The Emmy Recognition That’s Been 33 Years in the Making
Drake Hogestyn has been a fixture on Days of Our Lives since 1986, portraying the enigmatic, often heroic John Black. He’s weathered memory loss, spy games, forbidden love, and family betrayals — and that’s just in character. Despite an iconic career spanning over three decades, one honor still eludes him: a Daytime Emmy nomination. The question echoing through the soap opera world now is simple: Will this finally be his year?
Who Is Drake Hogestyn? A Soap Opera Icon
The Man Behind John Black
Drake Hogestyn isn’t just another soap actor—he’s a genre-defining force. His character, John Black, has been through more identities than most people have outfits. He’s been Roman Brady, an ISA agent, a priest, and a pawn (literally). But through all the twists, Hogestyn grounded the role with emotional depth, charm, and grit.
Why Viewers Love Him
It’s more than the steely gaze or the action-packed storylines. Fans connect to Hogestyn because he brings sincerity to even the most outlandish soap plots. He makes the impossible seem real—and that’s a skill worth celebrating.
The Daytime Emmy Awards – A Brief Overview
What They Represent
The Daytime Emmys are the gold standard in daytime television. From actors to writers and everyone in between, this award is the industry’s highest recognition. It’s like the Oscars of your afternoon.
Who Gets Nominated (and Why That Matters)
Nominees are chosen based on submitted reels showcasing an actor’s strongest performances. Judges look for emotional range, consistency, and memorable scenes. And that’s exactly where Drake shines.
Why Has Drake Hogestyn Never Been Nominated?
The Politics of Awards Shows
Let’s be real—awards don’t always go to the most deserving. There’s often politics involved: who’s trending, who’s in the spotlight, and who’s submitting for consideration.
Overshadowed by Storylines or Co-Stars
Drake has often played the steady hand while others get the showy material. Think of him as the quarterback doing all the work while the wide receiver gets the glory dance. But that doesn’t make him any less valuable.
What Makes 2025 Different?
A Powerful Comeback Year
After a tough personal year and a break from the screen, Drake returned in 2024 with performances that hit harder emotionally. His scenes with Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) especially reminded fans why they fell in love with him in the first place.
Strong Submission Material
This year, John Black was at the center of major arcs—life and death stakes, family drama, inner conflict. Perfect material for a Daytime Emmy reel.
Social Media Is Rallying Behind Drake
Fan-Led Campaigns Are Gaining Momentum
From fan accounts to YouTube compilations, the push for Drake’s first Emmy nod is heating up. The hashtag #EmmyForDrake is trending among soap circles.
Why Public Support Matters
In today’s digital world, Emmy buzz doesn’t stay in boardrooms—it lives online. Networks and Emmy voters can’t ignore a strong social media movement, especially when it’s this loud.
What Critics Are Saying
Growing Critical Praise
TV critics have started recognizing the emotional nuance in Drake’s performances. “Subtle but impactful,” one reviewer noted. Another wrote, “Hogestyn’s ability to carry gravitas while staying grounded is unmatched in daytime television.”
Acknowledgment From Fellow Actors
Co-stars and even actors from rival soaps have shown support. Deidre Hall herself publicly stated, “No one deserves it more than Drake. He’s the heart of the show.”
The Power of Longevity in Daytime Drama
33 Years and Still Going Strong
Let that number sink in: 33 years. That’s longer than some marriages, presidencies, and certainly many TV shows. Maintaining audience interest and character consistency over decades is Emmy-worthy on its own.
Loyalty Meets Legacy
Drake Hogestyn represents more than just a long-standing character—he symbolizes the soul of Days of Our Lives. It’s high time that legacy was recognized.
Emmy Worthy Performances in 2024
The Emotional Hospital Scenes
Fans are still talking about John’s emotional breakdown during Marlena’s health scare. The raw emotion, the vulnerability—it was peak daytime drama, delivered with finesse.
Confrontations with Long-Lost Family
Whether it was reuniting with estranged children or confronting ghosts from the past, Hogestyn made every scene feel personal and layered.
Could This Nomination Redefine His Career?
The Boost a Nomination Can Bring
Even one nomination can shift the narrative. It not only validates years of hard work, but it also elevates an actor’s status within the industry. For Drake, this could be the recognition he’s long deserved.
An Award for the Fans Too
Let’s be honest—this nomination wouldn’t just be about Drake. It would honor decades of loyalty from fans who’ve supported John Black through every resurrection, romance, and identity crisis.
What Happens If He Wins?
A Historic Moment for Daytime TV
If Drake scores a nomination—and ultimately a win—it would be a landmark moment in soap history. An underdog story, a veteran finally being acknowledged.
Setting a Standard for Recognition
His win could encourage future Emmy voters to look beyond flashy newcomers and appreciate actors who’ve delivered consistent, compelling performances for years.
How You Can Support Drake’s Emmy Campaign
Social Media Advocacy
Post. Share. Tag. Use hashtags like #DaytimeEmmys #JohnBlack #EmmyForDrake. Let the decision-makers hear your voice.
Engage With the Show
The more buzz Days of Our Lives gets, the better. Ratings and online engagement can nudge award shows to pay attention.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Give Credit Where It’s Due
Drake Hogestyn has given his all to Days of Our Lives—heart, soul, and decades of unforgettable moments. His portrayal of John Black is iconic, layered, and undeniably deserving of recognition. A Daytime Emmy nomination would be more than just a nod; it would be a long-overdue celebration of a career defined by excellence and passion.
So, will this be the year? If there’s any justice in the world of daytime drama, the answer should be yes.
FAQs
Q1: Has Drake Hogestyn ever been nominated for a Daytime Emmy?
Surprisingly, no. Despite over three decades on Days of Our Lives, Drake has never received an Emmy nomination.
Q2: What role does Drake play on Days of Our Lives?
He plays John Black, a central character who has been a hero, spy, husband, and father—often all in the same week.
Q3: Why is there Emmy buzz around him now?
His powerful return to the screen in 2024 featured emotionally charged performances that stood out in the soap world.
Q4: How can fans help support his Emmy chances?
Engage on social media using hashtags, share clips of his performance, and keep the conversation alive online.
Q5: Where can I watch his recent performances?
You can stream Days of Our Lives on Peacock or check for episodes on your local NBC affiliate, depending on availability.
