Mexico City /
Drake Hogestynthe “Days of Our Lives” star who starred in the melodrama for 38 years, died on saturdayconfirmed his family. He was 70 years old.
The actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and his family said in a statement that Hogestyn died after “fighting an incredible fight” against the disease.
“He was the most incredible husband, father, dad and actor. “He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and crew in the business.”continued the statement, signed by the Hogestyn family. “We love him and will miss him every day of our lives.”
Hogestyn He died a day before what would have been his birthday. number 71.
The actor played the beloved ‘John Black’ in more than 4,200 episodes of the popular melodrama, which he joined in 1986. He broke into the world of television four years earlier with a role in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” He appeared in several other projects throughout his career, but his role in “Days” was the most famous.
His last appearance on the show was in an episode that aired on September 9. In “Days,” John and Marlena Evans (played by Deidre Hall) were a super couple for a long time.
“This is a very difficult occasion for all of us,” said Ken Corday, executive producer of “Days of Our Lives.” “Hogey was the best member of the team and there are not enough words to express how much he will be missed. “His impact on our program, personally and professionally, was profound and will always be unmatched.”
Hogestyn survived by his wife Victoria, four children, Rachael, Ben, Whitney and Alexandraand his seven grandchildren.
Before his foray into acting, Hogestyn was a baseball player for a minor league team affiliated with the New York Yankees.
Several members of the “Days of Our Lives” cast have shared tributes to Hogestyn on social media, including Alison Sweeney who played Sami Brady until 2014.
“Drake was an incredible man. He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every scene, every person. “He loved ‘Days,’ the fans, and he shared that passion with everyone on set.” Sweeney wrote on Instagram. “My deepest condolences to his family, they meant everything to him. It was a big part of my life on ‘Days.’ “I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke and every hug.”
Kristian Alfonso, who played Hope Williams Brady shared a video with photos of her and Hogestyn. In the video description, he wrote that Hogestyn was a “hero” for the cast.
“I will always remember you as someone loving, a loving father, husband and dear friend, but above all as an incredible and passionate, generous and immensely kind human being, always,” he wrote on Instagram.
JCM
