UPDATED: Days of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn was remembered Saturday by fellow daytime drama actors as an “incredible man” who “cared about every single scene.”
Hogestyn, who died at age 70 from pancreatic cancer, was described as “wonderful and kind man” whose commitment to DOOL was just as important as its fans. Hogestyn, who played the beloved John Black, first joined the NBC sudser in 1986 and continued with it once it moved from NBC to Peacock.
He and Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) were one of daytime drama’s super couples that kept fans coming back day after day to DOOL. As his family said Saturday in a statement, “He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business.”
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In an emotional post Sunday morning, Jennifer Horton, who played Jennifer Horton on DOOL, wrote, “Heartbroken is the condition of our hearts hearing of Drake’s passing. Also blessed and grateful to know such a wonderful man.”
She revealed that Hogestyn’s last text to her “was to love and cherish our time with our grandchildren and that was always the allegiance of your heart. Family first,” ending her tribute with “There are not enough words.”
Among those paying tribute Saturday from DOOL cast was also Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady), his former DOOL castmate who remembered the “passion” he had for “everyone on set.”