Deidre Hall has paid tribute to her longtime Days of Our Lives co-star Drake Hogestyn following the news of his death at age 70 over the weekend.
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.”
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.
AlongsideHall’s Marlena Evans, Hogestyn helped form one of daytime’s most enduring romances.
“For nearly 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man. Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, and unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains,” Hall said in a statement shared with Access Hollywood.
“My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene. He was gracious and kind to everyone, from the executive staff to the night crew. Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it. Having said that, we always knew that his two greatest loves were his family and the Yankees. Victoria and their children were truly the center of his life. Drake is dearly loved by everyone who ever knew him and he will be missed beyond measure. We will continue, as he always encouraged us, to swing for the fences.”
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.
According to Soap Opera Digest, Hogestyn filmed his last appearance on Feb. 16 with his final Days episode airing on Sept. 9.