black on the famous soap opera Days 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 on Days of Our Livessocial 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.

    Drake Hogestyn
    Source: Instagram /dayspeacock

    Tributes from Friends and Co-Stars

    After news of his passing, many of Hogestyn’s co-stars shared their memories and 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.

    Other Days of Our Lives actors, 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.

    A Career That Almost Didn’t Happen

    Drake Hogestyn was born in 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He didn’t originally plan to become an actor.

    Instead, he earned a degree in microbiology and applied sciences from the University of South Florida, where he attended on a baseball scholarship.

    He dreamed of becoming a dentist but ended up signing with the New York Yankees’ minor league baseball team.

    Unfortunately, his baseball career ended when he was injured in 1977.

    Hogestyn’s path to acting began when he entered a talent search hosted by Columbia Pictures.

    Out of 75,000 people, he was selected and soon started his acting career.

    His first big role was on the TV series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

    After several other acting jobs, he finally landed the role of John Black on Days of Our Lives, the character that made him famous.

    Drake Hogestyn
    Source: Instagram /drakehogestyn

    A Deep Love for Family

    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.

    The couple had 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 that moment, 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 on Days 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.

    His performances helped Days of Our Lives win several awards, including Daytime Emmy Awards and People’s Choice Awards.

    Even though there were times when Hogestyn faced tough challenges—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 without hardship. In 2016, he suffered a serious brain injury that kept him off the show for several months.

    Despite this setback, he returned to Days of Our Lives in 2017 and continued to perform with the same passion and dedication that made him a fan favorite.

    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
    Source: Instagram /drakehogestyn

    A Legacy of Love and Dedication

    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 opera legend, 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 his incredible contribution to television and for the deep love he shared with his family.

    His legacy will live on, both in the many episodes of Days of Our Lives that fans continue to enjoy and in the hearts of those who knew him personally.

    Drake Hogestyn’s Achievements

    CategoryDetails
    Television CareerPlayed John Black on Days of Our Lives for 38 years (1986-2024).
    Total EpisodesAppeared in over 4,200 episodes of Days of Our Lives.
    Awards4 Soap Opera Digest Awards:
    – Hottest Male Star (1994, 1995)
    – Favorite Couple with Deidre Hall (1995, 2005)
    Show AwardsContributed to Days of Our Lives winning 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 AchievementsOvercame a serious brain injury in 2016 and returned to acting in 2017.
    Career Before ActingPlayed minor league baseball with the New York Yankees before transitioning to acting.
    Big BreakSelected from 75,000 participants in a Columbia Pictures talent search.
    FamilyMarried 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 on Days 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.

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