“Days Of Our Lives” star was 70

Drake Hogestyn, who portrayed John Black in the popular soap Days of our livess, died at the age of 70, one day before his 71st birthday tomorrow.

The news was confirmed by the long-running show's social media account, which released the statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he experienced the turning point of his life, but he rose to the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After an incredible fight, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.”

“He was the greatest husband, father, dad and actor,” the statement continued. “He loved performing in front of the Days audience and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the business.”

“We love him and will miss him all the days of our lives,” concluded the message from the TV star’s family.

Hogestyn began playing John Black in 1986, with a break from 2009 to 2011, after which he returned to the popular character until his death. The most important turning point for his character was the revelation that, after plastic surgery and memory loss, he was actually the presumed dead Roman Brady (based on Wayne Northrop).

NBC Peacock show executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement, according to Soap Opera Digest: “This is a very difficult matter for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not enough words to express how much he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”

The future soap veteran was born on September 29, 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana and attended university on a baseball scholarship, where he studied microbiology and applied sciences with the goal of becoming an oral surgeon. He was drafted by two Major League Baseball teams (the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees).

An injury in 1977 ended his baseball career, leading him to turn to the entertainment industry. His start began when he was selected as one of 30 actors from a pool of 75,000 applicants for a nationwide talent search by Columbia Pictures. After completing the studio's training program, he made his television debut at CBS in 1982, but it was short-lived Seven brides for seven brothers (unlike people like a then 12-year-old River Phoenix).

Colleague Nancy Lee Grahn, who starred in another well-respected soap, general hospital, wrote on X: “My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and fans of Drake Hogestyn. What a lovely, kind man.”