Veteran Days of Our Lives actor Drake Hogestyn who is best known for his long-running role as John Black has passed away.
DRAKE HOGESTYN DIES
Days of Our Lives reveals actor Drake Hogestyn who played John Black for 38 years has died due to pancreatic cancer.
The soapie confirmed his passing in a statement on X on Sunday, 29 September.
“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,” reads the statement.
“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.”
Variety reports that Hogestyn first appeared on Days of Our Lives on 24 January 1986 as John Black. His character was a mysterious and heroic spy, mercenary, police officer, private investigator and secret agent.
He appeared in more than 4,200 episodes of the soapie, together with Deidre Hall as his love interest, Marlena Evans.
Fans of the fan-favourite actor took to social media on Sunday to pay tribute.
‘DAYS OF OUR LIVES’ FANS PAY TRIBUTE TO ACTOR
@Bunnies798Acorn: “I’m devastated upon hearing the news of Drake Hogestyn’s passing (John Black). I have been watching him on #Days since the mid 90s & always loves John Black. Loved Marlena & John! Sending prayers to his family, friends, & co-stars.”
@trudat2020: “Passing of #RIPDrakeHogestyn is an absolute gut-punch. The classiest of all players on #DaysofourLives, iconic superhero for the ages,romantic but never sappy, strong but always softhearted&compassionate, #JohnBlack was very best of daytime. We’ll never be the same without him.
@SuperCoupleGal: “I so wanted Drake to be there when #Days ended. I expected him to be there standing next to Diedre so proud for what he was a part of, yet so sad to say goodbye to it. I took that for granted he would be. I’ll never get past the fact #Jarlena didn’t live to be 100 together.”