The soap opera community is mourning the loss of Drake Hogestyn. The Days of Our Lives actor died on Sept. 28, 2024, one day shy of his 71st birthday. On Saturday, the show released a statement on behalf of the family announcing the actor’s death.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement began. “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.”
The statement went on to say, “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 and we will miss him all the Days of Our Lives.”
Hogestyn is survived by his wife Victoria; children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben, and seven grandkids.
Days of Our Lives Stars Sharing Touching Tributes to Drake Hogestyn
Hogestyn joined Days of Our Lives in 1986 as John Black, the role that made him famous. John’s romance with Marlena Evans made them one of daytime’s popular supercouples.
News of Hogestyn’s death has hit the soap opera community hard and his co-stars shared touching tributes. On the show’s Instagram page, many cast members recalled fond memories of the actor.
Linsey Godfrey wrote:
We lost someone truly special. What an icon. What a genuinely lovely and kind person.
Robert Scott Wilson called Drake:
An absolute legend and an incredible man. Will forever be missed and honored.
Eric Martsolf, who played Hogestyn’s son Brady Black, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. The actor posted a photo from his early years at the show with Drake. In the caption, he wrote, “This shot was taken fairly early in my Days career; uncertain of my place within the historic family and so anxious to ‘fit in.’ He placed his hand on my shoulder, as he would for the next 16 years as my tv Dad, and said, ‘you got this kid.'”
Drake Hogestyn was a huge part of Days of Our Lives on and off the set. Daytime has truly lost an incredible icon.
