Breaking New: ‘Days of Our Lives’ Star Drake Hogestyn Dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 70, “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,”….see more

Drake Hogestyn, the longtime Days of Our Lives star who played John Black, has died. He was 70.

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

After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.” “He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor,” it continues.

“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 first appeared on Days of Our Lives in 1986, and went on to portray Black in more than 4,200 episodes of the beloved soap over nearly four decades.

His character’s fan-favorite romance with Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hall, won the onscreen pair a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple in 2005.