Family, friends, and fans of the beloved Days of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn were left heartbroken after learning of his passing. He was the glue that held everything together whether with family or on set at the job he loved dearly. Lets take a look into the life and career of the man who touched many lives around the world.
Donald Drake Hogestyn was born September 29, 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated from Northside High School and attended the University of South Florida on a baseball scholarship. He majored in pre-dentistry, but ended up graduating with degrees in applied science and microbiology. His athletic talent led him to play for two major league baseball team farm clubs, the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees. Though he loved baseball, his career came to an end in 1977 when he suffered a debilitating knee injury during a collision at home plate.
With athletics no longer an option, Hogestyn discovered his true calling, acting. He entered a Columbia Pictures talent contest and placed in the top thirty out of 75,000 contestants. Shortly after, he obtained his first lead role in the prime time series Seven Brides For Seven Brothers as the character Brian McFadden.
In 1986, Hogestyn landed a role on the popular daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives. This is when his career took off portraying the character John Black. He and his on screen love, Marlena Evans, (Diedre Hall) soon became one of the most popular power couples on daytime tv, even winning the Soap Opera Digest Award for favorite couple in 2005.
Hogestyn also won the Hottest Male Award in 1994 and 1995.
He starred as John Black for nearly 40 years. His family made the devastating announcement of his passing on the Days of Our Lives social media page.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor. He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business.
We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.”
– The Hogestyn Family
Many of Hogestyn’s co-stars took to social media to express their love for him including Kristian Alfonso who played Hope Williams Brady on Days of Our Lives.
“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 everyday Drake on set and off you were always our hero . Love you … Rest in Peace 🕊️my sweet friend ❤️”
In 2020, Drake Hogestyn starred in the Hallmark movie Christmas Tree Lane where he played the role of Benjamin Reilly. Actress, writer, and producer, Alison Sweeney who played Sammy Brady on Days of Our Lives currently stars in several Hallmark movies. She also posted a message to express her feelings for her longtime friend.
“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”.
Executive Producer of Days of Our Lives Ken Corday also chimed in expressing how much Hogestyn will be missed.
“This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”
Drake Hogestyn is survived by his wife Victoria, and four children Rachael, Ben, Whitney, and Alexandra. He also has seven grandchildren.
Hogestyn passed away on September 28th, one day shy of his 71st birthday due to pancreatic cancer.
Below is a video by Access Hollywood of his Days of Our Lives co-stars Stephen Nichols & Deidre Hall speaking about their beloved friend.
Drake Hogestyn you are truly missed September 29, 1953 – September 28, 2024.