Very sad news came from the entertainment industry this weekend:
Drake Hogestyn, the legendary actor who will forever be known for playing John Black on Days of Our Lives for nearly four decades, has died.
He was 70 years old.
“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” read a statement from the Hogestyn family, which was posted on the Days of Our Lives Instagram account.
“When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer it was the biggest shock of her life, but she faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination.
“After fighting an incredible battle, he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
The message continued:
“He was the most amazing husband, father, dad and actor. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the days of our lives.
A native of Indiana, Hogestyn was actually signed by the New York Yankees and was playing for one of their minor league teams until he was injured in 1977.
After this he turned to acting.
Hogestyn’s first major role was in 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.
In 2005, Hogestyn and Deidre Hall (who played Marlena Evans) won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple.
“This is very difficult for all of us,” Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement to People magazine.
“Hoge was the best player on the team and there are not enough words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, both personally and professionally, was profound and will always be unmatched.”
After this death, many of Hogestyn’s colleagues also paid tribute to the star.
Alison Sweeney wrote online, “Drake was an incredible person.”
“He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and he shared that passion with everyone on set.
“My heart breaks for his family, they were everything to him. He was a huge part of my life in Days. I will miss him dearly and will cherish every story, every joke and every hug.”
Actress Kristian Alfonso added:
“I will always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband and dear friend but most of all an incredible, passionate human being, generous and extremely kind, always…
“Drake, thank you for the love you gave us every day 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 along with a photo of John and Paul embracing:
I will always love you,” he said. “You were more than my TV father, you were my father in my eyes. 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. May your soul rest in peace dad.
Hogestyn is survived by his wife of 37 years, four children – daughters Whitney, Alexandra and Rachel and son Ben – and seven grandchildren.
Rest in peace Drake Hogestyn.