(Update) The last broadcast date of Drake Hogestyn’s life was revealed while he was still suffering from cancer
The last broadcast date of Drake Hogestyn’s life was revealed while he was still suffering from cancer
We’ve got even more bad news for Days of Our Lives fans in the wake of learning Drake Hogestyn had passed away over the weekend from pancreatic cancer. It seems we’ve already seen his final episodes as John Black.
On a tighter shooting schedule, this wouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but with how far in advance Days of Our Lives shoots, we figured we’d still see John a bit more before we had to say goodbye. But now, we’ve gotten confirmation from the show that Hogestyn’s final scenes as John already aired on September 9th, when Brady was released from jail.
After comforting and giving grandson Tate some advice about Holly, Brady finally came home after his arrest for hitting Sarah. John stood up, greeted his son and hugged him tight. And the last image we have is of John and Brady embracing, while Tate looks happily on, three generations of Black men together one final time.
It’s a beautiful ending, but sadly that also means we’ve seen the last time John and Marlena shared the screen as well, on September 5th. It, too, was an emotional scene, as John got choked up after getting off the phone with Belle, saying how both she and Paul wished they could be there to support the family in this tough time with Brady.
Marlena comforted him with the warmth and love that made the two of them so special. And in the end, she assured John just before hugging him tight, “We’re going to get through this together.”
Honestly, we probably couldn’t have asked for a more profound goodbye on virtually every level. It’s clear now that they weren’t just talking about what was happening onscreen with Brady. The one good thing about this is that it’ll give the show plenty of time to put together a proper farewell for Hogestyn and John.
See the loving tributes from Drake Hogestyn’s friends and costars in our photo gallery below.
On September 28, just a day shy of his 71st birthday, Drake Hogestyn died of pancreatic cancer. Here, his friends and colleagues from Days of Our Lives and beyond share their memories of the sweet soul who had played heroic John Black for nearly 40 years.
Christopher Sean
The Days of Our Lives actor who plays John’s son Paul wrote: “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.”
James Reynolds
“Drake was my friend and castmate, and I’m grateful for the moments we shared,” Insta’d the Days of Our Lives Emmy winner who plays Abe and wife Lissa. “Our love to Victoria and their family. Lissa and I share your loss.”
Ken Corday
“This is a very difficult one for all of us,” shared Days of Our Lives’ executive producer. “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.”
Christopher Sean
James Reynolds
Ken Corday
Christie Clark
“To say I was one of the lucky ones is an understatement,” said the actress who played John’s daughter Carrie on Days of Our Lives. “Drake (aka Hoagie) was simply one of the best people I’ve ever met. I was essentially raised by Drake on the set of Days of our Lives! He was my TV dad, who became my second real father. Being guided, nurtured and taught by this man on set makes me feel incredibly fortunate. It’s astonishing how he took so many others under his wing. Drake had unmatched energy and made time for everyone. He gave all the crew and cast the same enthusiasm, creating a wonderful atmosphere on set! When he spoke to you, he truly listened and absorbed every word. If you told him a joke, he’d remember it for years. His collection of jokes and stories was unrivaled. Drake radiated light and positivity, crafting the beautiful life he had outside of work. Victoria and Drake loved each other deeply! That’s why he was so enjoyable to watch and became a fan favorite, along with Dee Hall. The audience felt his warmth and goodness and wanted more. Sending massive healing thoughts to his beautiful family, of whom he was so unbelievably proud: Victoria, Whitney, Rachel, Ben, Alexandra, their new spouses and all his fabulous new grandbabies! It was all for you! Drake, I’ll always be your little pumpkin! I’m grateful to know I have a true angel looking out for me.”
