R.I.P., Drake Hogestyn: Stephen Nichols and Others Remember Late Days of Our Lives Star: ‘He Exuded Joy’
Days of Our Lives is mourning the loss of Drake Hogestyn, who since 1986 played John Black on the long-running soap, after his death on Saturday following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 70.
Stephen Nichols, who played Steve Johnson aka Patch, on Monday posted an Instagram video of himself and Hogestyn joking around. “Just being in Drake’s presence was enough to get a jolt of positivity,” Nichols wrote. “He was one of those special souls who exuded joy and love for life.” (Read his full remembrance below.)
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“With such a heavy heart, I can’t really find the words today about the passing of this sweet, kind man,” Mary Beth Evans, who plays Days‘ Kayla, wrote on Instagram on Sunday. “From the first day we met in the green room of Days of Our Lives in 1986, we were fast friends. Drake’s love and devotion to his forever sweetheart Victoria, his children and grandchildren was one of his most endearing qualities. Such a good, honest man. We are all in shock of the news we received yesterday. [Drake], you will remain in my heart always. Sending so much love to you.”
Alison Sweeney, who played Sami opposite Hogestyn’s John, wrote on X on Saturday, “Drake was an incredible man. He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke and every hug.”
Christie Clark, who played Hogestyn’s TV surrogate daughter Carrie Brady on Days, remembered the actor in a lengthy Instagram tribute as “simply one of the best people I’ve ever met.”
“Being guided, nurtured, and taught by this man on set makes me feel incredibly fortunate,” Clark wrote. “It’s astonishing how he took so many others under his wing. Drake had unmatched energy and made time for everyone.”
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“I’ll always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband and dear friend,” Kristian Alfonso wrote on Instagram late Saturday night. The actress, who played both Hope Williams Brady and Princess Gina on Days, called Hogestyn a “passionate human being, generous and immensely kind.”
“A kind and gentle person, we’d always have a laugh when we were working together, often laughing until my sides hurt,” wrote Judi Evans (aka Adrienne Kiriakis/Bonnie Lockhart). “He was a man who took his work seriously, but never himself. He was always game for anything and such a joy to be around. He made the world around him a funnier, better, sweeter place… the light will never be as bright again.”
Eileen Davidson, who played Kristen DiMera on Days, penned a tribute on X on Sunday: “When I heard the news about Drake Hogestyn’s passing, I felt kicked in the gut. A truly one of a kind. So kind, hilarious and talented. Loved his family so much. I know he’s up there telling one of his many stories. Thanks for the laughs, Drake. I’ll always love and miss you.”
“Heartbroken is the condition of our hearts hearing of Drake’s passing,” Melissa Reeves, who played Jennifer Horton, wrote on Instagram on Sunday. “Also blessed and grateful to know such a wonderful man.” She went on to thank her former co-star for his professionalism, and for the love he gave to his family.
“Your last text to me was to love and cherish our time with our grandchildren and that was always the allegiance of your heart,” Reeves shared.
“I’m so saddened by this news,” Kassie DePaiva, who played Eve Donovan, shared on X on Saturday. “[Drake was] one of the kindest people I have ever worked with. What an amazing life he lived. He will be missed. He made the world a better place.”
Hogestyn made his Days of Our Lives debut as John Black (initially thought to be the presumed-dead Roman Brady) on Jan. 24, 1986. He held that role on the NBC-turned-Peacock soap opera from 1986 to 2009, then again from 2011 through this year (including a stint on the Peacock miniseries Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem in 2021). In mid-June, John Black left the canvas and headed to Greece, on a journey to make amends for things he had unwittingly done as The Pawn.
In addition to Days of Our Lives, Hogestyn’s TV credits included CBS’ series adaptation of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (which aired for one season in 1982), a 2018 episode of Criminal Minds and the Hallmark holiday movie Christmas Tree Lane.
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