Days of Our Lives has given fans a glimpse at John Black’s (Drake Hogestyn) funeral. The Salem hero died this week, nine months after Hogestyn passed away from a private battle with pancreatic cancer.
Access Hollywood shared a first look at John’s funeral, which will air on Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10. The funeral takes place at the back of St. Luke’s church, where Victor’s (John Aniston) and Doug’s (Bill Hayes) funerals are held. One Reddit user captured the images from Access Hollywood to let fans know it will be a rough couple of days. Several pictures are in the thread, including one of Marlena (Deidre Hall) staring at various pictures of her beloved John.
Two pictures feature an emotional Brady (Eric Martsolf) hugging Marlena at the funeral. Eric (Greg Vaughan) delivers a speech, kicking off the tribute to not just John, but Hogestyn.
There isn’t a dry eye in the house as Belle (Martha Madison), Carrie (Christie Clark), Steve (Stephen Nichols), Kayla (Mary-Beth Evans), Shane (Charles Shaughnessy), Roman (Josh Taylor), Paul (Christopher Sean), Tate (Leo Howard), Abe (James Reynolds), Paulina (Jackée Harry), Johnny (Carson Boatman), Chanel (Raven Bowens), and Andrew (Colton Little) gather to say goodbye to a legend.
Although he’s not featured in the photos, fans know Will (Chandler Massey) will also be at the funeral. The character returned to Salem last week after John’s accident.
Jack (Mathew Ashford), Jennifer (Melissa Reeves), Anna (Leann Hunley), and Tony (Thaao Penghlis) are all back for John’s funeral, too. They will be in the mix at some point, even though they were not in the Access Hollywood first look. Grab those tissues, Days of Our Lives fans, because the funeral for John Black and tribute to Drake Hogestyn is going to be a tearjerker. We are so not ready!
If you’ve ever tuned into Days of Our Lives, then you probably know the name John Black. He wasn’t just another soap character—he was the man. Mysterious past, passionate love stories, and one hell of a loyal fan base. So when the show recently teased his funeral, it sent shockwaves across the soap opera universe.
We’re diving deep into what we know, what it means, and why fans can’t stop talking about John Black’s emotional sendoff.
The Legacy of John Black
Who Is John Black?
Let’s rewind a bit. John Black, played by the legendary Drake Hogestyn, made his debut in the mid-80s. Over the decades, he’s been a priest, a secret agent, a pawn (literally), and—more than anything—a lover and protector. His romance with Marlena Evans? Iconic. His presence on DOOL? Irreplaceable.
Why Fans Are So Invested
This isn’t just about a character dying—it’s like losing a member of the family. Fans have watched John battle villains, come back from the dead (more than once), and stand as the moral compass of Salem. His departure feels deeply personal to longtime viewers.
First Look at the Funeral Scene
A Visually Stunning Tribute
The first images of John’s funeral are nothing short of cinematic. A candle-lit church, mourners in black, Marlena with tear-filled eyes—it’s the kind of gut-wrenching drama only DOOL could deliver. The showrunners clearly pulled out all the stops to give John the farewell he deserves.
Who Attended the Funeral?
From Roman Brady to Steve Johnson, nearly every major Salem figure was present. The scenes were laced with old rivalries, heartfelt speeches, and even a few unexpected returns (more on that later).
Fan Theories and Shocking Twists
Is John Black Really Dead?
Come on, this is Days of Our Lives we’re talking about. Fans are already speculating that this could be yet another classic fake-out. After all, John’s “died” before. And let’s not forget about the mysterious figure spotted lurking outside the church…
Could Stefano DiMera Be Involved?
Yes, he’s dead (again), but Stefano’s legacy looms large. Some fans believe John’s death might be tied to an unfinished mission or long-lost enemy.
How the Funeral Impacts Salem
Marlena Evans Faces a New Chapter
Watching Marlena say goodbye was, in a word, brutal. She’s been the heart of John’s story—and now she’s left to write her own. Could this push her into a new relationship? Or a darker emotional arc?
Brady Black and Family Fallout
Brady’s eulogy was powerful, but what comes next? The funeral stirs up old wounds, and we might be headed for some serious family drama.
Emotional Highlights from the Episode
The Flashback Montage That Broke Us
Prepare the tissues—DOOL gifted fans with a beautifully edited montage of John’s greatest hits. From his steamy kisses with Marlena to his heroic rescues, every moment reminded us why he mattered.
Sami’s Surprise Appearance
Yep, Sami Brady showed up unannounced, delivering one of the episode’s most emotionally charged moments. Her history with John is complicated, and she didn’t hold back.
Behind the Scenes of the Farewell
Drake Hogestyn’s Thoughts on the Exit
In a recent interview, Drake called it “the most emotional storyline” he’s ever filmed. He expressed gratitude to fans and hinted that this might not be the last we’ve seen of him.
How the Cast Reacted
Word has it, many cast members were crying off-screen too. That’s how beloved John is—not just to fans, but to his fellow actors.
The Bigger Picture for ‘Days of Our Lives’
Are We Entering a New Era?
With John gone, DOOL is likely pivoting into new territory. Younger characters are stepping into the spotlight, but the big question is—will fans stick around?
Ratings Surge or Backlash?
The funeral episode delivered a massive ratings bump. But if John’s death is permanent, the writers are walking a fine line between brilliance and backlash.
What Comes Next?
Will There Be a Twist?
DOOL is famous for its twists. A resurrection? A secret twin? A mind-wipe scenario? It’s all possible.
The Mysterious Letter Found After the Funeral
A cryptic letter found in John’s belongings may point to something bigger—possibly a secret mission or hidden enemy. This could be the thread that pulls John back into the story… even from the grave.
Why This Episode Matters
A Love Letter to Longtime Fans
This wasn’t just another plot point. It was a moment that honored decades of storytelling, love, loss, and legacy.
A Reminder of Soap Opera Power
Some say soaps are dying. This episode proved otherwise. When done right, they still move people—deeply.
Conclusion: The End of John Black… Or Is It?
John Black’s funeral was everything fans hoped for and feared. It was emotional, dramatic, nostalgic, and filled with love. Whether this is truly the end or the beginning of a twist no one saw coming, one thing’s for sure—John Black’s shadow will loom large over Salem for years to come.
And maybe, just maybe, we haven’t seen the last of him.
