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Drake Hogestyn has played John Black on the Peacock soap opera Days of Our Lives since the character was introduced on the show on November 18, 1985. He has been a regular cast member of DOOL for over 39 years.
Earlier this month, there were speculations about Drake Hogestyn being sick as his character John Black was absent from the fictional town of Salem of DOOL for nearly two months. Since Hogestyn or the makers did not confirm anything, it was assumed that the speculations were merely rumors and the actor’s exit was nothing but a creative decision.
However, the situation turned out to be the other way around. On September 28, 2024, veteran actor Drake Hogestyn passed away due to pancreatic cancer. His family announced the news in a statement shared on social media accounts of DOOL.
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Days of Our Lives: How did Drake Hogestyn die?
Days of Our Lives actor Drake Hogestyn lost his life to pancreatic cancer on September 28. On September 29, the family of the beloved actor issued a statement confirming the reason for his death. It was shared on the official Instagram page of Days of Our Lives. The statement read:
“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.”
The statement continued:
“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. We love him and we will miss him all the ‘Days of our Lives’. The Hogestyn family.”
Additional details surrounding his passing haven't been made public by the family. The actor passed away a day before his 71st birthday in Los Angeles.
Days of Our Lives: Who is Drake Hogestyn?
Donald Drake Hogestyn, often referred to as Drake Hogestyn, was an American actor born on September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The actor graduated from North Side High School, following which he got a baseball scholarship and went to the University of South Florida in Tampa. Drake majored in pre-dentistry and double majored in microbiology and applied sciences.
He was selected by two professional baseball teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. Hogestyn joined the Yankees and played third base for one of their minor league teams until he got hurt in 1977.
Hogestyn then married his childhood sweetheart, Victoria Post, on December 31, 1986. The couple has four children: Rachael, Ben, Whitney, and Alexandra, and seven grandchildren.
Beyond his role as John Black, Drake Hosgestyn is known for his roles as Brian McFadden in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1982-1983), Rod in Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues (1885), and John Black in NBC’s Night Sins (1993).
John Black has a huge part in Hogestyn’s professional life as he also represented the character in NBC’s other projects, including One Stormy Night (1992), Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem (2021-2022), and Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas (2021).
Fans can watch the last few episodes featuring Drake Hosgestyn as John Black on Peacock.
