Drake Hogestyn, famed for his role as the enigmatic John Black on “Days of Our Lives,” died on September 28, 2024. His death, which occurred in Los Angeles, California, came after a struggle with pancreatic cancer. Hogestyn was 70, a day shy of his 71st birthday.
Born on September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn followed an unusual route to become a soap opera icon. He was a recipient of a baseball scholarship at the University of South Florida, where he earned a double major in microbiology and applied sciences. His skills on the field attracted professional baseball scouts, leading to his selection by the New York Yankees in the final round of the 1976 MLB Draft.
His role as third base for the Yankees’ farm team, the Oneonta Yankees, ended in 1978 due to injuries. While playing in Oneonta, he had remarkable achievements, including hitting a grand slam home run. Despite the career-ending injuries, Hogestyn’s competitive nature and resolve proved beneficial in his subsequent acting career.
After his stint in baseball, Hogestyn pursued acting, getting chosen for a training program with Columbia Pictures. His first significant role was in the TV series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in the early 1980s.
Hogestyn joined the “Days of Our Lives” cast in 1986, landing the role that would mark his career. He first played a mysterious character termed “The Pawn” who was later revealed to be John Black. Hogestyn portrayed John Black for 38 years, appearing in more than 4,200 episodes.
His performance as John Black, a multifaceted character with past stints as a police officer, private investigator, and secret agent, soon made him popular among viewers. His on-screen partnership with Deidre Hall, who portrayed Dr. Marlena Evans, became one of daytime television’s most cherished pairings, endearingly referred to by fans as “John and Marlena.”
Hogestyn’s work on “Days of Our Lives” earned him critical recognition and several awards. He was named the Hottest Male Actor by the Soap Opera Digest Awards in 1994 and 1995, and he, along with Hall, received the Favorite Couple award in 2005.
His co-star Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady on the show, described him as “an incredible man” who was “funny, generous, and thoughtful.” She added, “He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set.”
Genie Francis, who worked on the show for two years, characterized Hogestyn as “such a wonderful and kind man,” stating, “It was a pleasure to work with him.” Christopher Sean, who played Hogestyn’s on-screen son, offered a heartfelt tribute: “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.”
Beyond “Days of Our Lives,” Hogestyn appeared on other television shows such as “Criminal Minds” and starred in the Hallmark holiday movie “Christmas Tree Lane,” showcasing his acting range.
Despite his celebrity status, Hogestyn maintained ties to his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was known to frequent Cindy’s Diner and participated in the Mad Anthonys Pro-Am golf tournament in the 1990s.
Hogestyn led a stable personal life, marrying Victoria Post on December 31, 1986, a union that lasted until his death. They had four children: Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben. At the time of his death, Hogestyn was also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren.
The official “Days of Our Lives” Instagram account announced Hogestyn’s passing, stating, “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.”
In a heartfelt post on Sunday morning, Melissa Reeves, known for her role as Jennifer Horton on “Days of Our Lives,” expressed her sorrow, saying, “Our hearts are heartbroken upon hearing of Drake’s passing. I feel blessed and grateful to have known such an incredible man.”
She shared that Hogestyn’s final message to her was to “love and cherish our time with our grandchildren, as that was always where your heart lay. Family first,” concluding her tribute with the sentiment, “There are not enough words.”
Drake Hogestyn leaves an indelible legacy in daytime television. His performance as John Black entranced audiences for generations, making him a renowned figure in the entertainment industry. As his fans and colleagues grieve his loss, they also celebrate the enduring influence he exerted on “Days of Our Lives” and the soap opera genre in entirety.