Drake Hogestyn, renowned for his role as John Black on “Days of Our Lives,” has passed away at the age of 70 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family announced on Saturday.
In a heartfelt statement shared on the “Days of Our Lives” Instagram account, the Hogestyn family expressed their sorrow, noting, “Drake was thrown the curve ball of his life when diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced this challenge with incredible strength and determination. After an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
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His passing has also been confirmed by major news outlets, including Variety and the Hollywood Reporter.
The family described Hogestyn as an “amazing husband, father, papa, and actor,” emphasizing his passion for performing and the close relationships he formed with the cast and crew of “Days of Our Lives.” They concluded, “We love him and will miss him all the Days of Our Lives.”
Hogestyn joined “Days of Our Lives” in 1986, appearing in over 4,200 episodes. His performances earned him multiple Soap Opera Digest Awards, including wins for hottest male star in 1994 and 1995, and for favorite couple in 2005.