Renowned actor Drake Hogestyn, best known for his enduring portrayal of John Black on the hit soap opera “Days of our Lives,” succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Saturday. The announcement of his death was made via the show’s official Instagram account, just one day before his 71st birthday. Hogestyn, who had been an integral part of the soap opera for almost 40 years, was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
The show’s statement expressed profound grief over Hogestyn’s death, lauding his resilience and determination in his battle with cancer. It also underscored his passion for acting and his unwavering commitment to the show’s audience, cast, crew, and production team. Hogestyn’s dedication to his role and his affection for the show were clearly reflected in his performance, making him a treasured part of the “Days of our Lives” family.
Hogestyn was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and had a varied background before his acting career took flight. He was a college baseball player at the University of South Florida, where he also completed a double major in microbiology and applied sciences. Initially, he planned to become an oral surgeon, but his life took a different direction when he was drafted by the Cardinals and later the Yankees in the 1976 MLB Draft. However, injuries eventually brought his baseball career to a halt.
Hogestyn’s foray into acting began when he was chosen for an acting training program with Columbia Pictures in Los Angeles. He was subsequently cast as John Black, a character with a multifaceted background as a police officer, private investigator, and secret agent on “Days of our Lives.” During his 38-year stint on the show, Hogestyn appeared in over 4,200 episodes.
In addition to his role on “Days of our Lives,” Hogestyn’s acting portfolio includes “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” a guest role in “Criminal Minds,” and a role in the Hallmark holiday movie “Christmas Tree Lane.” His co-stars and colleagues have remembered him as a generous, considerate, and passionate actor who deeply cared about his craft and the people around him.
Alison Sweeney, who portrayed Sami Brady on the show, and Christopher Sean, who played Hogestyn’s television son, both expressed their profound grief and shared heartfelt tributes to the late actor. They remembered him as a mentor, a friend, and a father figure who had a significant impact on their lives.
Hogestyn is survived by his wife, Victoria Post, his four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben, and seven grandchildren. His death is a major loss to the entertainment industry, and he will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and fans.