Eric Martsolf Opens Up About Filming John Black’s Emotional ‘Days of Our Lives’ Funeral
The world of daytime television thrives on drama, but every so often, a scene hits differently. That was the case when Days of Our Lives fans watched John Black’s emotional funeral. Behind the scenes, it was just as heart-wrenching — especially for Eric Martsolf. The actor recently opened up about what it was like filming one of the most tearjerking moments in the show’s recent history.
Let’s dive deep into the emotions, memories, and reality of bringing such a powerful storyline to life.
What Made This Scene So Impactful?
It wasn’t just another dramatic goodbye. John Black’s funeral struck a chord with millions. Why? Because he wasn’t just a character — he was a legacy.
John Black: A Character Fans Grew Up With
For over three decades, John Black was a staple of Salem. Played brilliantly by Drake Hogestyn, he embodied strength, loyalty, and mystery. His character had been presumed dead more times than we can count — but this time felt final.
Eric Martsolf’s Connection to the Moment
Eric, who plays Brady Black — John’s son — wasn’t just acting. He was mourning. In interviews, Martsolf admitted that filming that scene was one of the most challenging experiences of his career.
Eric Martsolf: “It Was More Than Just Acting”
Bringing Real Emotion to the Set
Eric didn’t have to fake his emotions. According to him, the tears were real. The lines blurred between character and actor. When he looked at the casket, he didn’t just see John — he saw decades of memories, friendships, and legacy.
“It felt like I was actually saying goodbye,” Martsolf confessed. “Not just as Brady — but as Eric.”
A Tribute to Drake Hogestyn
Although Hogestyn wasn’t actually dead (thankfully), the weight of filming his character’s funeral brought out raw emotion from everyone on set.
How the Cast Reacted to Filming the Scene
The Atmosphere on Set Was Heavy
Usually, there’s chatter and laughter between takes. Not this time. Martsolf described the environment as “eerily quiet,” like a real funeral. Cast members kept their distance, stayed in character, and let the gravity of the scene guide them.
Everyone Brought Their A-Game
It wasn’t just Martsolf who delivered a stunning performance. Every actor involved brought emotional authenticity. Fans at home felt it — and social media blew up with praise.
Why This Scene Resonated with Fans
Loss Is a Universal Experience
Whether or not you’re a Days fan, the theme of loss is universal. Watching someone like John Black get a proper, heartfelt goodbye gave fans space to process their own grief.
The Nostalgia Was Palpable
Let’s be honest: many viewers grew up watching John Black. Saying goodbye to him felt like closing a chapter on their own lives.
The Power of Daytime Drama
More Than Just Soap Operas
People love to mock soaps, but scenes like this remind us how powerful they can be. They’re not just about love triangles and dramatic reveals — they’re about life, loss, and humanity.
Acting That Moves You
Martsolf’s performance wasn’t flashy. It was subtle, grounded, and real. That’s what made it stick.
The Preparation Behind the Tears
How Eric Got Into Character
Martsolf revealed he spent time reflecting on personal loss before filming. He pulled from real experiences, real grief. That’s why it felt so raw.
No One Used Fake Tears
Unlike many productions, Days didn’t need tear sticks or fake crying. The emotion was already there. That’s rare.
Fan Reactions Were Overwhelming
Social Media Exploded
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook — fans couldn’t stop talking about the scene. Hashtags like #JohnBlackForever and #BradyBreakdown trended within hours.
Messages From Viewers Flooded In
Martsolf said he received hundreds of messages from fans thanking him for his performance and sharing their own stories of loss.
What This Means for Brady Black’s Future
A Character Shaped by Grief
Losing John will undoubtedly reshape Brady. Martsolf teased that viewers will see a more complex, emotionally vulnerable side of his character moving forward.
More Grounded, Relatable Storylines Ahead
Instead of jumping into another love affair, Brady’s arc might lean into healing, fatherhood, and rediscovering purpose.
A Turning Point for the Show
A Wake-Up Call for Writers
John Black’s funeral wasn’t just a plot point — it was a moment of reflection. Fans want more grounded, emotionally-driven stories. And this proved it.
A Reminder of the Show’s Legacy
With decades behind it, Days of Our Lives can still surprise, stir emotions, and create viral buzz. That’s the magic.
Eric Martsolf’s Final Thoughts on the Scene
“It was a beautiful goodbye,” he said. “One of the hardest scenes I’ve ever done — and one of the most rewarding.”
Martsolf hopes fans felt the sincerity and that the scene honored the legacy of both the character and the man behind it.
Conclusion: A Farewell That Will Be Remembered
Eric Martsolf’s heartfelt performance during John Black’s funeral wasn’t just another dramatic soap opera moment. It was raw, real, and unforgettable. Whether you’ve been a fan of Days of Our Lives for 30 years or 3 weeks, you felt the weight of that goodbye.
This moment reminds us why we keep watching: for the emotion, the connection, and the characters who feel like family. And thanks to Eric Martsolf, that moment will live on in soap history.
FAQs
1. Was John Black really written off Days of Our Lives for good?
As of now, the funeral suggests a permanent goodbye, but in the world of soaps, anything can happen. Stay tuned.
2. Did Eric Martsolf know about the funeral storyline in advance?
Yes, he had time to prepare emotionally, which helped him deliver such an authentic performance.
3. Are there any behind-the-scenes clips of the funeral episode?
Some behind-the-scenes footage and interviews were shared by NBC and on Martsolf’s social media pages.
4. How did other cast members react to the scene?
Many shared their sadness and admiration for Hogestyn, calling the moment one of the most emotional experiences on set.
5. Will Brady Black’s character change after John’s death?
Yes, Eric hinted at deeper, more introspective storylines for Brady in the coming months.
