More Than Blood: How Days of Our Lives’ Late John Black Is Related to Half of Salem
If you’re a longtime fan of Days of Our Lives, then you already know John Black wasn’t just another character—he was a walking web of family ties, mysterious pasts, and emotional storylines. Even though he’s now gone, the character’s presence still lingers in nearly every corner of Salem.
Let’s break down how John Black became one of the most connected—and complicated—characters in the show’s history, with ties that reach far beyond bloodlines.
The Mysterious Beginning of John Black
A Man Without a Name
John Black first appeared in the mid-1980s as The Pawn, a brainwashed man with no memory of his identity. Right off the bat, his storyline was surrounded by intrigue, suspense, and layers of emotional depth.
Was He Roman Brady?
For a time, Salem believed he was Roman Brady, a key figure in the Brady family. It wasn’t until years later that the real Roman returned, and John’s real story began to unfold—sort of.
DNA Doesn’t Matter in Salem—Relationships Do
More Than Bloodlines
In soap operas, family isn’t just about shared DNA—it’s about shared history, loyalty, and betrayal. John Black embodied that perfectly. His relationships weren’t always by birth, but they were always deep, complicated, and meaningful.
The Brady Ties—A Chosen Family
Raised by the Bradys
Even though John wasn’t biologically a Brady, Caroline and Shawn Brady took him in. He grew up alongside Bo, Roman, and Kayla, making him an honorary Brady in every way that counted.
Sibling
To fans, John and the Brady siblings were family. Period. He wasn’t “like” a brother—he was a brother, and their bonds stood the test of decades, secrets, and tragedy.
Marlena Evans—The Love of His Life
A Romance That Defined the Genre
You can’t talk about John without talking about Dr. Marlena Evans. Their love story is legendary, filled with passion, possession, and plot twists that would make Shakespeare dizzy.
A Father Figure to Her Children
John became a father figure to Marlena’s kids—Belle Black, in particular, who he helped raise. His presence helped shape their futures and tethered him even more tightly to the town.
Belle Black—His Daughter, His Legacy
A Complicated Paternity
At first, Belle’s paternity was up in the air. Was she Roman’s? Was she John’s? Eventually, it was confirmed that John was her biological father, cementing his direct bloodline in Salem.
Grandchildren That Carry His Name
Through Belle, John is the grandfather of Claire Brady, connecting him to yet another major family branch.
The DiMera Twist—Yes, He’s One of Them Too
DiMera by Blood
Eventually, it was revealed that John Black is the son of Maude and Timothy Robicheaux, making him part of the DiMera family tree by adoption and twisted fate. Salem’s most notorious family just got even messier.
Brother to Stefano DiMera?
Depending on which version of the family tree you follow (and let’s face it, there are a few), John could be considered a DiMera sibling, which places him in direct relation to EJ, Chad, and other core villains and antiheroes.
Beyond Family—The ISA and the Bigger Picture
From Pawn to Spy
John’s years with the International Security Alliance (ISA) connected him to characters across the globe and in Salem. He mentored, partnered, and protected countless people—creating relationships rooted in shared missions and loyalty.
Kristen DiMera—The Ex That Keeps Coming Back
A Love Gone Terribly Wrong
Kristen and John once shared a passionate relationship—before everything went dark. While they never married, their connection still haunts both of them, creating a toxic yet powerful thread between them.
Ties Through Theresa Donovan
Kristen’s antics once involved John’s almost-daughter-in-law Theresa Donovan, adding even more branches to this tangled web of relationships.
Ties to the Kiriakis Family
Through Brady Black
John adopted and raised Brady Black, whose biological father was Victor Kiriakis. This linked John to one of Salem’s most powerful families, not by blood but by heart.
A Father in All But Name
Brady always called John “Dad.” Their connection wasn’t forced—it was forged through years of care, conflict, and reconciliation.
How Many Kids Does John Black Have?
Belle Black (Biological Daughter)
We’ve covered Belle—but don’t forget her impact. She’s a central piece of John’s legacy.
Brady Black (Adopted Son)
Raised as his own, their bond stood strong through countless trials.
Paul Narita (Biological Son)
Paul, a former baseball player and now ISA agent, added another surprise bloodline to John’s story. Their reunion was one of the most emotional reveals in recent years.
Salem Itself—A Town Tied to One Man
Friend, Father, Fighter
John wasn’t just connected to families—he was connected to the entire town. Whether it was supporting Hope, saving Marlena, or mentoring younger heroes, he left a piece of himself in everyone.
Why John Black’s Death Hits So Hard
A Legacy Bigger Than Storylines
It’s not just the character’s death—it’s what he represented: a moral compass, a romantic lead, a hero with flaws. He touched every character, every family, and every fan.
H3: Viewers Grew Up With Him
For many, John was part of daily life. His death isn’t just a plot point—it feels personal.
Final Thoughts—John Black Was More Than a Character
John Black wasn’t just in Salem—he was Salem. Whether you were Team Brady, DiMera, or Kiriakis, chances are John touched your favorite characters’ lives. His death might’ve been scripted, but his legacy is very real.
Even now, his spirit lingers in every storyline, every flashback, and every tear shed on-screen. John Black was, and always will be, more than blood.
FAQs
Q1: Is John Black related to the Bradys by blood?
No, but he was raised by the Bradys and treated as family, making him an honorary member.
Q2: How is John Black connected to the DiMeras?
He was adopted into the DiMera family under confusing circumstances, linking him to major characters like Stefano and EJ.
Q3: Who are John Black’s children?
His confirmed children are Belle Black (biological), Paul Narita (biological), and Brady Black (adopted).
Q4: Was John Black ever Roman Brady?
Yes, for a time it was believed he was Roman Brady, but it was later revealed that wasn’t true.
Q5: Will John Black return to ‘Days of Our Lives’?
In Salem, anything’s possible. Dead rarely means gone forever. Fans are hopeful for a comeback.
