Long-time star of the US show Days of Our Lives, Drake Hogestyn, has died aged 70 from pancreatic cancer.
The actor died one day shy of his 71st birthday on September 28, at his home ‘surrounded by loved ones’.
He had starred as popular character John Black since 1986, returning in 2011 to the American soap after a short three-year hiatus.
Hogestyn’s family confirmed the death in a statement on Instagram, stating the news came with ‘heavy hearts’ after his cancer diagnosis.
The statement read: ‘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.’
They added: ‘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.’
Hogestyn, from Fort Wayne, Indiana, got his first acting gig after responding to an open talent search by Columbia Pictures which included 75,000 people.
He was one of 30 successful applicants, landing a role in the TV adaptation of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in the early 80s.
From here, he starred in minor roles until securing his part on Days of Our Lives in 1986 as a mystery man known as ‘The Pawn’, who was later revealed to be the presumed dead Roman Brady.
This storyline was subsequently retconned but Hogestyn remained on the series as John Black, one of the show’s most popular characters.
His partnership with Deidre Hall, who played Marlena Evans, saw huge success and was used in much of the advertising for the long-running soap.
Elsewhere, Hogestyn had appeared as Senator Alfred Mayhew in Criminal Minds as well as roles in Otherworld and Christmas Tree Lane.
His on-screen son Christopher Sean posted a tribute on Instagram, writing: ‘I will always love you. You were more than just my tv father, in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me.
‘The world lost a true Hero. Miss and love you so much Drake. Rest in Peace Dad. “Keep Swinging for the Fences.”- Drake Hogestyn.’
Ken Corday, executive producer of Days of Our Lives, wrote in a tribute for Soap Opera Digest: ‘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.’
Hogestyn is survived by wife Victoria — who was his childhood sweetheart — and their four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben.
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