There was some very sad news in the entertainment world this weekend.
Legendary actor Drake Hogestyn, forever best known for playing John Black on Days of Our Lives for nearly 40 years, has passed away.
He was 70 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” reads a statement from the Hogestyn family posted on the Days of Our Lives Instagram account.
“He experienced ups and downs in his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination.
“After an incredible fight, he passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side.”
The message continued.
“He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for ‘Days’ audiences and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the business. We love him and will miss him for the rest of our lives.”
Hogestyn, an Indiana native, actually signed with the New York Yankees and played for one of their minor league teams until he was injured in 1977.
After that, he turned into an actor.
Hogestyn’s first major role was in the CBS series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, initially as a mysterious character known as “The Pawn”, and after joining Days of Our Lives in 1986, she played Black, a role she held for 38 years.
In 2005, Hogestyn and Deidre Hall (who played Marlena Evans) won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple.
“This is very difficult for all of us,” Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement to People Magazine.
“Hogey was a great team player and words cannot express how much we will miss him. “His impact on our show, both personally and professionally, was profound and will forever be unrivaled.”
In the wake of this death, many of Hogestyn’s colleagues also paid tribute to the star.
“Drake was an amazing man,” Alison Sweeney wrote online.
“He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every scene and every person. He loved the Days and the fans, and shared that passion with everyone in the field.
“My heart breaks for his family. They meant everything to him. He was a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him dearly and cherish every story, every joke and every hug.”
Added actor Kristian Alfonso.
“I will always remember you as a loving and loving father, husband and loving friend. But most were incredibly passionate, generous and very kind.
“Thank you for the love you give us every day Drake, both on and off set. You have always been our hero.”
Christopher Sean, who plays John’s illegitimate son Paul Narita, posted a touching tribute on Twitter, along with a photo of John and Paul embracing.
“I will always love you,” he said. “You were more than just a TV dad, in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world has lost a true hero. I miss and love Drake so much. Rest in peace, Dad.
Hogestyn leaves behind his wife of 37 years, four children (daughters Whitney, Alexandra and Rachel, and son Ben) and seven grandchildren.
May Drake Hogestyn rest in peace.
