Beloved actor Drake Hogestyn died Sunday after a fight with pancreatic cancer, which he confronted with remarkable dignity and determination, as he would in the many dramatic roles he played during his nearly four decades as John Black on the soap Days of Our Lives. Hogestyn died one day before his 71st birthday, Sunday, September 28, 2024.
Hogestyn’s Career in ‘Days of Our Lives’
Hogestyn’s characterization first appeared as ‘John Black’ on the serial in 1986, and for an incredible 38 years, he had been a key character on one of America’s longest-running serials. Hailed from his very introduction as the enigmatic figure “The Pawn,” his character eventually developed into multifaceted John Black, a person well-synonymous with loyalty, strength, and romance. He teamed up with Deidre Hall to co-star as Marlena Evans, representing the most iconic couple in soap opera history, for which they received a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple in 2005.
In every way, soap operas paid tribute to Hogestyn. Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday said, “His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.” Many of his fellow actors expressed their love and respect for him, as well as the sense of loss that this great actor inflicted. His co-star in the series, Alison Sweeney, reminded everyone of him: “funny, generous, and thoughtful, with a deep commitment to his craft and his fellow actors.”
A Career: From Baseball to Acting
It was by chance that Drake Hogestyn discovered acting. Born September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn set out to play professional baseball. He even played for a minor league team connected with the New York Yankees. But an injury routed his big league aspirations. It was through a Columbia Pictures search for emerging talent that opened the doors to his acting career and took him to Hollywood, where he finally found a home on soap operas.
Before Days of Our Lives made him a household name, Hogestyn appeared on CBS’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It was, in fact, John Black that made him one of the immortals of daytime television. Throughout Hogestyn’s acting career, he received multiple Soap Opera Digest Awards and won multitudes of fans who followed the ongoing saga of his alter ego.
War with Pancreatic Cancer
Hogestyn struggled with pancreatic cancer, particularly a very aggressive and difficult form of cancer, which he fought bravely and gracefully. “He was hit with the curve ball of his life with the diagnosis of cancer. He faced the challenge with remarkable strength and determination,” his family said in a statement. “His wife of 38 years, Victoria Post Hogestyn, four children, and seven grandchildren surrounded him in his peaceful passing.
Outpouring of Tributes from Fans and Co-Stars
Fans and colleagues are flooding social media with tributes to the late icon. A long-time co-star, Deidre Hall, took to the same media to cite their years of association that reflect the decades shared working together. “Drake was not just a co-star but a dear friend,” Hall wrote in a piece that really hit so close to the hearts of fans of the show.
The soap opera community, likewise, was mourning the loss as many in the actors’ ranks and production teams were feeling the shock. Hogestyn was more than just an actor on the soap; he was a mentor to some of the younger cast members and an integral aspect of the soap’s continued success.
Remembering Drake Hogestyn’s Legacy
Though Hogestyn is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the thousands of episodes he appeared in, the countless lives he touched, and the love he had for both his family and his craft. His portrayal of John Black resonated deeply with audiences around the world for the courage, integrity, and enduring romance with Marlena—a role that will forever remain etched in the history of daytime television.
This world of entertainment has lost not only an excellent actor but also an excellent person who left a great mark in the hearts of his fans and colleagues. As Ken Corday said, “There are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed.”
