Longtime “Days of our Lives” megastar Drake Hogestyn died following a struggle with pancreatic most cancers on Saturday — only one presen prior to his 71st birthday.
Hogestyn, who performed John Dark at the crash cleaning soap opera for just about 40 years, “passed away peacefully” surrounded by means of family members, the display’s professional Instagram introduced.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the remark learn. “He used to be thrown the curve ball of his moment when he used to be recognized with pancreatic most cancers, however he confronted the problem with unbelievable power and resolution.
“After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.”
Hogestyn used to be born in Castle Wayne, Indiana. He performed faculty baseball on the College of South Florida and earned a double main in microbiology and technologies, according to Soap Opera Digest.
He deliberate on turning into an oral surgeon however in lieu used to be drafted by means of the Cardinals and upcoming the Yankees, who decided on Hogestyn within the ultimate spherical of the 1976 MLB Draft. He performed within the group’s minor league gadget till accidents derailed his profession.
“Those who can keep injury-free and their head together and their weight down, those are the ones who are going to move up,” he told MiLB in 2020. “But when you’re a last-round pick and you mix in an injury … there’s no investment there. And I knew that.”
He moved to Los Angeles later being decided on for an appearing coaching program with Columbia Footage.
The actor used to be forged as the nature of John Dark – a secret police officer, non-public investigator and mysterious agent at the display. Hogestyn starred within the crash cleaning soap opera for 38 years and filmed over 4,200 episodes.
Alternative credit come with “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” a visitor position in “Criminal Minds” and appearing within the Hallmark vacation film “Christmas Tree Lane.”
Hogestyn’s castmates remembered the actor as an “incredible man.”
Alison Sweeney, who performed Sami Brady at the display wrote on X “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 & every hug.”
“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,” mentioned Christopher Sean, who performed the position of his tv son on “DOOL.”
“So sad to hear of Drake Hogestyn’s passing,” Genie Francis, who gave the impression at the display for two years mentioned. “Such a wonderful and kind man. It was a pleasure to work with him. I always loved how much he loved his wife and children.”
He’s survived by means of his spouse, Victoria Publish, his 4 kids Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben and 7 grandchildren.
