Drake Hogestyn, the actor best known for his portrayal of John Black on the iconic soap opera Days of Our Lives, has passed away at the age of 70, just a day before his 71st birthday.
Hogestyn, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, immediately pursued a career in football, signing with the New York Yankees and playing for one of their land groups. Nevertheless, an injury in 1977 forced him to tilt to acting. His speaking career began in the early 1980s, with his Television role in CBS’s” Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” making his comeback.
Hogestyn first appeared on Days of Our Lives as” The Hero” in 1986, and he finally gained popularity as John Black. His on-screen collaboration with Marlena Evans, Deidre Hall‘s portrayal, won them a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favourite Partners in 2005. Hogestyn returned to the role until his departure after a quick break from the show between 2009 and 2011.
The news of Hogesty n’s death was confirmed by the show’s social media account, which shared:” It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was given the cancers that would have been his life’s curve ball when he was first identified. But he forged ahead and fought back. He put up an unbelievable fight, and surrounded by his loved ones as he passed happily.
Executive producer Ken Corday expressed his heart of grief, saying,” This is a very tricky one for all of us. Hogey was the best staff player that is, and there are no words that can adequately express how much he will be missed. His influence on our display, personally and professionally, was deep and will always remain unequaled”.
Off-screen, Hogestyn was married to Victoria Post for 37 times. They had four children: Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben. His household also reflected on his career, saying:” He was the most wonderful husband, father, father, and artist. He enjoyed giving performances for the Days market and interacting with the best solid, crew, and production team in the industry.
Colleague Nancy Lee Grahn, from General Hospital, wrote on X,” My deepest condolences to Drake Hogesty n’s family, friends, and fans. What a wonderful, beautiful polite man”.
