Iconic Days of Our Lives actor Drake Hogestyn has sadly passed away at the tender age of seventy. The news comes just one day ahead of his seventy-first birthday. Drake played John Black on the long-running soap beginning in 1986. So, what cut his life short? Keep reading for more details on this tragic situation.
Days Of Our Lives Drake Hogestyn Dead At 70
Drake Hogestyn had been a Days of Our Lives staple for nearly forty years. Fans have grown to love him as John Black, knowing no one else could take his place. Alongside Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans, the two were unstoppable. They were both let go for a few years due to budget cuts. Yet, they were welcomed back with open arms and have been a constant ever since on the long-running soap opera. While on DOOL, Drake has won Soap Opera Digest Awards for Hottest Male Star and even shared one with Deidre.
Sadly, the super couple will never be again. The Days Instagram account released a statement from his family sharing that Drake had passed away due to a bout with pancreatic cancer. They noted how he was a fighter and kept on going but unfortunately, he lost the battle. He was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed and was praised for his power in the business. Of course, he will be deeply missed and there will forever be a hole in the soap world.
Immediately after Days of Our Lives shared the tragic news, fans and followers headed straight to the comment section. They were completely broken over this and understandably so:
- I am absolutely gutted. For me I don’t know a Days of Our Lives without John Black. Praying for his family and all of those who loved him. What a massive devastating loss.
- Nooooooo not John black
- This so heartbreaking 💔🥲 RIP. He’s no longer in pain 🥲
- Oh no – prayers for the cast and his family …that is heartbreaking 💔
From The Beginning
Some Days of Our Lives fans recounted learning of Drake Hogestyn’s initial arrival in 1986. They were so excited as to what was to come and then he changed their soap world. Over on X, fellow soap stars shared their condolences:
- Nancy Lee Grahn (GH): My deepest condolences to Drake Hogestyn‘s family, friends and fans. What a lovely, lovely gracious man.
- Genie Francis (GH): So sad to hear of Drake Hogestyn’s passing. Such a wonderful and kind man. It was a pleasure to work with him. I always loved how much he loved his wife and children.
Finally, EP Ken Corday said this of Drake:
“This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”
This is just the beginning of what is sure to be lengthy tributes and messages of love. It is hard to believe he is gone but we send our sympathies to his wife, Victoria, their four children Rachael, Ben, Whitney, Alexandra, and their partners, plus seven grandchildren. May his memory be a blessing.
What is your favorite Drake Hogestyn moment? Let us know in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.