Drake Hogestyn, 'Days of Our Lives' Veteran, Passes Away from Cancer One Day Before His Birthday

"Days of Our Lives" star Drake Hogestyn has passed away, just one day before his 71st birthday.

The family of the beloved soap opera actor, who appeared in nearly 4,300 episodes, shared the sad news through the show's social media on Saturday evening.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was dealt the curveball of his life when diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the battle with immense strength and determination. After an incredible fight, he passed peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” the statement read. 

“He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor. Drake loved performing for the *Days* audience and cherished working with the best cast, crew, and production team in the industry.”

Hogestyn first took on the role of John Black, an undercover agent with a mysterious backstory, in 1986. His character, initially believed to be Roman Brady (previously played by Wayne Northrop), had undergone plastic surgery and was suffering from amnesia, reappearing on the show as a different man. His on-screen romance with Deirdre Hall’s character made them one of television’s most iconic couples.

Hogestyn briefly left *Days of Our Lives* in 2009 but made a return in 2011. 

Many of his current and former co-stars took to social media to mourn his loss. Alison Sweeney, who departed the show in 2022, expressed her sorrow on X, writing, “[Drake] cared about every single scene, every single person.” His TV son, Christopher Sean, hailed Hogestyn as a “true hero,” while his TV daughter, Martha Madison, posted a touching tribute on Instagram.

“One of my favorite memories of Drake was from not too long ago,” Madison recalled. “He knew I was nervous about a five-page deathbed monologue. After we finished the scene—both of us soaked in tears—he gave me a huge hug and whispered, ‘Kid, it was like hearing the crack of the bat on a long ball flying into the stands, and the crowd goes wild.’”

Dan Feuerriegel, who joined the show in 2021, noted how warmly Hogestyn had welcomed him to the cast.

Drake Hogestyn is survived by his wife, Victoria, his childhood sweetheart, their four children, and several grandchildren.