Soap Hub first reported that beloved Days of our Lives actor Drake Hogestyn died on Saturday, September 28, just one day shy of his 71st birthday. Current and past cast and crew of DAYS and others in the soap opera world have paid tribute to the actor who portrayed John Black on the show.
Tributes To Drake Hogestyn
DAYS shared a photo on its official Instagram account announcing Hogestyn’s passing, which you can see below.
Kristian Alfonso (Hope) took to Instagram to share a sweet video slideshow of pictures herself with the actor along with her tribute. “My heart 💔 💔💔….. I’ll always remember you as a Loving, Loving father, husband and Dear friend but mostly an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind, Always …… Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all every day Drake on set and off you were always our hero. Love you … Rest in Peace 🕊️my sweet friend ❤️”
Alison Sweeney (Sami) shared a lovely photo of herself and Hogestyn hugging on Instagram. She wrote, “Drake was an incredible man. 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. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.”
Martha Madison (Belle) took to Instagram and shared a photo of herself with the late actor, who portrayed her father on DAYS. “Today, the world lost a great man, Salem lost its greatest hero, and I lost one of my favorite scene partners. With a heart full of baseball, Drake was the embodiment of team spirit and mentored so many of us at #Days like a true team Captain. He was also a cheerleader. One of my favorite memories of Drake was from not too long ago. He knew I was super nervous as I was preparing to deliver a five-page deathbed monologue, and after we finished the scene (both soaked in tears and snot), he gave me a huge hug and whispered, ‘Kid, it was like that moment when you hear the crack of the bat against a long ball that flies into the stands and the crowd goes wild.’
I always knew if I was working with him that I would need to spend a little extra time on my scene prep. He was always off book and word perfect, and in 20 years I don’t think I ever remember him holding a script. More than that, he was always ready to play. He loved diving into our father/daughter dynamics, and there was no place I could go in a scene where he wasn’t exactly right there with me.
Drake was full of enthusiasm and humor and aways told the most amazing stories. He loved being an actor and always showed grace and gratitude when it came to his work and his fans. He loved his family deeply and was over the moon to be a Grandfather.
I’m sending my deepest sympathies to his family and to all of the cast, crew and fans who have loved him for decades.
RIP ❤️🕊️ @drakehogestyn”
On Instagram, Eric Martsolf (Brady) chose a photo of him and Drake from his early DAYS. In the emotional post, he spoke from the heart saying, “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.” He ingratiated me into his soap opera family instantly, and was a big reason why I have made it my home to this day. His kindness, storytelling, and studliness is still unmatched.
He was a man who wasn’t afraid to “feel” and emote, a worthy lesson for all fathers to pass along. Our hallways at DOOL will never be the same without him strolling through them. I was honored to portray his son, and will continue to emulate his work ethic and spirit. The world will miss him, and I will continue to feel his hand on my shoulder always. God bless you, Drake.”
Martsolf’s TV brother also wrote about how much Drake meant to him. On Instagram, Greg Vaughan (Eric) not only posted a photo of the last time he was with Drake, he included some of the last texts he exchanged with Drake. “This was our last time together, giving a set tour of Days of Our Lives to family and friends of mine. And a few of our final messages.
Drake was more than just a family man; he always made time for anyone & everyone! He was a wonderful storyteller, and most importantly, a loving and caring person. As a father figure to me and many of my costars, we shared our love for sports, and he always wanted to hear about my son’s life & sports!
On set, Drake was never short of being a scene stealer but an amazing way of making everyone in the room feel loved, supported, and valued. It’s still hard to believe that he passed away a day before his 71st birthday. Like John Black, only Drake could have orchestrated such a dramatic exit.
As I know he would want us all to celebrate his life and hold on to our fond memories. His voice will always stay with me, leaving a lasting impact. Happy Birthday and I love you, Drake. Godspeed ❤️”
Christopher Sean, who portrayed Paul Narita, John’s son, shared a photo of John and Paul embracing. He wrote, “I will always love you. You were more than just my tv father, in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world lost a true Hero. Miss and love you so much Drake. Rest in Peace Dad.
‘Keep Swinging for the Fences.”Drake Hogestyn'”
Sean also shared a post on Instagram with the same words that included a wonderful slideshow of the two of them.
On her Insta Story, Camila Banus (ex-Gabi Hernandez) posted about Drake. In it, she called him “such a kind and gentle human.” And then wrote a heartfelt message saying, ” RIP to this legend and super star @drakehogestyn. It was an honor to work alongside you. To hear your stories and jokes. To be in your presence.🙏🏽 🪽”
Charles Shaughnessy (Shane and Drew Donavan) shared an Instagram post honoring the late actor, which you can see below.
Mike Manning (Charlie Dale) wrote on X, “Sending prayers and love to the family of Drake Hogestyn. He was a talent, a gentleman, and most of all a good human being. RIP Drake 🙏🏼”
Lamon Archey (Eil) took to X to remember his former co-star. “Condolences to the family, friends, and fans who’ve watched Drake dedicate almost four decades to #Days. He will be missed. Heaven got a real one. Godspeed 🕊️ 💙”
General Hospital stars Genie Francis (Laura, ex-Diana Colville, DAYS) and Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis) shared beautiful words of condolences.
Beyond the Gates head writer Michele Val Jean reshared the DAYS post on X, adding, “This makes me so sad. Rest well, sir. Your work here is done.”
Thaao Penghlis (Tony and Andre DiMera) shared a fun photo of himself with Drake and Deidre Hall (Marlena) on X. He wrote, “We shared much over the years John Tony & Andre. Great stories were told. To his family, to Deidre & Days so sorry for ur great loss. We will remember him well even though our hearts bleed. Drake thank you & May this next journey be one of great enlightenment. RIP”
Eileen Davidson (ex-Kristen DiMera, ex-Susan Banks, DAYS; Ashley Abbott, Y&R) shared on X, “When I heard the news about Drake Hogestyn’s passing I felt kicked in the gut. A truly one of a kind. So kind, hilarious & talented. Loved his family so much. I know he’s up there telling one of his many stories. Thanks for the laughs Drake. I’ll always love and miss you. XO.”
Farah Fath (Mimi Lockhart) wrote on X, “What a sad night this is.
He was so kind and genuine in every interaction…with a zest for life, his work, and all his millions of fans. But his biggest passion was always, by far…his family.
And that was the most touching thing about him. Rest peacefully, Drake Hogestyn.”
William deVry (Julian Jerome, GH; Storm Logan, The Bold and the Beautiful) shared his thoughts on X. “Just seeing the news on Drake Hogestyn. RIP Drake. I know a lot of people are very sad this evening. Condolences to all who loved him. Family. Friends. Fans. #DaysCommunity #Days Been a rough few years in Daytime.”
The Young and the Restless also reshared the DAYS announcement and offered condolences to DAYS.
Billy Warlock (Frankie Brady) shared his thoughts about his former co-star on X. “I am absolutely shocked and saddened to hear about Drake. Drake was an amazing man and such a stud. The list goes on. He was Superman to me. He will sorely be missed.”
Staci Greason, who played John’s late love interest, and Brady’s mom, Isabella, reminisced about Drake in a touching Instagram message.
On X, Kyle Brandt (ex-Philip Kiriakis) reflected on the impression Drake left on him when he starred on DAYS.
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