Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black for 38 years on Days of Our Lives, has died at the age of 70.
Hogestyn’s family announced his death on the show’s Instagram page, telling fans he had shown “unbelievable fight” during his battle with pancreatic cancer.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” it reads. “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. 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.”
Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday said the news was “very difficult” in a statement to PEOPLE.
“Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched,” Corday said.
Kassie DePaiva, who played Eve on Days of Our Lives, praised her co-star saying Hogestyn “made the world a better place.”
“I’m so saddened by this news. One of the kindest people I have ever worked with. What an amazing life he lived. He will be missed,” DePaiva wrote on X.
Alison Sweeney, who portrayed Sami Brady on the soap opera, called Hogestyn “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 wrote on Instagram. “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, who played Hope Williams Brady on the program, also paid tribute
“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 …… Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all everyday Drake on set and off, you were always our hero,” she wrote on Instagram.
Genie Francis, who played Diana Colville on Days from 1987 to 1989, wrote on X: “So sad to hear of Drake Hogestyn’s passing. Such a wonderful and kind man. It was a pleasure to work with him. I always loved how much he loved his wife and children.”
Christopher Sean, who starred as John’s illegitimate son Paul Narita, wrote on X: “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.”
Hogestyn joined Days in 1986 as John Black — who Variety described as a “mysterious and heroic spy, mercenary, police officer, private investigator and secret agent” — quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Alongside Deidre Hall’s Marlena Evans, Hogestyn helped form one of daytime’s most beloved romances.
In a 2023 interview with PEOPLE, Hall reflected on the popularity of their Black and Evans’ relationship over the years with Days fans.
“We’re the couple that teaches you that people stay together through thick and thin, and they stay loving, and they stay sensual and sexual, and that’s worth fighting for,” she said at the time. “(Fans are) able to suspend the disbelief long enough to really sink into the story.”
In a 2018 interview with Soap Opera Digest, the pair spoke about their initial meeting with Hall revealing how the two had “magic and chemistry” during their first audition together.
“It felt good and usually, it doesn’t feel like that,” Hogestyn said.
“I tested with him because I would’ve been playing with him and when everybody was done — they look at all of the scenes, obviously — and I got called upstairs saying, ‘Okay, we know what we think, what do you think because you’ve got to work with him?’ And everybody was in agreement and it was Drake! Nobody came close to being the kind of figure, and having that sort of magic and chemistry and the male hero attraction. And that was the beginning of it,” Hall added.
Elsewhere in the interview, Hogestyn shared his thoughts as to why audiences had become so attached to the lives of John and Marlena.
“I think John and Marlena epitomize sacrifice to each other and overcoming all of the obstacles that every couple faces every single day. We don’t take that responsibility lightly. I think it’s a good signal to send out there to the audience,” Hogestyn said.
Hogestyn is survived by his childhood sweetheart, Victoria Post, whom he wed in 1986, his four children and seven grandchildren.