Actor Drake Hogestyn, known for his role as John Black on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, has died following a battle with cancer, his family announced on Saturday.
He was 70 years old.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination,” reads a statement from the Hogestyn family, which was posted on the Days of Our Lives Instagram account.
“After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
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Other news outlets, including Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, have also reported his passing.
The family’s statement describes Hogestyn as the “most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor,” and highlighted his love of performing for the Days of Our Lives audience and working with the show’s cast, crew and production team.
“We love him and we will miss him all the Days of Our Lives,” the statement said. Hogestyn made his Days of Our Lives debut in 1986, according to IMDb.
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Hogestyn began his screen career in 1982 with the film Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
He also appeared in Beverly Hills Cowboy Blues, One Stormy Night, and Criminal Minds.
But the bulk of his career was dedicated to playing John Black on Days of Our Lives, portraying the character for 38 years.
He also had roles on the show as Pawn Sean and Roman Brady.
Hogestyn famously acted alongside Deidre Hall who plays Marlena Evans and together they were considered a daytime soap opera “supercouple”.
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Many in the soap opera world have paid tribute to the legendary actor, including his on-screen son.
Actor Christopher Seans penned; “I will always love you. You were more than just my tv father, in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world lost a true Hero. Miss and love you so much Drake. Rest in Peace Dad.”
He added on a quote attributed to the late actor, “Keep Swinging for the Fences.”
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Also paying tribute was his former Days of Our Lives castmate Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady.
“Drake was an incredible man,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every single 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 such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.”
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Aussie actor and fellow Days of Our Lives star Thaao Penghlis shared a picture of himself being embraced by Hogestyn and Hall on either side, writing on X, formerly Twitter, “We shared much over the years John Tony & Andre,” he wrote of their respective characters.
“Great stories were told. To his family, to Deidre & Days so sorry for ur great loss. We will remember him well even though our hearts bleed. Drake thank you & May this next journey be one of great enlightenment. RIP”
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