Soap opera fans mourn the loss of a beloved actor who graced their screens for nearly four decades.
Breitbart reported that Drake Hogestyn, best known for his role as John Black on "Days of Our Lives," has died at the age of 70 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The actor's family announced his passing on the show's social media account, expressing their grief and admiration for his strength during his illness. Hogestyn, who would have turned 71 on October 1, 2024, died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
Hogestyn's portrayal of John Black on Days of Our Lives lasted almost 40 years, captivating audiences with his charismatic performance. The actor joined the cast in 1986, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the long-running soap opera.
In a 2011 interview, Hogestyn reflected on his character's complex journey, stating:
Over the course of 25 years, at one point or another I have referred to myself as 13 different identities in search of my true identity.
Before his acting career, Hogestyn was a minor-league baseball player from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Injuries led him to pursue acting, where he found tremendous success in the world of daytime television.
Throughout his career, Hogestyn garnered significant recognition for his work. He was a two-time winner of the "Hottest Male Actor" award at the Soap Opera Digest awards, cementing his status as a heartthrob and talented performer in the genre.
His versatility as an actor was evident in the various roles he played within the character of John Black. From policeman to private investigator to secret agent, Hogestyn brought depth and intrigue to each iteration of his character's identity.
Beyond "Days of Our Lives," Hogestyn made his mark in other television productions. He was a regular on the 1980s TV series "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and made guest appearances on shows like "Otherworld" and "Criminal Minds."
Hogestyn's impact on "Days of Our Lives" was substantial, with the actor appearing in over 4,000 episodes of the soap opera. His on-screen romance with Deidre Hall's character, Marlena Evans, became one of the most iconic pairings in soap opera history, rivaling other legendary couples like Luke and Laura from "General Hospital."
The actor's dedication to his craft and his long-standing presence on the show made him a pillar of daytime television. His portrayal of John Black endeared him to multiple generations of viewers, creating a lasting legacy in the genre.
Hogestyn continued to appear on "Days of Our Lives" until his death, with a brief hiatus in the 2000s. His commitment to the show and his character remained strong throughout his career, even as he took on other projects like the 2020 Hallmark movie "Christmas Tree Lane."
Drake Hogestyn's passing marks the end of an era for "Days of Our Lives" and soap opera television. The actor died at 70 after battling pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy of nearly 40 years as John Black. Hogestyn's versatile performances, including roles as a policeman, private investigator, and secret agent, captivated audiences and earned him critical acclaim, including two "Hottest Male Actor" awards from Soap Opera Digest.
