Current:Home > Invest'Days of Our Lives' icon Drake Hogestyn, beloved as John Black, dies at 70-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
'Days of Our Lives' icon Drake Hogestyn, beloved as John Black, dies at 70
View Date:2024-12-23 22:23:07
Drake Hogestyn, a fixture on the long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” has died at 70.
The actor, who starred as John Black for nearly 40 years, battled pancreatic cancer, his family shared in a statement on the show’s verified Instagram account.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement read. “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. 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.”
Sign up for our Watch Party newsletter: We deliver the best movie and TV recommendations to your inbox.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Hogestyn would have turned 71 on Sunday. USA TODAY has reached out for more information.
Alison Sweeney, aka Sami Brady, called him “an incredible man,” in her tribute post on X. “He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set,” she wrote. “I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.”
Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady) recalled him as “an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind,” concluding, “Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all everyday Drake on set and off, you were always our hero.”
Hogestyn, a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, began his career as a minor league baseball player until injuries took him out of the game for good. He made his “Days” debut in 1986, playing Black, a police officer, private investigator and secret agent, and half of a soap supercouple with Marlena Evans (played by Deidre Hall).
The actor, a two-time hottest male actor winner in the Soap Opera Digest awards, appeared on the NBC and Peacock soap until his death, taking a short break from the show in the 2000s. He was a regular on the ‘80s TV series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and made guest appearances on the shows “Otherworld” and “Criminal Minds.” Most recently, he starred in the 2020 Hallmark movie “Christmas Tree Lane.”
A video was added to this story.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- 5-year-old boy who went missing while parent was napping is found dead near Oregon home, officials say
- Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris dies at 70 after battling 'acute illness'
- Legendary USA TODAY editor Bob Dubill dies: 'He made every newsroom better'
- Walz’s exit from Minnesota National Guard left openings for critics to pounce on his military record
- Tom Brady Admits He Screwed Up as a Dad to Kids With Bridget Moynahan and Gisele Bündchen
- Hilary Swank Shares Rare Glimpse of Her Twins During Family Vacation
- US national parks are receiving record-high gift of $100M
- 9-month-old dies after grandmother left infant in hot car for hours in Texas, police say
- Subway rider who helped restrain man in NYC chokehold death says he wanted ex-Marine to ‘let go’
- Former MMA fighter Ronda Rousey apologizes for posting Sandy Hook conspiracy online 11 years ago
Ranking
- Why the US celebrates Veterans Day and how the holiday has changed over time
- Katherine Schwarzenegger Reveals What Daughter Eloise Demands From Chris Pratt
- Arizona home fire kills 2, including a child, and injures 3
- Kelly Osbourne says Slipknot's Sid Wilson 'set himself on fire' in IG video from hospital
- Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
- Where Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber's Son Jack Sits in the Massive Baldwin Family Tree
- Katherine Schwarzenegger Reveals What Daughter Eloise Demands From Chris Pratt
- Sven-Goran Eriksson, Swedish soccer coach who was first foreigner to lead England team, dies at 76
Recommendation
-
Fantasy football waiver wire: 10 players to add for NFL Week 11
-
Matthew Stafford's Wife Kelly Stafford Shares Her Advice for Taylor Swift and Fellow Football Wives
-
Maya Moore has jersey number retired by Minnesota Lynx in emotional ceremony
-
Umpire Nick Mahrley carted off after broken bat hits his neck during Yankees-Rockies game
-
US Congress hopes to 'pull back the curtain' on UFOs in latest hearing: How to watch
-
9-month-old dies after grandmother left infant in hot car for hours in Texas, police say
-
The Best Breathable, Lightweight & Office-Ready Work Pants for Summer
-
Flights for life: Doctor uses plane to rescue hundreds of dogs from high-kill shelters