Very sad news this weekend from the entertainment industry:
Drake Hogestyn, a legendary actor who will forever be best known for playing the character John Black on Days of Our Lives for nearly four decades, has passed away.
He was 70 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” reads a statement from the Hogestyn family, posted on the Days of Our Lives Instagram account.
“He suffered the worst moment of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination.
“After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
The message continued:
“He was the most incredible husband, father, daddy and actor. He loved performing for ‘Days’ audiences and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the business. We love him and will miss him every day of our lives.”
A native of Indiana, Hogestyn was signed by the New York Yankees and played for one of their minor league teams until he was injured in 1977.
He then turned to the actor.
Hogestyn’s first major role was on the CBS series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and he initially joined Days of Our Lives in 1986 as a mysterious character known as “The Pawn”, before taking on Black, a role he played for 38 years. years.
In 2005, Hogestyn and Deidre Hall (who played Marlena Evans) won the Soap Opera Digest award for favorite couple.
“This is a very difficult task for all of us,” Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement to People Magazine.
“Hogey was the best team player and there are not enough words to express how much we will miss him. His impact on our program, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unparalleled.”
After this death, many of Hogestyn’s colleagues also paid tribute to the star.
“Drake was an incredible man,” Alison Sweeney wrote online.
“He was funny, generous and caring. He cared about every scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set.
“My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was a big part of my life on Days. I will miss him so much and I will cherish every story, every joke and every hug.”
Added actress Kristian Alfonso:
“I will always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband and dear friend, but most importantly as an incredible and passionate, generous and immensely kind human being, always…
“Thank you for the love you gave us every day Drake, on and off the set, you were always our hero.”
Christopher Sean, who played John’s illegitimate son Paul Narita, wrote a touching tribute on Twitter alongside a photo from the show of John and Paul hugging:
I will always love you,” he said. “You were more than just my TV dad, in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and for the love you gave me. The world has lost a true hero. I miss you and love you so much, Drake. Rest in peace dad.
Hogestyn leaves behind his wife of 37 years, four children – daughters Whitney, Alexandra and Rachael and son Ben – and has seven grandchildren.
May Drake Hogestyn rest in peace.
