The show gives a first look at the emotional ending to John Black’s storyline.
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 Drake Hogestyn passed away. Days of Our Lives official 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 begins with Kristin (Stacy Haiduk) and her daughter Rachel discussing the night that E.J. (Dan Feuerriegel) was shot. Rachel explains “The night Uncle EJ was shot Johnny was there he was fighting with Uncle EJ he had a gun.”
Meanwhile, Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) confronts Xander (Paul Telfer) over his latest actions, saying “The time has come, I will do everything in my power to protect my granddaughter.” Afterwards we see Xander being arrested by Jada (Elia Cantu) at the hospital for the assault of Philip. 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.”
It’s never easy to say goodbye — especially when it’s to someone who’s been a constant presence in our living rooms for more than five decades. As Drake Hogestyn, the man behind the iconic John Black, prepares for his final bow on Days of Our Lives, fans around the globe are bracing for an emotional farewell.
Who Is Drake Hogestyn?
The Man Behind John Black
If you’re a soap opera fan, you already know the name John Black. But the man who made the role unforgettable is Drake Hogestyn, a fan favorite who first appeared on Days of Our Lives back in 1986. With rugged good looks, smoldering intensity, and a magnetic screen presence, Hogestyn helped turn John Black into one of the most iconic characters in soap history.
The Legacy of John Black
More Than Just a Character
John Black wasn’t just another name in Salem. He was a mystery man turned family man, a spy turned hero, and always, always the love of Dr. Marlena Evans’ life. His character arc spanned wild plot twists, identity swaps, near-death experiences, and some of the most romantic storylines ever aired on daytime TV.
A Constant Through the Chaos
While other characters came and went, John Black remained the rock. Through every DiMera scheme and every family betrayal, John stood firm — a symbol of loyalty and strength.
Why Fans Are Saying “Don’t Leave Us”
A Voice of Stability in an Ever-Changing World
In a genre where characters die, come back, and get recast all the time, Drake Hogestyn stayed. Fans grew up watching him. Some started watching as kids and are now sharing the show with their own children. Saying goodbye isn’t just about a show — it’s about letting go of a piece of our own past.
His On-Screen Chemistry with Deidre Hall
Let’s not forget Marlena and John. They were the couple. The gold standard. The kind of love story people dream about. Saying goodbye to John also feels like losing half of that perfect pair.
Behind the Scenes of His Final Days
A Farewell Episode Filled with Nostalgia
Sources from inside the production say Drake’s final episode will be a tribute to his legacy, filled with emotional flashbacks, heartfelt conversations, and nods to pivotal moments from his 51-year run.
Co-Stars Reflect
Actors and crew alike have shared emotional farewells on social media. Deidre Hall, who plays Marlena, posted:
“Drake brought heart and soul to every scene. Sharing this journey with him has been one of the greatest honors of my career.”
What to Expect in His Last Appearance
John Black’s Final Moments
The final scenes are said to be simple but powerful. No over-the-top explosions. No bizarre plot twists. Just John Black saying goodbye — to Marlena, to Salem, and to us.
A Storyline That Honors His Character
Rather than writing him off or killing him off, the writers chose to give him agency. He makes a choice to leave — a choice rooted in love and personal growth.
How Soap Operas Handle Iconic Exits
It’s Rare to Get It Right
Let’s be real: soap operas don’t always nail goodbyes. Sometimes it’s rushed. Sometimes it’s messy. But every now and then, they get it just right — and this time, they did.
A Masterclass in Closure
John’s farewell is being hailed as a masterclass in emotional storytelling. It’s not just about drama — it’s about connection. And it’s giving fans the closure they need.
Why Drake Hogestyn’s Exit Hits So Hard
51 Years of Memories
That’s not just a career — that’s a lifetime. Drake’s portrayal of John Black spans generations, and the emotional impact of his exit runs deep.
A Real-Life Goodbye
This isn’t just a character stepping away from a storyline — it’s a man walking away from the role that defined much of his life. Fans can feel the weight of that decision in every scene.
Fans React: “Say It Ain’t So!”
A Social Media Outpouring
Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram lit up with reactions as the news broke. Hashtags like #Don’tLeaveUsDrake and #ForeverJohnBlack trended for days.
Letters, Art, and Tribute Videos
Fans are expressing their love in every way imaginable — from fan art to video tributes to heartfelt letters thanking Drake for all the memories.
What’s Next for ‘Days of Our Lives’?
A New Chapter Begins
John Black’s exit signals a new chapter for Salem. Rumors are flying about new families, bold storylines, and even legacy character returns. But the hole John leaves behind will be tough to fill.
Will Marlena Stay?
That’s the million-dollar question. Without John, where does Marlena go? As of now, Deidre Hall remains with the show — but storylines are shifting.
Will Drake Hogestyn Ever Return?
“Never Say Never” in Salem
Soap fans know one thing for sure: no one is ever truly gone. Whether it’s through dream sequences, flashbacks, or surprise twists, there’s always hope. And Drake himself has said, “I’ll never say never.”
Lessons from a Legendary Goodbye
Sometimes, Simplicity Wins
You don’t need explosions or shocking reveals to make an impact. Drake’s farewell proves that heartfelt storytelling, rooted in character, is what sticks with us.
The Power of Showing Up
Drake Hogestyn showed up — day after day, year after year — with grace, grit, and passion. That’s a legacy no plot twist can erase.
Conclusion: Saying Goodbye, Not Letting Go
Drake Hogestyn’s final chapter on Days of Our Lives isn’t just a TV moment. It’s a cultural milestone. For five decades, he gave us everything — and now, as he steps off the stage, we’re left with gratitude, nostalgia, and a whole lot of tissues.
So, here’s to you, John Black. You were our mystery man, our hero, our heart. You’ll always have a place in Salem — and in ours.
