With deep sadness, the passing of beloved actor Drake Hogestyn has been announced. He courageously battled pancreatic cancer with unwavering strength and determination. Surrounded by his closest loved ones, Hogestyn passed away peacefully.
In a statement, his family shared,
“He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor. He loved performing for the Days of Our Lives 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.”
Executive Producer Ken Corday also expressed his grief, saying,
“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.”
A Journey from Sports to Stardom
Drake Hogestyn was born Donald Drake Hogestyn on September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. From an early age, Hogestyn showed promise in both academics and sports. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of South Florida on a baseball scholarship, where he majored in pre-dentistry. He graduated with degrees in microbiology and applied sciences, originally intending to pursue a career as an oral surgeon. However, fate had different plans for him.
Upon graduation, Hogestyn was drafted by two Major League Baseball teams, the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. Choosing the latter, he played third base for one of their farm teams until a career-ending injury in 1977 brought his sporting ambitions to an unexpected halt. This sudden change led him to a new career path that would shape the rest of his life.
The Leap into Acting
Hogestyn’s transition to acting began when he entered a nationwide talent search organized by Columbia Pictures, competing against 75,000 other hopefuls. He was selected as one of 30 participants for an acting training program, which saw him move to Los Angeles and launch his acting career. He made his television debut in the 1982 CBS series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, where he played Ben McFadden, one of the seven brothers.
After that role, Hogestyn continued to gain experience with other small parts in prime-time television, including roles in the 1985 science fiction series Otherworld. In 1984, he auditioned for a part in Guiding Light, but the role ultimately went to another actor. It was in 1985, however, that he received a fateful invitation to audition for Days of Our Lives—a role that would change his life.
Initially, Hogestyn had mixed feelings about the audition, as his heart remained in Indiana, where he was courting his future wife, Victoria. Recalling the moment in a 2015 interview with Soap Opera Digest, Hogestyn said:
“I had begun courting Victoria, and I was flying back to Fort Wayne. Days was my last audition, as far as I was concerned. I pulled my Jeep up and thought, ‘This is perfect. This is the first gate I walked through at Columbia Pictures in the talent program, and it will be the last I go through.’”
Hogestyn nearly walked away, but a moment of reflection changed his mind, and he returned to the audition with renewed determination. He went in and impressed the casting director, who revealed that the character he was auditioning for—John Black—was intended to be a temporary role. Despite the initial plans, Hogestyn’s undeniable chemistry with Days leading actress Deidre Hall helped extend his time on the show, turning John Black into a long-term character.
Building an Enduring Legacy
Hogestyn’s portrayal of John Black, originally introduced as “The Pawn,” became central to some of Days of Our Lives’ most iconic storylines. He was revealed to be Roman Brady, a character previously played by Wayne Northrop, before eventually returning to his own identity as John Black. His work on the show earned him the admiration of fans and colleagues alike, many of whom lauded his dedication and work ethic.
Deidre Hall, who played Marlena Evans, recalled in a 2022 podcast interview:
“Drake came in to audition, and I thought, ‘He’s got everything you need.’ He has a strength, a masculinity, and a sexiness. From the start, he was dreamy and serious about the work.”
Hogestyn’s work on Days of Our Lives spanned decades. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including a brief departure from the show due to budget cuts in 2009, he remained a beloved fixture on the soap. He returned to the cast in 2011 and continued to contribute until his later years. In 2016, Hogestyn sustained brain injuries that temporarily sidelined him from the show. When he returned in 2017, he reflected on the passage of time and the significance of his experiences on Days, saying:
“Life is good…. Time’s going by. We live a dual life here—we have our real life, but we come here and have another life, and it’s really unusual. I feel very blessed. It’s a great way to go through life.”
Personal Life and Dedication to Family
While Hogestyn’s professional accomplishments were substantial, his family remained the cornerstone of his life. He married Victoria, the love of his life, and together they raised four children—Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben. Hogestyn often shared fond memories of meeting Victoria when they were teenagers, describing their lasting bond in a 2018 interview,
“I fell in love with Victoria when I was 15, she was 12…. I look at her and I see all the moments. I’m very blessed.”
Hogestyn’s love for his family extended beyond his children to his grandchildren. His personal life, filled with love and joy, was a testament to his character as a husband and father.
A Farewell to a Soap Legend
Drake Hogestyn’s contributions to television, particularly to Days of Our Lives, left an indelible mark on both fans and the industry. His dedication, talent, and warmth will be remembered by many.
In the words of Executive Producer Ken Corday,
“His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”
Drake Hogestyn is survived by his wife, Victoria, their four children, and seven grandchildren. His legacy, both on-screen and off, will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and those who were touched by his work.
