The Days of Our Lives family is still mourning the loss of Drake Hogestyn, the beloved actor who portrayed John Black for nearly 40 years. His passing in September 2024, following a battle with pancreatic cancer, left a lasting impact on both his co-stars and devoted fans. As the soap opera celebrates its 60th anniversary, the cast reflects on his incredible legacy and the void he left behind.
During a recent interview, Eric Martsolf (Brady Black) shared a moving tribute on Instagram, featuring an emotional scene between John and Marlena. The clip, narrated with deep reverence, marked the final moment Hogestyn shared on screen with Deidre Hall before his passing. The heartfelt scene reminded fans of John and Marlena’s timeless romance, a love story that remains one of DOOL’s most cherished.
Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady) also spoke about Hogestyn’s profound influence, recalling the countless fans who shared stories of their encounters with him. Holding back tears, she expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, emphasizing how much his presence meant to everyone on and off-screen. His absence is deeply felt among the cast, with Deidre Hall admitting that not seeing his truck in the studio parking lot has been a difficult adjustment. “Not having Drake here leaves a terrible hole in all of us,” she said. 
Eric Martsolf revealed that he now wears a black leather coat as a tribute to their onscreen father-son bond. Meanwhile, Stephen Nichols suggested keeping Hogestyn’s dressing room untouched as a shrine, while Martsolf playfully imagined Hogestyn encouraging the cast to use it for workouts.
As Days of Our Lives moves forward, the question remains—should the role of John Black continue, or should his legacy be left untouched? Fans are encouraged to share their favorite John Black moments, keeping Hogestyn’s memory alive in the hearts of Salem forever.
