One of Days of Our Lives most beloved characters and actresses is returning to the Peacock streaming soap opera this week. Christie Clark is brining the character of Carrie Brady back home to Salem to say goodbye to her father John Black (Drake Hogestyn). Clark joined the soap in 1986 as a young Carrie Brady, daughter of Roman Brady (Wayne Northrop) and Anna Dimera (Leann Hunley). John Black (Hogestyn) was presumed to be Roman Brady from 1986-1991. In ’91 it was revealed that the ‘REAL’ Roman, portrayed by Northorp, was actually alive. Black then became romantically involved with Carrie’s step-mother Marlena (Deidre Hall), and stayed a present father figure in Carrie’s life throughout the years. Clark portrayed the role of Carrie off and on from 1986-2021.
Now, the moment Days of Our Lives fans have been preparing for has arrived. It’s time to say good-bye to one of daytime’s greatest heroes, as John Black’s family and friends come to say goodbye as the character is written off the Peacock streaming soap opera after actor Hogestynpassed away. Clark will return to the soap opera to support her step-mother Marlena and say good-bye to her father John on May 28. The official Days of Our Lives YouTube channel gave us our first look at the characters exit storyline as the family visit John in the hospital room to say goodbye.
The promo ended as family and friends visit John’s hospital room to say good-bye to the hero. Abe Carver (James Reynolds) visits his longtime friend and says, “we’re family John.” We hear Marlena’s (Deidre Hall) voice over saying, “Family is who sets it in your heart. Who brings you to life, who makes it worthwhile.” While we see scenes of Paul (Christopher Sean), Brady (Eric Martsolf), Will (Chandler Massey), Carrie (Christie Clark), Eric (Greg Vaughn), and Belle (Martha Madison) visiting and saying goodbye to their father/grandfather. We then see Steve (Stephen Nichols) is in the church begging God for a miracle saying, “please help my partner.” Before ending on a shot of Marlena climbing in bed with John saying, “don’t leave us.”
Earlier this year we learned that one of the first stories the new head writing regime would tackle is writing out the character of John Black. Hogestyn had to step away from the role he had inhabited since 1986, for an impressive 4425 episodes, as he courageously fought pancreatic cancer. Hogestyn sadly passed away on September 28, 2024. Speaking of this story, the writers said, “While we wanted John to have a heroic and meaningful exit, we wrote the story with the fervent hope that Drake would be able to return someday. John had already been off for over nine months, and there were only so many missions the man could be on. Realizing he might never come back, while praying he would, we needed to craft an exit that honored John, Drake, and the fans.”
A Legacy That Spanned Generations
For over half a century, ‘Days of Our Lives’ has been a cornerstone of daytime television. And at the heart of it all stood a character we grew up with, cried over, rooted for, and sometimes screamed at through our TV screens. Now, after 51 unforgettable years, that beloved star is returning one final time — not for drama, but for a deeply emotional goodbye.
Who Is Making the Return?
The star in question? Drake Hogestyn, best known for playing the legendary John Black. A name that means everything to soap opera fans. Whether he was battling amnesia, reuniting with Marlena, or getting caught in one of Stefano DiMera’s endless schemes, John Black became more than just a character — he became family.
Why Now? The Story Behind the Farewell
A Bittersweet Decision
After decades in Salem, Drake Hogestyn announced he would be stepping away from the role — not due to scandal or burnout, but because he felt it was time. “I’ve given this role everything I have,” he said in a recent interview. “But I wanted to say goodbye the right way — with love, gratitude, and closure.”
One Last Scene, One Final Message
Rather than slipping off-screen with no explanation, producers and writers decided to give John Black the send-off he deserves. The result? A beautifully written farewell arc that will hit fans right in the feels.
The Episode That Left Everyone in Tears
An Emotional Homecoming
The return episode aired just last week, and if social media reactions are any indication, nobody made it through without sobbing. Set in the iconic Brady Pub and filled with old friends, heartfelt memories, and flashbacks, the scene felt less like a goodbye and more like a love letter to fans.
Marlena and John – The Final Chapter
You can’t talk about John Black without talking about Marlena Evans, played by the ever-graceful Deidre Hall. Their final scene together? Quiet, tender, and absolutely heartbreaking. Think long looks, soft hands, and a “See you in the next life” kind of vibe.
How the Cast and Crew Reacted
Behind the Scenes Emotions
According to insiders, there wasn’t a dry eye on set. Co-stars shared memories, hugs lasted a little longer, and even the usually stoic crew members got choked up.
Deidre Hall’s Tribute
Deidre Hall posted a touching message on Instagram:
“Drake, your kindness, talent, and friendship made every day on set a gift. Thank you for giving Marlena her soulmate.”
The Fans’ Response Was Immediate and Overwhelming
Social Media Lit Up
Within minutes of the episode airing, hashtags like #ThankYouDrake and #GoodbyeJohnBlack trended worldwide. Fans from across generations shared stories of watching John Black through their childhood, college years, and even while raising kids of their own.
Fan Letters, Videos, and Art
It wasn’t just tweets. Fans sent in thousands of letters, tribute videos, digital artwork, and even homemade photo albums featuring screenshots from key John Black moments.
What This Means for the Future of ‘Days of Our Lives’
A Changing of the Guard
With Drake Hogestyn stepping down, ‘Days’ is undeniably entering a new era. Longtime fans may feel the shift deeply, but it also opens the door for new storylines, characters, and legacies to emerge.
Will John Black Ever Return?
While it was framed as a final goodbye, soap operas are notorious for revivals. When asked if he’d ever come back, Drake smiled and said, “Never say never in Salem.”
Reflecting on the Impact of John Black
More Than Just a Soap Character
John Black represented so much — loyalty, redemption, romance, and strength. His evolution from mysterious amnesiac to devoted husband and protector mirrored life’s own unpredictable twists.
Generational Bonding
So many fans mention watching ‘Days’ with their grandmothers or mothers — and John Black was always there. He’s become a symbol of consistency in a changing world.
5 Iconic Moments That Defined John Black
1. The Revelation of His Real Identity
Remember when he thought he was Roman Brady? That plot twist had viewers SHOOK.
2. His Wedding to Marlena
Classic soap moment. The vows, the music, the tears — absolute gold.
3. His Return from the Dead (Again)
Because dying once in Salem just isn’t enough.
4. The DiMera Battles
No one went toe-to-toe with Stefano like John Black.
5. Saying “I Love You” to Marlena for the First Time
Simple, sweet, unforgettable.
Why This Goodbye Hits So Hard
It’s the End of an Era
You can replace characters, recast roles, or introduce fresh faces — but you can’t recreate legacy. Drake Hogestyn gave ‘Days’ something irreplaceable: heart, history, and soul.
It Feels Personal
Because for so many of us, watching John Black wasn’t just entertainment — it was comfort. It was routine. It was family.
The Power of a Proper Send-Off
TV doesn’t always get it right. But this time? They nailed it. The farewell wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t overly dramatic. It was real. It was honest. And most importantly — it felt earned.
Conclusion: The Goodbye We Didn’t Want, But Deserved
Sometimes the hardest part of saying goodbye is knowing it means something actually mattered. Drake Hogestyn’s portrayal of John Black wasn’t just iconic — it was foundational. As soap fans, we’ve seen characters come and go. But John Black? He stayed. Through all the chaos, the scandals, the resurrections — he was our anchor.
So here’s to Drake Hogestyn. To 51 years of memories. And to the kind of farewell that reminds us why we fell in love with daytime drama in the first place.
