He will always be their John.
“Days of Our Lives” star Drake Hogestyn, who has played John Black on the soap opera for nearly 40 years, has died. The actor passed away from pancreatic cancer on Saturday at age 70 — one day before his 71st birthday.
The official Instagram account for the iconic show shared the news of his death.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement read. “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.
“After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. He was the most amazing husband, father, papa 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.”
Hogestyn’s co-stars have begun to pay tribute to the late star via social media in addition to sharing photographs of him from the set and through the years.
“My heart,” actress Kristian Alfonso began via Instagram. “I’ll always remember you as a Loving , Loving father,husband and Dear friend but mostly an incredible , passionate human being , generous and immensely kind , Always …… Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all everyday Drake on set and off you were always our hero.”
“Love you,” she concluded. “Rest in Peace 🕊️my sweet friend.”
Alfonso, 61, is best known for playing Hope Williams Brady on the program, which aired on NBC from 1965 to 2022 and currently streams new episodes on Peacock. The former figure skater left the show in 2020, but is returning for a special story arc alongside Peter Reckell (who famously played the Bo to her Hope) in honor of the show’s 60th anniversary. Per TV Line in September, the reunion episodes will air in May 2025.
Genie Francis, who played Diana Colville, wrote: “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.”
Hogestyn’s co-star Ali Sweeney, who he has known for decades, also sent her love.
“Drake was an incredible man. 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,” the actress, 48, wrote via Instagram. “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.”
Hogestyn first appeared on “Days of Our Lives” on Jan. 24, 1986, starring in the hit for 38 years and filming over 4,200 episodes. He, along with Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans, became one of the most famous romances in daytime TV history.
Hall left the show in 1987 for a role on “Our House,” but returned after its cancellation. In May 2023, she opened up about John and Marlena’s relationship during an interview with People.
“We’re the couple that teaches you that people stay together through thick and thin, and they stay loving, and they stay sensual and sexual, and that’s worth fighting for,” she said at the time. “[Fans are] able to suspend the disbelief long enough to really sink into the story.”
In April 2018, the pair also spoke to Soap Opera Digest in a joint interview about their longstanding history onscreen — with Hall recalling their audition.
“I tested with him because I would’ve been playing with him and when everybody was done — they look at all of the scenes, obviously — and I got called upstairs saying, ‘Okay, we know what we think, what do you think because you’ve got to work with him?’ And everybody was in agreement and it was Drake!” she gushed of the Fort Wayne, Indiana native. “Nobody came close to being the kind of figure, and having that sort of magic and chemistry and the male hero attraction. And that was the beginning of it.
Hogestyn, for his part, said: “As much as the world changes, there’s one thing that doesn’t change. There’s a playfulness, there’s affection on both parts that combine and make them stronger. I think John and Marlena epitomize sacrifice to each other and overcoming all of the obstacles that every couple faces every single day. We don’t take that responsibility lightly. I think it’s a good signal to send out there to the audience.”
Hogestyn is survived by his wife, Victoria Post, his four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben and seven grandchildren.
