Longtime “Days of Our Lives” actor Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black on the soap for nearly 40 years, died Saturday.
The cause was pancreatic cancer, his family announced in a post on the soap’s Instagram account.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announced the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the family said. “He was thrown the curveball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination.”
They said he had mounted an “unbelievable fight” but ultimately “passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
Sunday would have been Hogestyn’s 71st birthday, a fact that “Days of Our Lives” acknowledged in a separate post with a photo of the actor’s 70th a year ago, surrounded by family.
For 38 years Drake Hogestyn was John Black, starting on Jan. 24, 1986, and continuing for more than 4,200 episodes, as a mystery man who was by turns a heroic spy, mercenary, cop, P.I. and secret agent, as Variety described it.
He also starred in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” on CBS and several TV movies during the 1980s and 1990s.
His soap opera character was iconic enough that the fictional “Days of Our Lives” character played by Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc) on “Friends,” Dr. Drake Ramoray, shared his name.
“This is a very difficult one for all of us,, “Days of Our Lives” executive producer Ken Corday told People. “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.”
Tributes poured in from co-stars past and present.
“I will always love you,” wrote Christopher Sean, who played Black’s illegitimate son Paul Narita. “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.”
Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady, mourned “an incredible man” who was “funny, generous and thoughtful.”
Hogestyn’s family and survivors included his wife of 37 years, Victoria Post, four children and seven grandchildren, People reported.
“He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business,” the family said in their statement. “We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.”
