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

[Liberty City]

A beautiful tribute and moving sentiment from a dedicated fan, Liz, on social media.

[Joseph]

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Took me some digging but I managed to put his first appearance together, I'll leave this as my very small tribute to him since I'm awful with words

Edited September 29, 2024 by Joseph
Correction

[Liberty City]

Delicious. Thanks so much, Joseph, for doing this for us!

[Errol]

I had heard about Drake's passing shortly before the show released the statements last night, and I must say that I have never truly cried over an actor dying the way I did with Drake Hogestyn.

Just thinking about it, I can't even say why it has affected me so much because Days of our Lives has never truly been my favorite soap. John Black has never truly been one of my favorite characters. However, Drake Hogestyn was one of the nicest and most respectful people you could meet in this industry. The few times I got to interview him or speak with him at events or on the set, he was very kind to me. He was patient. He would help you in any way that he could, even when you felt like a bumbling fool. 

Cancer is no joke. It comes in quickly and takes one out just as quickly, especially pancreatic cancer. I just hope that in the end, he was guided home peacefully and without pain. 

[AbcNbc247]

It still crazy to me how, judging by this clip, the name/character John Black was only supposed to be a temporary thing. And look how iconic he became.

[Errol]

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[AbcNbc247]

Same here.

Most of my early memories of Days are of John and Marlena.

Edited September 29, 2024 by AbcNbc247

[Liberty City]

I think it's because of how familiar the name and his person is within daytime. Even not watching Days of Our Lives growing up, I knew who Drake Hogestyn was. I think that's why it hits so many.

Cancer is an absolute b!tch.

[dragonflies]

 

[janea4old]

some examples of Drake's genuine kindness and mentorship
 

Kyle Lowder
https://www.instagram.com/p/DAgLgluPOYz

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Kyle Brandt
 

[Joseph]

It's very weird to think of the show Without Drake or John, I couldn't and Can't picture the Show's 60th Anniversary without him! Heck I even imagined some non adventurous storylines for him only days ago.....

This one is so hard to believe

Edited September 29, 2024 by Joseph

[Liberty City]

The period of 2009–2011 without both him & Deidre Hall was such an empty void of an era.

[dragonflies]

I know people say this a lot but I really don't see how Days can survive losing Drake. He's such an integral part of the show and it's foundation.

[carolineg]

Yup!

I will say almost all of my favorite memories on Days have John in them.  Obviously, I am one of the biggest John/Marlena fans on this board, but he helped carry Days in the 90's.  I don't think I am out of line saying that if it wasn't for Drake/John (and his stories) Days would have been cancelled years ago.

[janea4old]

Here is Drake talking about this, pulling up tweeted stills on his phone: