The soap opera world was shaken by the passing of Drake Hogestyn, the beloved actor who portrayed John Black on Days of Our Lives for nearly four decades. His death on September 28, 2024, just one day before his 71st birthday, left a profound impact on his co-stars, fans, and the television industry as a whole. In this article, we reflect on Hogestyn’s illustrious career and the heartfelt tributes paid by his colleagues.
A Storied Career in Daytime Television
Drake Hogestyn’s journey into acting was unconventional. Before entering the entertainment industry, he was a professional baseball player, having signed with the New York Yankees and played for one of their minor league teams until an injury ended his career in 1977. Transitioning to acting, Hogestyn’s first major role was in the CBS series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. In 1986, he joined Days of Our Lives as the mysterious character “The Pawn,” later revealed to be the presumed-dead Roman Brady. His portrayal of John Black became iconic, and he appeared in over 4,200 episodes of the show .
John and Marlena: A Supercouple for the Ages
One of the most enduring aspects of Hogestyn’s career was his on-screen partnership with Deidre Hall, who portrayed Marlena Evans. Their characters, John and Marlena, became one of the most beloved couples in soap opera history. Their chemistry and compelling storylines captivated audiences for decades, earning them numerous accolades, including a Soap Opera Digest Award for “Favorite Couple” in 2005
Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues
Following Hogestyn’s passing, his co-stars and colleagues took to social media to express their grief and admiration. Deidre Hall, who shared a close working relationship with Hogestyn for nearly 40 years, described him as “the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor” . She highlighted his professionalism, kindness, and dedication to his craft.
Alison Sweeney, who portrayed Sami Brady on the show, remembered Hogestyn as “funny, generous and thoughtful,” emphasizing his deep care for every scene and person on set . Kristian Alfonso, known for her role as Hope Williams Brady, shared a video montage featuring photos of her and Hogestyn, calling him a “hero” for the cast and a “loving, loving father, husband and dear friend” .
A Final Farewell
Drake Hogestyn’s final appearance on Days of Our Lives aired on September 9, 2024, two weeks before his death. His passing marked the end of an era for the show and left fans devastated. Executive producer Ken Corday expressed deep sorrow, stating that Hogestyn’s impact on the show, both personally and professionally, was profound and unmatched
Honoring His Legacy
To honor Hogestyn’s memory, the cast and crew of Days of Our Lives participated in the PanCAN PurpleStride event, raising funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer research. The team, named “Hogey’s Home Runners,” raised over $57,000, reflecting the profound impact Hogestyn had on both his family and the community .
Conclusion
Drake Hogestyn’s legacy extends beyond his role as John Black on Days of Our Lives. He was a dedicated actor, a loving family man, and a cherished friend to many. His contributions to daytime television and the lives he touched will not be forgotten. As we remember him, we celebrate a life well-lived and a career that brought joy to millions.
FAQs
1. What was Drake Hogestyn’s most famous role?
Drake Hogestyn was best known for his portrayal of John Black on Days of Our Lives, a role he played for nearly 40 years.
2. How many episodes of Days of Our Lives did Drake Hogestyn appear in?
Hogestyn appeared in over 4,200 episodes of Days of Our Lives during his tenure on the show.
3. Who were Drake Hogestyn’s co-stars on Days of Our Lives?
Hogestyn’s notable co-stars included Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady), and Kristian Alfonso (Hope Williams Brady).
4. What charity did the Days of Our Lives cast support in honor of Drake Hogestyn?
The cast participated in the PanCAN PurpleStride event to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer research in honor of Hogestyn.
5. When did Drake Hogestyn pass away?
Drake Hogestyn passed away on September 28, 2024, just one day before his 71st birthday
