DAYS’ Stephen Nichols Reflects on 40 Years With Drake Hogestyn — And a Walk for a Cause

Steve has had a busy year on Days of our Lives. Since John’s death, he has struggled with grief, considered closing Black Patch for good, and shown frustration with the ISA, all while risking his life to save loved ones. 40 years after first putting on the patch, Steve is still fighting. Off-screen, however, Stephen Nichols focused on something more personal, sharing a message about four decades with Drake Hogestyn and offering an invitation that reaches beyond daytime drama.

Key Takeaways

• Stephen Nichols reflected on nearly 40 years of friendship with Drake Hogestyn, describing him as a source of pure joy both on and off camera.
• Nichols is chairing Hogey’s Home Runners for PanCAN PurpleStride Los Angeles in April 2026.
• Fans responded with personal memories, donations, and promises to attend in Hogestyn’s honor.

A Brotherhood Beyond Salem

Stephen Nichols posted on Instagram a pic of himself, patch up, with the late Hogestyn (John) and wrote, “Drake and I spent nearly 40 years together – fighting villains, saving Salem, and giving Stefano DiMera more headaches than he deserved. But it was everything off-camera that I’ll carry with me forever. Just being around Drake meant being around joy. Pure joy and positivity. That was him.”

He continued: “This year, I’m proud to chair Hogey’s Home Runners – our DAYS family team for PanCAN PurpleStride Los Angeles – and I’d love for you to walk with us… See you April 25. For Drake. For all of them. Let’s swing for the fences.” The photo was a clear depiction of two men who had stood by each other for nearly forty years.

Fans responded with heartfelt memories and strength, with one commenting, “He was one of the nicest men I have ever known.” Another shared, “I met him once in Toronto, and he made such a moment of it, I’ll never forget it!” One follower simply said, “Miss him every day!”

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Swinging for the Fences

Nichols is chairing Hogey’s Home Runners for PanCAN PurpleStride Los Angeles at the Santa Monica Pier on April 25, 2026. Registration is free. He encouraged supporters who can’t attend to either find a nearby walk or organize one in their own neighborhood.

The response turned into a roll call. “I’ll be there again wearing my bracelet,” one supporter promised. Another wrote, “I will be there!” A viewer added, “Donated!! I might try to attend in LA this year instead of my local walk.” Others shared stories about baseball conversations during studio tours and how Hogestyn brightened a room. One comment captured the overall sentiment: “This is an amazing way to honor him!”

40 years of crime-fighting made for good television. But showing up for each other off-camera might be the legacy that lasts. (Find out about one of the ways Nichols previously honored Hogestyn.)