Drake Hogestyn Dies: ‘Days of Our Lives’ Star Was 70
Drake Hogestyn, who portrayed John Black in the beloved soap “Days of Our Lives,” has died at 70, just one day shy of his 71st birthday. The announcement came via the show’s official social media channels, which shared the somber news: “It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He faced an unexpected challenge when diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, yet he confronted this battle with remarkable fortitude and resolve. After an extraordinary struggle, he departed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.”
The message also highlighted the return of beloved characters to the show, stating, “Days Of Our Lives” is welcoming back super couple Kristian Alfonso and Peter Reckell, as well as Alison Sweeney. However, it also noted that the show’s head writer, Ron Carlivati, would be leaving after seven years with the Peacock network.
Continuing in the tribute, the statement described Hogestyn as “the most wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and actor.” It emphasized his passion for performing for the “Days” audience and collaborating with an exceptional cast, crew, and production team. The heartfelt message concluded with, “We cherish him and will miss him every day of our lives.”
Hogestyn first took on the role of John Black in 1986, with a break from 2009 to 2011, before resuming his portrayal until his passing. A significant moment in his character’s journey was the revelation that he was actually the presumed-dead Roman Brady, a role originally played by Wayne Northrop, following plastic surgery and memory loss.
Ken Corday, the executive producer of the NBC-Peacock series, expressed his grief in a statement reported by Soap Opera Digest, saying, “This is an incredibly tough moment for everyone involved. Hogey was the quintessential team player, and words cannot adequately convey how profoundly he will be missed. His influence on our show, both personally and professionally, was significant and will always remain unparalleled.”
Nancy Lee Grahn, a fellow actress from the acclaimed soap General Hospital, shared her condolences on X, stating, “My heartfelt sympathies go out to Drake Hogestyn’s family, friends, and fans. He was such a gracious and lovely man.”
The industry mourns the loss of a talented actor, remembering his contributions and the joy he brought to many.
