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

[Beachstorm]

You've all known him longer than I. I'm new to the show since 2011. I barely knew his real name. But it's tremendously sad to lose this man at such a relatively ripe age. So sad. I enjoyed the character immensely. RIP Mr. Hogestyn. 

Shocking news.

[titan1978]

What sad news. He seemed kind of invincible to me, much like the character he played. Heartbreaking for his family. He spoke about them all the time, you got the sense that he really treasured his wife and kids.

As far as his work on DAYS- I thought he always rose to the challenge, no matter how ridiculous the story. He was like walking charisma. I was very young, but I remember his start and watched him as Roman. For everyone that says he wasn’t a good actor, there was a clear line in how he played both characters. His Roman was much lighter than Wayne’s was. He excelled in romantic stories, had chemistry with everyone, including the Brady family.

There is a kind of magic with supercouples and he and Marlena were incredible. 

[Jdee43]

Wow! A legend in the genre, one of its icons. I too thought he'd always be there. This is really shocking and sad. When I started watching DAYS in 1987, he was pretty much the male lead.  Two decades later, he was still the male lead, a testament to his charisma. There was a period where the show didn't really treat him well (2007-2015). It was good to see the show treating him and his character better the last several years.

His best run was as Roman from 1986-1991. When they tried to make him a wealthier, darker character, it just didn't work. They should have had him go back to being Roman around 1998 or so, especially if they intended never to bring Wayne back. But it is what it is. I did enjoy seeing him play with Dick Van Dyke last year; having Dick Van Dyke turn out to be his character's father was a nice touch. 

Edited September 29, 2024 by Jdee43

[Vee]

Exactly this.

[asafi]

While his loss is deeply felt, it's heartening to remember the amazing life he lived and the joy he brought to others. May the memories of Drake's warmth and generosity bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire others.

It's pretty messed up that we might have to wait ages to see any on-screen tribute for Drake. The whole soap opera filming schedule thing really sucks in situations like this. Feels wrong to have such a big gap between real life and what we see on TV, especially for something this important. Kinda makes you wish they could find a quicker way to honor him, right?

[Wendy]

I say burn the rest of Carlivati's stuff and go, maybe a month - max, if extra time is needed - for tape to air. Just start fresh and start with honoring Drake. (But keep the Doug tribute under Ron as there is no way to re-film that!)

[Faulkner]

It’s just so devastating. I’m not even a DAYS fan like that, but I did watch for decades (my family down South watched it nearly religiously), and Drake was partly responsible. And I think he was actually a very good actor, stoic and old-school masculine, yes, but nowhere near as wooden as Ronn Moss, and Drake became better as years went on. Subtler, wiser, funnier. And he was damn sexy. That perfectly hairy chest in bedroom scenes.

He was a chemistry machine and that wasn’t some happy accident due to his personality—there’s some skill/craft involved there to be able to connect with others on camera so deeply.

It’s just all so exhausting and depressing, and my heart goes out to the DAYS cast who’ve already been through so much trauma over the years.

Edited September 29, 2024 by Faulkner

[Wendy]

No idea how to embed Instagram, but Charles Shaughnessy (Shane Donovan, of course!) has also posted:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAfT1CwRkv8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=1efa5949-86eb-4639-9b16-93f2636d1ddf

 

[AMCOLTLLover]

Rest in peace.. What a shocker

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i never expected this

He was still a better Roman (fake Roman) than the current one  

[Manny]

Omg, what news to wake up to. I stopped watching Days long time ago, and John was never my favorite character, but there is no denying that Drake was such a charming person, and John was such a lovable guy. I am sure it was Drake real personality that was seeping through into the character of John. RIP Drake. Salem has really lost a big one. 

[I Am A Swede]

Wow, this was a shock. I haven't watched DAYS for many years, but John Black is almost a template for the ultimate soap opera hero, and much of that was down to Drake. He was always committed and gave his all, however ridiculous the story, and that commitment made sure he was always fascinating to watch.

R.I.P. Mr. Hogestyn and thank you for all the years of entertainment.

[dragonflies]

I'm disgusted someone leaked that he was sick before his family did. I hope they're ashamed, they know who they are

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Rest well Drake

[Cat]

I am in absolute shock. Drake Hogestyn as John was an indelible part of my life growing up. John & Marlena were the most magical supercouple experience that, yes, fulfilled my youthful need for romantic stories, but on another level, taught me about the importance of challenge, struggle, sacrifice in forging an honorable spirit.

We don't write heroes today with the same depth that JER did for John in the early 90s. After I first read this thread, in shock, I stumbled to YouTube to find some Days scenes involving Drake from that era. I am guilty of having joked about his acting (the eyebrow) on this very forum, as Days edged into a more parodic era. Watching those scenes back today, though, I am touched by his presence, his talent, his commitment to the material. The quiet moments of pause in the dialogue, the intensity, the sheer charisma. Drake Hogestyn was the real deal.

And by so many accounts, Drake was as committed, kind and giving as the character he imbued. He was devoted to nurturing a community of actors at Days, team players he called them, giving them space to shine as well as learning to support their colleagues. He seemed devoted to his family, too. It goes without saying what a huge loss he is to them, to his work-family at NBC, and to us all in this soap opera community. May he RIP.

I am so sorry. I know you are a longtime fan of John & Marlena, and Drake & Dee, also. Thinking of you and all fans of theirs.

I am so sorry for your loss to this horrific disease. Sending prayers your way.

[Maxim]

Such a devastating news to wake up to. I just opened my eyes and saw this. May he rest in peace. DAYS will for sure never be the same without him.

 

[reallyhateskateonlost]

So sorry to hear about this. Got teary eyed even.

John Black was a favorite of mine when he first came to Days.

 

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