Drake Hogestyn, a beloved actor known for his long-standing role as John Black on the popular soap opera “Days of our Lives,” passed away on Saturday after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. The news of his passing was shared on the show’s official Instagram account, just a day shy of his 71st birthday. Hogestyn, who had been a part of the soap opera for nearly four decades, was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing.
The statement released by the show expressed deep sorrow over Hogestyn’s passing, praising his strength and determination in the face of his illness. It also highlighted his love for acting and his dedication to the show’s audience, cast, crew, and production team. Hogestyn’s commitment to his role and his love for the show were evident in his performance, making him a cherished member of the “Days of our Lives” family.
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn had a diverse background before his acting career took off. He was a college baseball player at the University of South Florida, where he also earned a double major in microbiology and applied sciences. His initial career plan was to become an oral surgeon, but his life took a different turn when he was drafted by the Cardinals and later the Yankees in the 1976 MLB Draft. However, injuries eventually ended his baseball career.
Hogestyn’s acting journey began when he was selected for an acting training program with Columbia Pictures in Los Angeles. He was then cast as John Black, a character with a complex background as a police officer, private investigator, and secret agent on “Days of our Lives.” Over his 38-year tenure on the show, Hogestyn appeared in over 4,200 episodes.
In addition to his role on “Days of our Lives,” Hogestyn’s acting credits include “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” a guest role in “Criminal Minds,” and a part in the Hallmark holiday movie “Christmas Tree Lane.” His co-stars and colleagues have remembered him as a generous, thoughtful, and passionate actor who deeply cared about his work and the people around him.
Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady on the show, and Christopher Sean, who played Hogestyn’s television son, both expressed their deep sorrow and shared heartfelt tributes to the late actor. They remembered him as a mentor, a friend, and a father figure who had a profound impact on their lives.
Hogestyn is survived by his wife, Victoria Post, his four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben, and seven grandchildren. His passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans.