The actors from Days of Our Lives have been candid about the sorrow they experienced while filming John Black’s last scenes, as actor Drake Hogestyn was approaching the end of his life at that time. Tragically, Hogestyn, who had played this cherished character for close to 40 years, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in September 2024, coincidentally during the filming of John Black’s funeral scene.
In a recent interview, the cast members shared their unusual and emotional journey of enacting farewell scenes on screen, as they grappled with Hogestyn’s actual health deterioration. Eric Martsolf, portraying Brady (John’s son), reminisced that Hogestyn agreed to let the storyline progress: “Drake was aware of what lay ahead… With grace, he said, ‘Yes, let’s proceed.’
During those three days, genuine emotions flowed abundantly on the filming location. “There wasn’t a single instance of acting,” Martsolf divulged. “We were all so emotionally connected that our hands were intertwined to the extent that they turned pale.
Martha Madison, who played Belle, expressed that the scenes seemed like a mutual moment of conclusion: “We were both saying goodbye to Drake simultaneously. We didn’t need to act—it was already palpable.” Additionally, she shared her respect for Hogestyn and how the tribute encapsulated the influence he had on those around him.
As Days of Our Lives episodes are now being broadcasted, fans are observing a poignant tribute not just for a legendary character, but also for the man who brought him to life. While on-screen and off, the cast paid their respects to Drake Hogestyn, making their performances a touching farewell to a valued co-star and friend. In this way, they were paying homage to his memory in the most emotional and fitting tribute.
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2025-06-11 09:07