Renowned actor Drake Hogestyn, widely recognized for his role as John Black on “Days of Our Lives,” succumbed to pancreatic cancer on September 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. He was 70 years old.
Hogestyn, born on September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had an unusual journey to becoming a soap opera star. He went to the University of South Florida on a baseball scholarship and graduated with a dual major in microbiology and applied sciences. His exceptional athletic skills attracted professional baseball scouts and led to his selection by the New York Yankees in the last round of the 1976 MLB Draft.
Until 1978, Hogestyn played third base for the Oneonta Yankees, the Yankees’ farm team. His sports career was cut short by injuries. While in Oneonta, he had some notable achievements, including hitting a grand slam home run. His competitive nature and resilience prepared him well for his subsequent career.
After his baseball career, Hogestyn transitioned to acting, thanks to a training program with Columbia Pictures. His first significant role was in the TV series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in the early 1980s.
In 1986, Hogestyn took on the role that would define his career. He joined the cast of “Days of Our Lives” as a mysterious character, “The Pawn.” This character was later revealed to be John Black, a role Hogestyn played for 38 years, appearing in more than 4,200 episodes.
Hogestyn’s portrayal of John Black, a multifaceted character with a past as a police officer, private investigator, and secret agent, made him a favorite among fans. His on-screen partnership with Deidre Hall, who played Dr. Marlena Evans, led to one of daytime television’s most admired super couples, affectionately referred to by fans as “John and Marlena.”
Hogestyn’s performance on “Days of Our Lives” earned him critical acclaim and several awards. He won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Hottest Male Actor in 1994 and 1995, and in 2005, he and Hall won the award for Favorite Couple.
Hogestyn’s dedication to his work and his character was evident to his co-stars. Alison Sweeney, who portrayed Sami Brady on the show, remembered him as “an incredible man” who was “funny, generous, and thoughtful.” She recalled, “He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set.”
His influence was felt beyond his immediate colleagues. Genie Francis, who was on the show for two years, described Hogestyn as “such a wonderful and kind man,” and expressed that “It was a pleasure to work with him.”
Christopher Sean, who played Hogestyn’s TV son, shared 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.”
Apart from “Days of Our Lives,” Hogestyn made appearances on other TV shows, including “Criminal Minds.” He also demonstrated his acting versatility in the Hallmark holiday film “Christmas Tree Lane.”
Hogestyn remained connected to his roots despite his fame. He was known to visit Cindy’s Diner in his hometown of Fort Wayne and took part in the Mad Anthonys Pro-Am golf tournament in the 1990s.
Off-screen, Hogestyn had a stable personal life. He married Victoria Post on December 31, 1986, and the couple had four children: Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben. At his death, Hogestyn was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren.
The official “Days of Our Lives” Instagram account announced Hogestyn’s passing, saying, “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.”
Drake Hogestyn leaves behind a substantial legacy in daytime television. His portrayal of John Black delighted audiences for generations, making him a household name and a respected figure in the entertainment industry. As his fans and colleagues grieve his loss, they also remember the lasting impact he had on “Days of Our Lives” and the soap opera genre.