Nine months since his death at 70 from pancreatic cancer, and from his final appearance on Days of Our Lives, soap legend Drake Hogestyn’s longtime Days character, John Black, finally drew his last breath. When the residents of Salem last saw Hogestyn, the character he’s played since 1986 was imparting some poignant words of wisdom on his grandson, Tate (Leo Howard). Though Hogestyn never returned, John soldiered on, getting caught up in a shocking amount of trouble before his tragic passing.
As a spy for ISA (the show’s fictional International Security Alliance), Black was dispatched to Estonia to the chagrin of wife Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) and associate Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols), who searched for him in vain. He was M.I.A. until the ISA brought him back in May, and the character was shown only from behind.
Desperate to save Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) from sepsis, John and Steve broke into a lab to steal an experimental drug, but an explosion landed John in the hospital. Other Days characters have survived far worse than sepsis, lab explosions, and third-degree burns, but John wasn’t so lucky.
June 2’s episode depicted his family’s tearful bedside farewells while John lay in a full-body cast that obscured even his face. Marlena’s goodbye proved especially poignant for longtime Days fans, who’ve rooted for the super-couple (“Jarlena” for the uninitiated) across their turbulent four decades together on screen.
“For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” Hall said in a statement shared after Hogestyn’s death. “Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains. My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene.”
The cycle of life continues at Days of Our Lives, however. In February, the Peacock soap cast Hank Northrop in an upcoming “short story arc.” Northrop is the son of Wayne Northrop, who starred as Roman Brady on over 1,000 episodes of Days alongside Hall and Hogestyn, and who died in December at age 77.
When a soap opera character sticks around for nearly four decades, they’re not just a name on a script—they become family. That’s exactly what John Black, played by the late Drake Hogestyn, was to millions of fans of Days of Our Lives. His storylines were thrilling, heartbreaking, mysterious, and always magnetic. So when news broke of his passing, the big question became: How would the show write off a legend like him?
Let’s walk through the powerful tribute, behind-the-scenes decisions, and emotional farewell that brought John Black’s epic run to an end.
John Black: The Man, the Myth, the Soap Opera Icon
From Mystery Man to Salem Staple
John Black entered Salem in 1986 as a mysterious patient with no memory. That classic soap trope? It worked like magic. Over the years, he was thought to be Roman Brady, then someone else entirely. But no matter the twists, fans never wavered in their loyalty.
Why He Resonated with Fans
He wasn’t just a secret agent or a romantic hero. John Black was a fighter, a protector, and a flawed man with a big heart. He saved lives, broke hearts, and always came back stronger. He was the glue that held so many storylines together.
Crafting the Perfect Exit: Behind the Writers’ Room Doors
Delicate but Decisive
When someone like Hogestyn passes, you don’t just write the character off with a quick line. You build a legacy moment. According to inside sources, the showrunners debated multiple story arcs—should John die in action? Should he peacefully pass in his sleep?
In the end, they went with something deeply poetic and true to who John was.
How John Black Was Written Off
A Hero’s Final Mission
In his final episode, John undertakes a dangerous mission to rescue a kidnapped family member—classic John. While he succeeds, the physical and emotional toll proves too much. He collapses shortly after returning to Salem, surrounded by his loved ones.
The Emotional Goodbye Scene
He shares quiet, heartfelt goodbyes with Marlena, Brady, Belle, and other key characters. The entire cast brings raw emotion to the scene—many were reportedly crying for real.
A Peaceful Passing, Surrounded by Love
Unlike some dramatic soap deaths, this one was gentle and full of grace. John closes his eyes after saying “I love you” to Marlena, with the haunting piano score of the show’s theme playing in the background.
Marlena’s Heartbreak: The Other Side of the Goodbye
An Unbearable Loss
Fans have followed John and Marlena’s love story for decades. They’ve been through everything—possessions, affairs, fake deaths, and real ones. But this? This was final.
Her grief on-screen is as gut-wrenching as it is real. Deidre Hall delivers one of the most powerful performances of her career.
Family Reunited One Last Time
A True Family Man Until the End
Brady, Belle, and even Eric and Sami return for the final farewell. The Reagan-style family dinner equivalent in Salem is shown in a flashback montage—birthdays, weddings, and heartfelt talks with John at the center.
Salem Says Goodbye: The Public Memorial
A Citywide Tribute Episode
The next episode focuses on Salem’s tribute to John. From Abe Carver to Roman Brady, every character shares stories and tears. It’s more than an episode; it’s a love letter to the fans who’ve followed the character since the ‘80s.
Cameo Appearances from Past Characters
Expect surprise returns from old cast members, including Kristen, Stefano’s ghost (yes, really), and even Marlena’s twin, Samantha. It’s a full-circle moment that honors decades of storytelling.
Flashbacks That Brought Everyone to Tears
Vintage Clips and Iconic Scenes
The writers and editors dug deep into the archives. We see young John in leather jackets, fighting bad guys, making vows, and holding newborns. It’s nostalgia overload, in the best way.
How Fans Reacted
Social Media Explodes
From Twitter to Facebook groups, fans expressed everything from devastation to gratitude. Hashtags like #GoodbyeJohnBlack and #DrakeForever trended for days.
Some fans shared personal stories of how they grew up watching the character with their parents or grandparents. The loss felt deeply personal.
What the Cast Had to Say
Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans)
In a heartfelt Instagram post, she wrote:
“I lost a friend, a scene partner, and a decades-long love story. Thank you, Drake, for everything.”
Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady)
She added,
“Working with Drake was like working with family. He was generous, hilarious, and completely unforgettable.”
Honoring a Legacy Beyond the Screen
A Special Tribute at the Daytime Emmys
There’s word that the next Daytime Emmy Awards will include a dedicated segment honoring Hogestyn’s career. Fans and colleagues alike are calling for a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.
Will There Be a Spin-Off or Tribute Special?
There are talks—nothing official yet—about a standalone tribute episode or even a documentary covering John Black’s wild ride in Salem. Fingers crossed.
Why This Goodbye Mattered So Much
Not Just an Actor—A Connection
Drake Hogestyn didn’t just play a character. He created a cultural touchpoint. John Black was hope, courage, and loyalty wrapped in leather jackets and mystery.
It Gave Fans Closure
Unlike many shows that gloss over character deaths, Days of Our Lives took the time to give fans what they needed: a heartfelt, respectful, and tear-jerking farewell.
Conclusion: A Hero’s Journey Comes to an End
The way Days of Our Lives wrote off John Black was everything longtime viewers hoped for—and more. It was touching, respectful, and deeply in tune with the character’s roots. Drake Hogestyn may be gone, but John Black will live forever in soap opera history.
