Days of our Lives: Drake Hogestyn Cause of Death Details – When is John Black’s Funeral on DOOL?
Drake Hogestyn’s Passing: What It Means for John Black’s Future on Days of Our Lives
Days of Our Lives fans are grappling with the heartbreaking news of Drake Hogestyn’s passing and its impact on the beloved character John Black. Here’s everything we know about his death, the causes, and when we might expect John Black’s final farewell on the show.
Drake Hogestyn’s Battle with Pancreatic Cancer
Drake Hogestyn, the actor who brought John Black to life for decades, passed away on September 28, 2024, just a day before his 71st birthday. The devastating news was shared by his family through Days of Our Lives, revealing that he had been battling pancreatic cancer for some time. The family expressed how hard Drake fought the disease and how loved he was by his co-stars, friends, and fans alike.
In their heartfelt statement, the Hogestyn family described him as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and actor, who left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His death came as a huge loss, not just to the world of soap operas, but to the entire entertainment industry.
The Details Behind His Passing
While pancreatic cancer was the primary cause of death, additional details from Hogestyn’s death certificate revealed that he suffered from complications like vomiting, dehydration, and whole-body toxicity. These symptoms, common in late-stage cancer, further strained his organs, contributing to his passing. His family chose to have him cremated, and no autopsy was conducted, given the known cause of death.
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously aggressive, with a survival rate that is often less than a year after diagnosis. The speed and intensity of the illness are shocking, as shared by both his family and those familiar with the disease. Drake’s battle was courageous, but ultimately, he succumbed to this relentless illness.
Tributes from Days of Our Lives Co-stars
In the wake of Hogestyn’s death, tributes poured in from the Days of Our Lives cast and crew. Stephen Nichols (Patch) shared that Drake was one of those rare souls who exuded pure joy and a love for life, while Deidre Hall (Marlena) reflected on their four-decade-long partnership, both on and off-screen. She emphasized how beloved Drake was by everyone on set, from actors to crew members, noting that his two great loves were his family and the New York Yankees.
Hall also mentioned that Drake’s wife, Victoria, and their children were the center of his world, showing how deeply connected he was to his family in his final years.
When Will John Black’s Funeral Air?
Fans are now wondering how Days of Our Lives will handle the departure of John Black, a character who has been central to the show for decades. Traditionally, soap operas take time to plan respectful exits for actors who pass away, as seen with the character Doug Williams, played by Bill Hayes, and Victor Kiriakis, played by John Aniston.
Given this pattern, we might expect John Black’s off-screen death and funeral to occur about 10 months after Drake Hogestyn’s passing, which would be around July 2025. However, there’s speculation that it could happen sooner, especially given the large number of returning characters scheduled for June 2025.
June 2025: A Major Return for Days of Our Lives
A group of fan-favorite characters is slated to return in June 2025, and many of them have significant connections to John Black. This includes Bo and Hope Brady, Carrie Brady, Tony and Anna DiMera, Jack and Jennifer Deveraux, and even John’s stepdaughter, Sami Brady. With such a lineup, it feels like these returns could be timed for John’s farewell.
While nothing has been officially confirmed, the presence of these characters strongly suggests that John Black’s funeral might be a key part of their storylines. Whether it’s a heart-wrenching farewell to the “Pawn” or another major storyline, fans are bracing for an emotional goodbye to both the character and the actor who played him so memorably.
What’s Next for Days of Our Lives?
While NBC has yet to confirm the exact timing of John Black’s exit, fans can expect a respectful and poignant tribute to both Drake Hogestyn and his iconic character. Soap opera writers have had time to plan, knowing about Hogestyn’s illness in advance, which means viewers will likely see a well-crafted and emotional storyline to honor him.
As fans mourn the loss of the actor, they can also prepare for a powerful farewell on Days of Our Lives, which will undoubtedly bring together past and present characters to pay tribute to John Black, one of the most beloved figures in soap opera history.
Stay tuned for updates as Days moves forward with this touching storyline and continues to celebrate the life and legacy of Drake Hogestyn.
