What Was Drake Hogestyn’s Cause Of Death? All We Know As Days of Our Lives Star Passes Away At 70

As a devoted fan who has followed Drake Hogestyn’s extraordinary journey for decades, I am utterly heartbroken by the news of his passing. For 38 years, John Black was not just a character on Days of Our Lives; he was an integral part of my daily life, a constant source of comfort and excitement.


Drake Hogestyn, a longtime star of Days of Our Lives, passed away at the age of 70. Known for portraying the beloved character John Black for an impressive 38 years, Hogestyn breathed his last on September 28, 2024, just one day before his 71st birthday. The family of the esteemed actor shared the sad news through a statement issued on social media by the well-known soap opera.

We are deeply saddened to share that Drake Hogestyn has passed away. He was struck by a tragic blow when he received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, but his resilience and courage were truly inspiring as he battled this challenge. In the end, he left us peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him most.

Hogestyn’s death signifies a distinguished career on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” during which he brought the character John Black to life, enthralling viewers for many years and earning himself one of the most memorable performances in daytime TV history.

Initially, Hogestyn made his debut on Days of Our Lives in 1986 as the enigmatic figure called The Pawn. Gradually, his character expanded to become John Black, a fan-favorite and emblematic character that the show is known for.

As a devoted admirer, I can confidently say that Drake Hogestyn’s captivating portrayal of John Black significantly molded some of the series’ most unforgettable story arcs. The intricate bond between his character and Dr. Marlena Evans, skillfully played by Deidre Hall, has been cherished by fans as a standout aspect of the show.

In 2005, Hogestyn and Hall received the Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple, cementing their status as one of daytime TV’s most beloved duos. The captivating on-screen connection between them and the gripping storylines they portrayed have contributed significantly to Days of Our Lives’ enduring appeal.

On Instagram, Alison Sweeney, a colleague of Hogestys, expressed that Drake was an exceptional individual. She characterized him as humorous, benevolent, and considerate. He demonstrated care for each scene and everyone involved in them.

1) He loved every day on set, as well as his fans, and he made sure to share his enthusiasm with everyone around him. She expressed that his family, who were very important to him, are going through a tough time in her heart.

Beyond his work as an actor, Hogestyn is also deeply committed to his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather. In 1986, he wed his long-time sweetheart, Victoria Post, and they shared over three decades of marriage until her passing in 2023.

The Hogestyn clan comprises four daughters – Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and a son named Ben – along with seven grandchildren.

In their family announcement, the Hogestyns highlighted his exceptional role as a loving spouse, father, grandfather, and performer. He found joy in entertaining the public and collaborating with an outstanding ensemble of actors, technicians, and producers within the field.

Several of Hogestyn’s fellow actors on Days of Our Lives expressed their sympathies and reminisced about the man. Kristian Alfonso stated that she would forever remember him as a fantastic parent, spouse, and loyal friend, but above all as a remarkable, passionate individual. She thanked Drake for the love he consistently displayed, both on set and off. She described him as their hero.

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2024-09-29 11:40