Iconic Days Of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn dies aged 70 after health ‘curve ball’

An iconic soap opera star has died following a dreadful battle with his health.

The actor best known for his long-running role as John Black on Days Of Our Lives has passed away aged 70.

Drake Hogestyn, who played the popular character on the soap for 38 years passed away on Saturday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

The actor’s family announced the sad news on Instagram, sharing heartbreaking statement about how hard he fought his illness, praising him for his courage and strength.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement began.

“He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination.”

Drake Hogestyn played John Black on Days Of Our Lives. Picture: Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

The actor appeared in more than 4,200 episodes of the US soap. Picture: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Days Of Our lives

“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 and co-star Deidre Hall became on the most iconic soap couples on TV. Picture: Getty Images

Hall played the character of Marlena Brady opposite Hogestyn’s John Black. Picture: Gary Null/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

In a statement to Soap Opera Digest, Days Of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday also remembered the actor, who appeared in more than 4,200 episodes of the NBC soap.

“This is a very difficult one for all of us,” Corday wrote. “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.”

Hogestyn first appeared on the US soap opera in 1986, playing John Black – a mysterious police officer, private investigator and secret agent, among many other professions.

Hogestyn and Hall at a Days Of Our Lives fan event in LA in 2022. Picture: JC Olivera/Getty Images

Together with actress Deidre Hall, who played his onscreen love interest Marlena Evans, they went on to become one of daytime TV’s most iconic couple.

His co-stars and colleagues have since paid their respects on social media.

“I’m so saddened by this news,” tweeted Kassie DePaiva, who played Eve on the soap. “One of the kindest people I have ever worked with. What an amazing life he lived. He will be missed. He made the world a better place.”

Fellow veteran soap star Nancy Lee Grahn, who plays Alexis on sister soap General Hospital, tweeted, “My deepest condolences to Drake Hogestyn’s family, friends and fans. What a lovely, lovely gracious man.”