Drake Hogestyn, a cherished figure in the world of soap operas, who notably played the role of John Black on the iconic series *Days of Our Lives*, has sadly passed away at the age of 70, merely a day shy of celebrating his 71st birthday.

The heartbreaking news was shared through the show's official social media platforms. In their heartfelt statement, the production team expressed, “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was dealt the devastating blow of pancreatic cancer, but he approached this battle with immense strength and determination. After a brave fight, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.”

Hogestyn was remembered not only for his talents as an actor but also for being a devoted husband and father, with the statement continuing, “He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor. He cherished performing for the *Days* audience and shared the stage with an exceptional cast, crew, and production team.”

His family’s message concluded with a poignant affirmation of love, stating, “We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.”

Drake Hogestyn debuted as John Black in 1986, captivating audiences until 2009, when he briefly stepped away from the role. He returned to portray John Black until his untimely passing. His character experienced monumental twists throughout the show, including the shocking revelation that he was actually Roman Brady—a storyline that emphasized the series’ penchant for dramatic intrigue and complex narratives.

Ken Corday, the executive producer of the NBC-Peacock show, expressed his deep sorrow over Hogestyn’s death. He told *Soap Opera Digest*, “This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player, and there are no words to fully convey how profoundly he will be missed. His influence on our show, both personally and professionally, is unparalleled and will forever hold a significant place in our hearts.”

Born on September 29, 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn initially pursued a career in baseball, securing a scholarship for his talents in the sport. He attended college with aspirations of becoming an oral surgeon, majoring in microbiology and applied sciences. His baseball dreams were dashed by an injury in 1977, leading him to a remarkable career change into acting.

His journey into the entertainment industry began when he was selected from a staggering 75,000 applicants during a nationwide talent search by Columbia Pictures, eventually securing a place in their training program. Hogestyn made his television debut in 1982 in CBS’s *Seven Brides for Seven Brothers*, which starred a young River Phoenix.

Fans and colleagues alike will remember Hogestyn’s remarkable contributions to television and his unforgettable performances on *Days of Our Lives*. His passion for his craft and the love he showed towards his family and colleagues will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of many.