Longtime “Days of our Lives” star Drake Hogestyn died following a battle with pancreatic cancer on Saturday — just one day before his 71st birthday.
Hogestyn, who played John Black on the hit soap opera for nearly 40 years, “passed away peacefully” surrounded by loved ones, the show’s official Instagram announced.
“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 was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He played college baseball at the University of South Florida and earned a double major in microbiology and applied sciences, according to Soap Opera Digest.
He planned on becoming an oral surgeon but instead was drafted by the Cardinals and then the Yankees, who selected Hogestyn in the final round of the 1976 MLB Draft. He played in the organization’s minor league system until injuries derailed his career.
“Those who can keep injury-free and their head together and their weight down, those are the ones who are going to move up,” he told MiLB in 2020. “But when you’re a last-round pick and you mix in an injury … there’s no investment there. And I knew that.”
He moved to Los Angeles after being selected for an acting training program with Columbia Pictures.
The actor was cast as the character of John Black – a mysterious police officer, private investigator and secret agent on the show. Hogestyn starred in the hit soap opera for 38 years and filmed over 4,200 episodes.
Other credits include “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” a guest role in “Criminal Minds” and acting in the Hallmark holiday movie “Christmas Tree Lane.”
Hogestyn’s castmates remembered the actor as an “incredible man.”
Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady on the show wrote on X “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. 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.”
“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,” said Christopher Sean, who played the role of his television son on “DOOL.”
“So sad to hear of Drake Hogestyn’s passing,” Genie Francis, who appeared on the show for 2 years said. “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.”
He is survived by his wife, Victoria Post, his four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben and seven grandchildren.
