From the Beginning – A Look Back at a Soap Star’s Start
Before he became the legendary John Black, Days of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn was just a guy chasing a dream—and, as fate would have it, about to stumble into daytime TV stardom. Today, with nearly four decades under his belt on DOOL, Drake is opening up about his early years on the show. Spoiler: they were anything but glamorous.
From awkward first takes to on-set surprises, this is the real story behind how one of Salem’s most iconic characters came to life. And trust me, if you’re a fan, you’ll want to read every word.
Who Is Drake Hogestyn? A Quick Refresher for Newbies
From Baseball to the Big Screen
Not everyone knows that Drake’s original dream was to play professional baseball. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the early ’70s, an injury forced him to pivot—and that detour eventually led him straight to Hollywood.
The DOOL Breakthrough
In 1986, he joined Days of Our Lives in one of the most mysterious, twist-filled introductions in soap history—as the bandaged and unnamed “The Pawn.” Viewers were hooked. And just like that, Drake Hogestyn became a household name.
The Early Days: “I Had No Idea What I Was Doing”
First Day Jitters on Set
Drake often laughs about how green he was back then. He’s shared that on his first day, he could barely find his mark—let alone navigate soap pacing.
“I came from sports. Suddenly, I was on a soap set with lights, scripts, and actors who had been doing this for years,” he recalled.
Learning the Soap Opera Ropes
Soap acting is a beast of its own. Fast scripts, long hours, and emotionally demanding scenes were a major adjustment. But Drake credits his co-stars and the DOOL crew for helping him find his footing.
Becoming John Black: The Role That Changed Everything
The Evolution of a Character
John Black wasn’t born overnight. In fact, his identity changed multiple times. From The Pawn, to Roman Brady, to finally being revealed as John Black, it was a rollercoaster of rewrites.
Building a Legacy from Mystery
Drake embraced the chaos. Instead of resisting the ever-changing backstory, he leaned in—and turned John Black into a multi-layered character that fans couldn’t get enough of.
Working with Deidre Hall: The Marlena Magic
Instant Chemistry On and Off Camera
It’s impossible to talk about Drake’s early years without mentioning Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans). Their chemistry was instant and electric. Fans shipped them from day one, and their storyline exploded in popularity.
Soap’s Ultimate Supercouple
Together, John and Marlena redefined romance on daytime television. And off-camera? Drake says Deidre was like a guide in those early years, helping him adjust and thrive.
Behind the Scenes in the ’80s and ’90s
Fast Scripts, Faster Turnarounds
Drake recalls shooting entire episodes in a single day. Back then, there was no time for perfection—just performance. He had to think on his feet, memorize lines fast, and deliver drama at full tilt.
Real Talk About the Pressure
“I had days where I wondered if I could keep up,” Drake admits. “But the fans’ support? That kept me going.”
Fan Reactions in the Early Years
Instant Fame Was… Weird
Drake went from anonymous to daytime heartthrob in what felt like a heartbeat. He remembers fans approaching him in grocery stores and airports, calling him “Roman” or “John.”
The Fan Mail Flood
Early DOOL fandom was intense. Drake’s dressing room overflowed with letters. From marriage proposals to heartfelt thank-yous, it was overwhelming—but also incredibly motivating.
Adjusting to Fame and Family Life
Balancing Stardom and Fatherhood
Drake and his wife Victoria raised four kids while he was juggling fame. He says coming home to them every night grounded him—especially during those exhausting early soap years.
“My Family Is My Anchor”
Even as his character’s life twisted through affairs, abductions, and amnesia, Drake kept things simple at home. “I never wanted the Hollywood stuff to get in the way of real life.”
The Turning Point – When It All Clicked
A Moment of Confidence
Drake says the moment he finally felt like he belonged was during a long, emotional hospital scene. He remembers finishing the take and hearing the director quietly say, “That’s the one.”
From Rookie to Veteran
That was the moment the nerves melted away, and the character of John Black fully came alive. Drake wasn’t just acting anymore—he was owning the role.
Staying Relevant Decades Later
Reinventing John Black Through the Years
From spy to priest to international fugitive, Drake has adapted John to fit every wild DOOL storyline imaginable. But through it all, he’s kept the core of the character intact.
Fans Still Love the Original Fire
Despite the years, fans say there’s still something electric about watching Drake on screen. That signature look, that voice, the intensity—it’s all still there.
What Drake Hogestyn Has Learned Looking Back
Embrace the Chaos
Drake says his biggest takeaway from the early years is this: “You have to roll with it.” Soap storylines change fast, but the key is staying committed to the truth of your character.
Never Stop Growing
Even now, decades in, Drake studies scripts, practices scenes, and takes notes. The learning never stops—and that’s what keeps him sharp.
Conclusion: The Younger ‘Days’ That Built a Legend
Drake Hogestyn’s journey from rookie actor to soap icon didn’t happen overnight. It was built on hard work, resilience, a little chaos, and a lot of heart. As he reflects on those early years, it’s clear they weren’t just the foundation for John Black—they were the making of Drake Hogestyn himself.
And honestly? We’re lucky to have watched it all unfold.
FAQs
1. When did Drake Hogestyn first join Days of Our Lives?
He joined the cast in 1986, originally playing a mysterious character known as “The Pawn.”
2. What was Drake Hogestyn’s career before acting?
He was a professional baseball player, drafted by the New York Yankees, before a career-ending injury led him to acting.
3. How did the character of John Black evolve over time?
John started as an unknown figure and evolved into a complex hero, with twists involving mistaken identity, secret missions, and unforgettable romances.
4. What was it like for Drake during his early days on the show?
Drake has shared that he was nervous, overwhelmed, and unsure—but quickly learned the ropes with help from castmates and a strong work ethic.
5. Are Drake Hogestyn and Deidre Hall friends off-screen?
Absolutely. They’ve shared a strong professional relationship and friendship throughout their decades working together on DOOL.
