Drake Hogestyns
Robin Marchant / Getty ImagesDrake Hogestyn‘s Days of Our Lives costars pay tribute to him for his death.
The long-running soap star, who played John Black in the series since 1986, died just one day before his September 28, 2024 birthday, his family confirmed in a statement. He was 70 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement, written by the official, said. Days of Our Lives Instagram account, read. “He was thrown into a tailspin when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced this challenge with incredible strength and determination. After fighting an incredible battle, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
The statement continued, “He was an amazing husband, father, father and actor. He loved performing for ‘daytime’ audiences and sharing the stage with the biggest cast, crew, and production crew in the business. We love him and will miss him all the days of our lives.”
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Read on to see Hogestyn’s cost as well Days of Our Lives the family honors the beloved soap actress.
Ken Corday
I Days said the executive producer Soap Opera Digest that Hogestyn’s death is “a very difficult thing for all of us.”
He added, “Hogey was an outstanding player on the team and there are not enough words to express how deeply he will be missed.” His impact on our program, both personally and professionally, was profound and will remain unparalleled. “
Stephen Nichols
Nichols called Hogestyn a “dear friend” in a lengthy tribute via Instagram, adding that the loss of his long-time partner was “very devastating.”
“Drake was a man’s man with a big heart. He was kind, respectful and honest. I have never heard him speak ill of anyone. He was on the very short list of special people I know in my life,” he wrote in part. “He was a mentor without me knowing. I learned a lot from Drake by example. Humility, patience, forgiveness. We had long conversations in his dressing room after working on our scenes. He spoke lovingly about his beautiful family that he valued above all else.”
Nichols added, “Just being in Drake’s presence was enough to make me happy. He was one of those special souls who was full of joy and love for life. The Days of Our Lives cast, crew, and fans (to whom he was always kind) have suffered a great loss.”
Susan Seaforth
Seaforth, who joined the group Days of Our Lives in 1968, he posted a sweet note to his costar of many years via Instagram.
“Drake was the easy-going hero every woman hopes to cross his path in trouble or romance. “Drake was the guy every man hoped he wouldn’t lose,” she wrote. “Drake always gave his best. One of those Days icons that kept America watching for 60 years. And let me tell you fans and friends, his Salem teammates were his biggest fans. “
Alison Sweeney
Sweeney, who first joined the show in 1986, called Hogestyn “an incredible man” in an article posted on X.
“He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that love with everyone on set,” he wrote. “My heart aches for his family, they meant everything to him. He was a big part of my life at Days. I will miss him dearly and cherish every story, joke and every lie.”
Christie Clark
Clark replaced Hogestyn’s on-screen daughter, Carrie Brady, when producers wanted to age the actress.
“I was actually raised by Drake on Days of Our Lives! He was my TV dad, who became my second real dad,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a collection of their photos over the years. “Being guided, nurtured, and taught by this man while I was living makes me feel very lucky. Surprisingly, he took many others under his wing. Drake had unmatched energy and made everyone’s time. He gave all the staff and threw the same enthusiasm, creating a great atmosphere!
He added, “Drake, I’ll always be your little pumpkin! I am happy to know that I have a true angel watching over me.”
Andrea Barber
I Full house star, who portrayed the original Carrie from 1982 to 1986, shared a short but sweet comment about Hogestyn via Instagram.
“Even though our time together on Days of Our Lives was short, I will never forget your kindness and love,” he captioned a photo of them while on the show. “Rest in peace, Drake.”
Christopher Sean
Sean’s character, Paul Narita, was first introduced in 2014. It was later revealed that he was the son of Hogestyn’s character.
“I will always love you. You were more than my TV dad, in my eyes you were my dad,” she wrote about X. “Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world has lost a true Hero. Miss you and I love you so much Drake. Rest in peace Dad.”
Judy Evans
Evans, who joined the cast in the ’80s, remembered her costar as a “kind and gentle person” in an Instagram post, sharing a story about Hogestyn that she will never forget.
“I remember, back in the 80s, there was a flirtation between ‘Roman’ and Adrienne when we worked together at a construction company, and Drake had to dance ‘builders’ in a sweat tank to the song ‘Macho Man’… in Salem… in the winter ,” he recalls. “He was happy and approached it with exuberance and enthusiasm, as he does everything.”
He continued, “He was someone who took his job seriously, but he didn’t see himself. He was always game for anything and such a joy to be around. He made the world around him a funnier, better, sweeter place… the light will never shine the same again…”
Melissa ‘Missy’ Reeves
In his article, Reeves shared what Hogestyn said to him in their last text conversation before his death.
“It is with heavy hearts that we hear of Drake’s passing. And I am blessed and grateful to know such a wonderful man,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thank you Drake for your professional example at work for all of us to follow.”
He added, “Thank you for loving your precious Victoria and your children and grandchildren as we watch your family grow. Your stories of your adventurous life have entertained us for years! Your last text to me was to love and appreciate our time with our grandchildren and that was always the honesty of your heart ❤️ Family first. There are not enough words.”
Kyle Lowder
Lowder, who portrayed Hogestyn’s on-screen son Brady Black from 2000 to 2005, remembered him as a “real-life dad.”
“I started my career as a nervous 19-year-old at @dayspeacock, I just moved to LA, and right before our first scene he grabbed my shoulders and said, ‘I got you, baby,'” Lowder wrote on Instagram. . “And he was with me. Every step of the way. Drake was one of the kindest, kindest men I have ever known, with an unparalleled zest for life. It is brutally difficult to accept the fact of his passing. I will miss you deeply, Drake. The world has truly lost its best.”
Mary Beth Evans
Evans, who also starred in popular soaps General Hospital again As the World Changeshe explained that he was “heartbroken” after hearing of the passing of “this sweet, kind man”.
“From the first day we met in the Days of Our Lives green room in 1986, we were best friends,” he recounted. “Drake’s love and devotion to his eternal love Victoria, his children and grandchildren was one of his most endearing qualities. Such a good and honest man. We are all shocked by the news we received yesterday. @drakehogestyn will always be in my heart. Sending lots of love to you. “
Tamara Braun
Braun, who joined the series in 2008, said it was a “privilege” to work with Hogestyn on the show. Days in an article posted on Instagram, where he also praised the way he works and his love for his family.
“Your kindness and generosity have always been exemplary. The way you work, the way you live, the character of the family…. Oh how deeply you loved your family,” she wrote. “I loved watching your face light up when you talked about your wife, children and grandchildren. You are radiant. My heart goes out to them. Stop losing.”
Discussing the story he will always remember, Braun continued, “I’m so grateful that Days brought you, Stephen and I together recently for a fun-filled caper. The three of us laughed a lot while running the lines, while shooting, playing. We just laughed, laughed, laughed. What fun. I will cherish that moment and your memory.”
