Curious World Staff
Longtime Days of our Lives star Drake Hogestyn passed away on Saturday, one day before his 71st birthday, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Hogestyn, known for his role as John Black on the soap opera for nearly 40 years, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, as announced on the show’s official Instagram.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement stated. “He faced his diagnosis with tremendous strength, and after a valiant fight, he died peacefully. He was a fantastic husband, father, and actor, and we shall miss him every day of our lives.”
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn played college baseball at the University of South Florida, earning degrees in microbiology and applied sciences. Initially pursuing a career as an oral surgeon, he was drafted by the Yankees in 1976 but had his baseball career cut short by injury. This led him to acting, where he became a beloved soap star, filming over 4,200 episodes as John Black.
In addition to Days, Hogestyn had roles in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Criminal Minds, and the Hallmark movie Christmas Tree Lane.
Alison Sweeney, who portrayed Sami Brady in Days, described him as “an incredible man” who was “funny, generous, and thoughtful.” Christopher Sean, who portrayed his TV son, described Hogestyn as “more than just my TV father… in my eyes, you were my dad.”
Hogestyn is survived by his wife, Victoria Post, four children, and seven grandchildren.
