DAYS: R.I.P. Drake Hogestyn (John Black, Days of our Lives)

[detroitpiston]

Wow. John and Marlena were one of my first soap supercouples. Everything about Drake as a performer was iconic and what a leading man should be. RIP

[Khan]

Was DH the greatest actor?  No.  But he never, ever phoned it in, no matter how screwy DAYS in general, and John's storylines in particular, became.  For that, I will always be grateful to him.

[j swift]

It is so sad.

It also made me reflect on the longevity of these daytime careers.  Except for a few years, Drake has had the same job since he was 32.  More than half his lifetime was spent at DAYS.  That is remarkable.  And it gives me some perspective on the gravity of the loss.  Imagine staying in one workplace, or one role, for over thirty years. 

Edited September 29, 2024 by j swift

[DRW50]

I don't watch DAYS very often now but I'm glad John maintained a presence and Drake had his role to focus on in his last year. Drake always seemed to have a sense of humor about himself and the absurdity that was John Black, which along with his charisma and good looks helped keep John a key part of the show for nearly four decades. He replaced a beloved actor in a way that looked deceptively easy and navigated so many eras...few characters were as entertaining, even if sometimes not for reasons the show intended. 

I'm sure we're all thinking of his loved ones and co-workers, the latter of whom have already had such a horrible few years. 

Edited September 29, 2024 by DRW50

[carolineg]

I had heard rumors he was ill, but I always thought he was invincible.  He seemed like a wonderful guy and family man.  My prayers to everyone that loved him and there are a lot of people out there that do.

[AbcNbc247]

38 years is a blessing 

[BoldRestless]

My jaw dropped at this one. RIP and condolences to his family.

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[Wendy]

OMG, I never thought of that. Pancreatic cancer is horrible. I hope Drake didn't suffer too much by the end.

[Skylover]

Wow, I'm truly shocked. I have always absolutely loved John and Marlena. It was thanks to John and Marlena that I really got interested in Days when I saw it in Barbados back in 2008. RIP Drake, thanks for the fun memories you've given me of this iconic soap.

[Antoyne]

This is so tragic. Drake absolutely never phoned it in and for that I always loved John.

[MichaelGL]

Wow I’m in disbelief. Totally unexpected 

[janea4old]

 

[Faulkner]

In absolute shock to read this on Twitter.

[JAS0N47]

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Rest in peace, Drake. Thank you for four decades of John Black. You were part of the first storyline I ever watched on "Days", The Cruise of Deception, in 1990. It was an honor getting to meet you at several fan events through the years. I always knew Salem was in good hands with John keeping an eye on things. My condolences to Victoria, his children and all of the "Days" family.

 

[NothinButAttitude]

RIP, Drake! I sending endless prayers to his family during this trying time. 

Seriously, f*ck cancer. 

My uncle passed this morning from glioblastoma. This is panning out to be a horrible week.