“The world lost a great man” - Soap fraternity pays tribute to the late Days of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn

On September 28, 2024, Drake Hogestyn, known to play John Black on Days of Our Lives, passed away due to pancreatic cancer. The soap fraternity paid tribute to the veteran actor and offered their condolences on social media. His co-star Martha Madison, who plays Belle Black, John Black's daughter on Days of Our Lives, said on her Instagram post:

"The world lost a great man"

Drake Hogestyn first appeared on Days of Our Live in 1986, with no memory of his past life as John Black. He was seen opposite Marlena Evans, played by Diedre Hall, and was considered the ideal super couple on the show.

Many soap opera stars paid him tribute on social media platforms and shared fond memories of working with him on Days of Our Lives.

His family gave a statement on Saturday regarding his love for acting on Days of Our Lives. They said:

“He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business.”

In a heartfelt post on Sunday morning, Alison Sweeney, who portrayed Sami Brady on Days of Our Lives, expressed her grief over Drake Hogestyn's passing. She wrote:

"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."

She further added:

"My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug."

Kristian Alfonso portrays the character of Hope Williams Brady of DOOL. She was deeply saddened by the news and wrote that:

"My heart ….. 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 , Always …… "

She further added:

"Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all everyday Drake on set and off you were always our hero . Love you … Rest in Peace my sweet friend"

Thaao Penghalis who plays Tony DiMera on Days of Our Lives took to social media to express his feelings. He said:

"We shared much over the years John Tony & Andre. Great stories were told. To his family, to Deidre & Days so sorry for ur great loss. We will remember him well even though our hearts bleed. Drake thank you & May this next journey be one of great enlightenment. RIP"

Colton Little, who plays Andrew Donovan, paid his tribute to Drake Hogestyn and took to social media to express his feelings regarding the loss of the veteran actor:

"Drake Thank you. You made all of us better. My love goes out to your family, your fans, and to everyone in Salem."

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More about Days of Our Lives actor Drake Hogestyn

Born on September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Drake Hogestyn is best known for his role as John Black on Days of Our Lives. Before becoming an actor, he was an athlete and played baseball with the New York Yankees' minor league until his career was terminated by an injury.

In his private life, Drake married his high school girlfriend, Victoria Post, in 1986. With her, he had four children; during his soap opera days, Victoria acted as a stable factor in his life. She was there for him while he juggled the demands of being both a parent and having a job.

The actor first appeared on DOOL in 1986 as John Black, who had no memory of his past. It was not long before his popularity made him a popular character as one of the key figures on the show for almost four decades.

Since his portrayal of John Black for all these years, Drake has become one of the most identified actors associated with daytime television which helped him consolidate his legacy in the soap opera world.

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Fans of Days of Our Lives can catch the new episodes of the show on Peacock every weekday.