Iconic TV soap opera star dies after 'incredible fight'

(WKRC) – Drake Hogestyn, longtime star of the soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” has died of pancreatic cancer at age 70.

His family said the actor died at his home “surrounded by his loved ones” on September 28, a day before his 71st birthday.

Hogestyn's family released a statement on the show's Instagram account expressing their sadness.

“He experienced the turning point of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he rose to the challenge with incredible strength and determination,” the statement said. “After putting up an incredible fight, he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He was the greatest husband, father, dad and actor.”

The family added: “He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the industry. We love him and will miss him all the days of our lives.”

A native of Indiana, Hogestyn began his acting career in the early 1980s with a role in the TV adaptation of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. From then on he played smaller roles until he secured his role in Days of Our Lives in 1986. He was first Roman Brady and then John Black, one of the series' most popular characters. This was due in part to an on-screen partnership with Deidre Hall, who played Marlena Evans. Hogestyn appeared in more than 4,000 episodes and won several Soap Opera Digest Awards for his work.

In addition to his role on Days of Our Lives, Hogestyn appeared as Senator Alfred Mayhew on Criminal Minds and had roles in Otherworld and Christmas Tree Lane.

Hogestyn attended the University of South Florida on a baseball scholarship. There he was a teammate of former Cincinnati Reds pitcher and current broadcaster Chris Welsh. Hogestyn signed with the New York Yankees in 1977. He played third base in their minor league organization until an injury ended his career.