Drake Hogestyn, long-running 'Days of Our Lives' star, dies at 70

The soap opera community is mourning the loss of Drake Hogestyn, the iconic actor who played John Black on Days of Our Lives for 38 years.

Hogestyn passed away on September 28, 2024, just one day shy of his 71st birthday, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Hogestyn family shared a heartfelt statement on social media:

"It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. 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."

The statement continued, "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."

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn initially pursued a baseball career, signing with the New York Yankees and playing for one of their farm teams until an injury in 1977.

His acting career took off in the early 1980s with the CBS series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Hogestyn joined Days of Our Lives in 1986 as "The Pawn" and became a fan favorite as John Black.

His on-screen pairing with Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall, won a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple in 2005.

Off-screen, Hogestyn cherished his 37-year marriage to childhood sweetheart Victoria Post, with whom he shared four children: Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben.