A Historic Milestone in Daytime Television
Soap opera fans, buckle up—we’re celebrating a TV achievement that’s nothing short of legendary. Drake Hogestyn, the man behind the ever-evolving and forever iconic John Black, has officially filmed his 4000th episode of Days of Our Lives. Let that number sink in for a second. That’s not just a career—it’s a legacy.
Who Is Drake Hogestyn?
The Face of Daytime Drama
Drake Hogestyn is one of those rare actors whose name is practically synonymous with his character. Since 1986, he’s been the backbone of Days of Our Lives, portraying a man who’s been everything from a priest to a spy, to—at one point—literally a brainwashed pawn.
From Athlete to Actor
Before becoming a daytime star, Drake had dreams of playing Major League Baseball. But after an injury derailed that path, he pivoted to acting—and soap history was made.
The Origin of John Black
A Character Shrouded in Mystery
When John Black first arrived in Salem, nobody—including him—knew who he was. That storyline set the tone for decades of plot twists, mistaken identities, and dramatic revelations. Drake’s portrayal gave the role depth, even when the writing got wild (and let’s be honest, it often did).
Evolution of an Icon
Over the years, John transformed from mystery man to Salem’s moral compass. He became a devoted husband, a fierce protector, and the guy you call when things get weird in Salem—which is basically all the time.
4000 Episodes—Let’s Put That Into Perspective
Over Three Decades of Dedication
Drake started his journey on Days in 1986. That’s nearly four decades of portraying the same character. Most TV shows don’t even make it to Season 4, let alone 4000 episodes.
What 4000 Episodes Really Mean
Let’s break it down:
-
4000 episodes = roughly 80,000 pages of script memorized.
-
Over 3,500 hours of screen time.
-
Thousands of hours spent on set, in wardrobe, in makeup.
Talk about commitment!
Why Fans Love John Black
He’s the Ultimate Survivor
John Black has been presumed dead, shot, poisoned, kidnapped, brainwashed, and framed. And that’s just on Tuesdays. Yet, he always comes back—stronger, wiser, and more iconic.
Romance Goals
His love story with Marlena Evans (played by Deidre Hall) is the stuff of soap opera legend. Through demonic possessions, comas, and endless drama, their connection has never wavered. It’s one of the longest-running (and most beloved) romances in TV history.
Behind the Scenes of a Soap Opera Giant
The Workhorse of the Set
Drake is known for his professionalism and consistency. Co-stars often speak of his work ethic, kindness, and ability to make even the most outrageous scenes feel real.
Navigating Changing Times
Days has seen it all—network moves, streaming shifts, budget cuts. But Drake? He stayed the course, evolving with the times while staying true to his character.
Fans React to the 4000th Episode Milestone
Social Media Erupts in Celebration
The announcement of Drake’s 4000th episode had fans flooding X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook with tribute posts, throwback clips, and messages of support. Hashtags like #Drake4000 and #LegendOfSalem started trending.
Emotional Tributes Pour In
From heartfelt montages to fan art and fanfiction, viewers are going all-out to honor the man who’s been in their living rooms (and hearts) for decades.
The Cast Shares Their Love
Deidre Hall’s Emotional Message
Deidre Hall posted: “Drake, you are the soul of this show. I’ve loved every scene, every laugh, and every wild storyline we’ve tackled together.”
Crew and Writers Reflect
Writers credit Drake for elevating scripts with subtle gestures and powerful silences. Directors praise his preparation. Everyone agrees—he’s the real deal.
Soap Operas Are Changing—But Drake Stays Timeless
From Daytime to Streaming
While Days has made the leap to streaming on Peacock, the show’s heartbeat remains the same—and that heartbeat is John Black.
A Constant in a Shifting Landscape
Trends come and go, but Drake’s consistent performance gives fans a reason to keep watching. He’s like Salem’s North Star—always there, always guiding.
4000 Episodes of Life Lessons
Resilience Through Storytelling
From heartbreak to heroism, John Black has been through it all—and viewers have grown with him. Drake’s portrayal teaches us to never give up, even when life gets insane (or your evil twin frames you).
Embracing the Absurd
Drake has tackled plots that would make most actors cringe. Brain chips? Demonic possession? Time travel? He’s made it all believable.
What’s Next for Drake Hogestyn?
More John Black? Yes, Please!
There are no signs of slowing down. Writers have hinted that John is set to take center stage again, possibly in a storyline that explores his legacy in Salem even deeper.
An Emmy Nod on the Horizon?
With fans pushing harder than ever and a 4000-episode milestone under his belt, maybe—just maybe—the Emmys will finally take notice.
Conclusion: A Legacy That’s More Than Just Numbers
Drake Hogestyn’s 4000th episode is more than a personal achievement—it’s a celebration of endurance, loyalty, and storytelling at its finest. For many, John Black isn’t just a character—he’s family. He’s been with us through life’s ups and downs, offering wisdom, comfort, and yes, a little drama.
So here’s to Drake. To 4000 episodes of unforgettable moments. And to whatever comes next—because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that John Black always has one more twist in store.
FAQs
Q1: When did Drake Hogestyn first appear on Days of Our Lives?
He made his debut in 1986, initially portraying a mysterious character who would later be revealed as John Black.
Q2: How many years has
As of 2025, he’s portrayed the character for 39 years, an impressive run by any television standard.
Q3: Is Drake Hogestyn still active on Days of Our Lives?
Yes! He’s still a major presence on the show and continues to play a pivotal role in Salem’s ongoing storylines.
Q4: Has Drake Hogestyn ever won a Daytime Emmy?
Surprisingly, no—though fans and critics alike believe he’s long overdue for a nomination and win.
Q5: Where can fans watch his 4000th episode celebration?
Catch Days of Our Lives on Peacock or check NBC for special tributes and behind-the-scenes coverage.
