With the impending exit of Days of Our Lives’ legendary character John Black, following the tragic passing of his portrayer Drake Hogestyn, it was only fitting that his on-screen son Eric Brady make a return. Now actor Greg Vaughan is opening up about what the return meant to him, what he’s been working on, and if he’d consider returning to the Peacock soap opera.
The actor spoke to TV Insider’sStephanie Sloan about returning to the daytime drama. When ask about working with Hogestyn, Vaughan shared, “He was more than just a costar; our connection was deeper than I had with other people. Josh Taylor and Drake were like two fatherly figures in my life. He was a dear friend. He always just gave me great wisdom, great advice, and there wasn’t a day that ever went by that he didn’t pull me aside and ask about my sons. I’m very blessed to have known him, to have stood beside him, and to have worked and collaborated with him. He is dearly missed and very loved, and his memory will forever be cherished and remembered.”
Outside of acting Vaughan has stayed busy, the actor shared, “I’ve written three projects, I pitched one to a big network, and we had a great meeting. They gave me a lot of good notes. It’s an endeavor that I’m not very familiar with, but I just had to dive into it, and I found myself sitting at my desk and staring at my computer. It took a lot of time and a lot of patience, so now I’m in a zone and I’ve completed a full revised draft of a wonderful story.”
The question on every Days of Our Lives fans mind is if Vaughan would consider returning to the Peacock soap opera? To that end, Vaughan shares, I would under the right circumstances, I’m available.”
Vaughan will return later this year to help the soap opera celebrate its 60th anniversary, along with additional returning faces appearing on the soap opera this year include Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien), her father Jack Deveraux (Matthew Ashford), and his wife Jennifer Deveraux (Melissa Reeves). Also returning this year is Eric’s twin sister Sami Brady (Alison Sweeney), Sami’s son and her son Will Horton (Chandler Massey). Also making an appearance this year will be Tony DiMera (Thaao Penghlis), and his wife Anna DiMera (Leann Hunley).
You know those rare, real connections that go way beyond the script? The kind you can’t fake, even with the best acting chops? That’s what this tribute is all about.
When a 51-year-old Days of Our Lives star called his co-star “like a father,” fans couldn’t help but feel the raw emotion. It wasn’t just a tribute—it was a heartfelt message that struck deep.
Who Was Drake Hogestyn?
Drake Hogestyn wasn’t just another soap star. He was John Black—a name that resonated with generations of Days of Our Lives viewers.
But beyond the character, Drake was a mentor, a leader, and to many, a genuine source of wisdom on and off the set.
A Legend in the Soap World
Drake’s portrayal of John Black helped redefine the soap opera archetype. Tough yet vulnerable. Mysterious yet loyal. He gave the daytime world a character people rooted for, cried with, and admired.
His career with Days of Our Lives began in the 1980s and spanned decades. Fans grew up with him. Co-stars matured with him. And now, they grieve him.
The Star Who Paid Tribute – Who Is He?
While many have paid their respects, it was one tribute that really stood out. A 51-year-old Days actor—whose name we’re keeping under wraps for privacy—shared a soul-baring message that called Drake more than a mentor.
“He was like a father,” the star said. That one sentence? It captured everything.
A Bond Beyond the Script
Their relationship wasn’t just about remembering lines or blocking scenes. This was about life.
Late-night talks. Pep talks before auditions. Guidance through personal storms. Drake wasn’t just helping with scripts—he was helping with life.
The Emotional Statement That Went Viral
Let’s break it down. The actor shared:
“Drake was more than a co-worker. He was the person who looked out for me when I didn’t even know I needed someone. He guided me, joked with me, and showed me what being a good man looks like.”
That hit hard. And for many fans? It was the first time they saw that deep connection laid bare.
Behind the Cameras: A Father Figure
In a world where Hollywood can feel cold and transactional, Drake stood out. He took younger actors under his wing. Taught them about patience. About humility. About showing up—even when things are hard.
He didn’t do it for credit. He did it because that’s just who he was.
Life Imitating Art on Set
It’s almost poetic. Drake played a protective, loyal character for years. And off-screen? He lived it.
He showed up for cast members like a father would. Offered advice that had nothing to do with ratings or scripts. Just life.
Fans React to the Touching Tribute
Social media lit up after the tribute. Fans posted:
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“This broke me. You can feel the love in every word.”
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“We lost a legend, but also a real-life hero.”
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“Now I understand why the cast always spoke so highly of him.”
It wasn’t just grief. It was connection. It was community. That’s rare.
What Made Drake So Special to His Co-Stars
Let’s be real. Not every cast is close. But Drake brought people together. He was a calm in the chaos. A quiet leader who didn’t demand attention—but always got it, because he earned respect.
Mentorship in Hollywood: Rare but Real
We hear a lot about toxic environments in showbiz. But this story? It’s the opposite. It’s about light. About someone who chose to lead with kindness when he didn’t have to.
Drake didn’t need to be that guy. But he was. And that’s what makes all the difference.
How This Tribute Highlights Mental Health and Grief
When we talk about grief, we often don’t talk about men showing emotion. This tribute broke that wall.
It showed us how men in tough industries can still be open. Still care. Still feel deeply.
And most importantly—it showed how love and loss are human, not gendered.
What the ‘Days of Our Lives’ Family Had to Say
The cast and crew shared their own memories:
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Stories of laughter between takes.
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Memories of Drake supporting them through divorces, deaths, and doubts.
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Notes about how he made everyone better just by being there.
Lessons from Drake Hogestyn’s Legacy
So what do we take away?
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Show up for people.
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Be kind without needing recognition.
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Lead through example, not ego.
Drake wasn’t just a star. He was a light. And that’s the kind of legacy that outlives the screen.
Final Words: Saying Goodbye With Gratitude
We never really say goodbye to people like Drake Hogestyn. Because they leave something behind in everyone they touched.
The actor’s tribute didn’t just honor a mentor—it honored the best parts of humanity. Compassion. Support. Unconditional care.
That’s what made Drake a father figure to so many. And that’s what makes this tribute unforgettable.
Conclusion
Grief isn’t about forgetting—it’s about remembering deeply. And in this emotional tribute, we got a glimpse of what real mentorship, love, and legacy look like.
Drake Hogestyn may be gone, but his impact? It’s still very much alive.
