Drake Hogestyn, the beloved actor who played John Black on “Days of Our Lives,” has sadly passed away at the age of 70. He died on September 28, 2024, after battling pancreatic cancer . Born on September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn was a talented actor and athlete who initially pursued a career in baseball before turning to acting.
Hogestyn’s portrayal of John Black on “Days of Our Lives” is iconic, and his on-screen chemistry with co-star Deidre Hall, who played Marlena Evans, made them one of the most beloved super couples in soap opera history. His character’s complex storylines, filled with dramatic twists and turns, kept viewers captivated since his debut in 1986.
A Brief Overview of Drake Hogestyn’s Life and Career:
Early Life:
Hogestyn was born on September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and attended the University of South Florida on a baseball scholarship.
Career: He joined the cast of “Days of Our Lives” in 1986 and played John Black for over three decades.
Awards and Legacy:
Hogestyn’s performance earned him numerous awards and nominations, cementing his place as a soap opera legend.
Hogestyn is survived by his wife, Victoria, and their four children. His passing is a tremendous loss to the soap opera community, and he will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.