Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Drake Hogestyn
1953 - 2024
Drake Hogestyn
1953 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1953
DIED
2024
Drake Hogestyn Obituary
Drake Hogestyn was an actor best known for his long-running role as John Black on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives."
We invite you to share condolences for Drake Hogestyn in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
154 Entries
Frances (Fran) R. Steadman
June 18, 2025
I was so sad to hear of his passing away. It seems he also went to the same university my husband and did, The University of South Florida, in Tampa, although many years later. He was always a joy to watch on TV. I hope his family can find some peace in knowing how much he was loved and appreciated by his many fans.
Janice Calvin
June 12, 2025
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of "John". I loved your acting style with the squint and the raised eyebrow etc. I hope your death was peaceful and that you did not suffer. You will be missed. Hope your family are doing great and going with the flow. RIP John/Drake. Lovely man.
Luisa from Montreal Canada
June 12, 2025
Drake will be missed on Days. I began watching the soap when he first appeared in the mid 80s. Condolences to his family and colleagues. Happy 60th Anniversary Days! No more devil possessions please.....
Gerene Keesler
June 5, 2025
What a tremendous loss for the Hogestyn family, the DAYS family and for us the fans. You can tell he was well loved.
How you can show support
Patricia Medeiros
June 3, 2025
I was so sad to hear about Drakes passing. I loved him and Marlana on Days. God bless him and his family and colleagues. God bless the Days of Our Lives cast.
Marge Magee
June 3, 2025
I've been a fan for years. He will be greatly missed
Sheila Burris
May 31, 2025
My heartfelt sympathy to Drake´s family and to his Days of Our Lives family, watching Drake through out his years has been such a joy, he will always be missed but I´m so grateful for the wonderful memories he leaves behind. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Sheila Johnson-Burris
Julie Jay Zimmerman
April 17, 2025
One of my favorite actors!I started watching days since I was in jr high. I haven't been watching that much on and off for the past 10 years but I do feel like watching soaps. I always will go back to days. So sorry for everyone. Family and friends he was a great man with such great talent!
Susan Smith
February 18, 2025
He was the best actor.. kept me watching days for over 40 years... what a talented man..
I want to express my deepest condolences to all of his family..
Love and prayers to you all!!.
Carrie B
January 21, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that I offer my deepest condolences to his loved ones. I never had the privilege to meet him, but was a lifelong fan. He touched so many people in sharing his art and gifts. Please know that he will be remembered fondly by so many. You are all in my prayers.
Christine Sontag
January 19, 2025
Drake, thanks for the Days memories and your autograph. Condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Tony
December 25, 2024
To the family, many, many friends, colleagues and fans of this wonderful actor Mr. Drake Hogestyn fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. Mr. Drake Hogestyn was an actor best known for his long-running role as John Black on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives." We hope many of the encouraging words and thoughts on this site comfort you during this difficult time also. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together. May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives. Mr. Drake Hogestyn will certainly be missed by Hollywood and the whole world. May family, friends and extended family cherish his memories.
Francesca Vaccarino
December 9, 2024
It is always amazingly awesome when someone beautiful inside and out as God intended when he was created. Such a blessing for us all. May God hold close all his loved ones.
Palmer Patterson
December 1, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Patricia Hutcheon
December 1, 2024
I have been unable to watch Days since this kind gentle man passed. RIP and condolences to Drakes family, his friends and fans.
Pam Clark
November 29, 2024
I have watched Days of our Lives since this wonderful man joined the show; I never had the pleasure of meeting him, but was always so impressed with his acting and his love for his family! As a lifelong fan of his it feels like someone in my family has passed. My heart goes out to his wonderful wife and family; may this precious man rest in peace! Will miss "John Black" all the days of my life!
November 25, 2024
I love you and never forget you!!
Claudia Erwin
November 18, 2024
An amazing actor from Indiana. I was so saddened to see his obituary on the computer. He will be missed on days.
Kelly Walz
November 15, 2024
I always smiled with him and Marlena , Days was my life , he was so warm and embracing , he made your day better
Sheila Taylor
November 15, 2024
He was a great actrer he will be truly missed watch days of my life everyday may he R.I.P. my heart goes out to his family my condolences my thoughts and prayers are with u
Eileen Tolan
November 9, 2024
You were the best drake this is so hard for me to process because I new something was wrong and I new it was your health but I didn't know for sure and then you were gone and my heart goes to you and your beautiful family. I will miss you so much
Mary fleming
November 7, 2024
I watch days at young age with my mom as I got older and on my own I couldn't wait get home fr work watch show Liv this guys and Lov and compassion he had for his beauty wife Dr as would call her I will miss everything about him his smile so handsome don't seem real Liv u forever fr nfld
Cheryl
November 3, 2024
My first memory was seeing him on DOOL. He was very attractive and his voice lured me in to watch for years. I admired his talent and the character he made real. We will miss you until we can see you perform again in our next life. RIP
della loebs
October 30, 2024
i am so going to miss him on days. one of my favorite characters. he seemed so sincere and kind always
Lindsay Richardson
October 29, 2024
Oh my goodness! I´m 47 and have been watching Days since I was in the womb! This is quite heartbreaking and it feels like a member of the family has passed. All my love to his family. He will certainly be missed.
Beth Caro
October 29, 2024
OH my God how very shocking this is
I knew he didn´t look well but had no idea what was going on
I watched this talented handsome hunk since the late 1960´s & will miss him tremendously
He´s irreplaceable!!
Rose Lord
October 29, 2024
Fort Wayne Indiana playing softball at Turners
Monica
October 29, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon Dacosta
October 29, 2024
When he and Marlena saw each other the dock. My heart breaks from this news, he will be missed.
Virginia L Walker
October 29, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Casper Tatosian
October 28, 2024
My heart breaks for the entire Hogestyn family, I watched him on Days ever since he came in the show .I never met him , but he was such a huge part of my life as a fan . May he rest in peace.
K. Cueno
October 28, 2024
God speed Drake. To his family, our sincerest sympathies. May all your memories provide you comfort and bring you smiles.
linda Vignola
October 25, 2024
my sincere condolences to Drakes family, friends and Days Family. He truly was an amazing actor and gentleman. God Bless
Sam "Robert" Pinkerton
October 25, 2024
It says on Hoagie's Wiki Page that he started his acting career in the "Columbia Pictures talent search that included 75,000 people. Hogestyn was among the 30 selected." I was also one of thirty selected. He and I were similar in that we were the same age and neither had ever acted before. We hung out together for over a year, going to shows ("Superman - the Movie!") and other young guy's activities. Out at Columbia Ranch where we were trained, he was an absolute stand out.The difference with him and most of us was the incredible amount of charisma he carried with him. I noticed it the first time we had an "open house" with Hollywood types come to meet us 30. He walked into the room, saw the food table, and said "Where's my funnel!" They all - and I mean ALL looked at him. It was obvious to me there, at that moment in late 1979, that he was destined for stardom. I hadn't seen him in decades due to working overseas. What a total shock when I heard. May God rest his soul, a great guy who truly deserved his fame, and who could run about as fast as any man I ever saw.
Chery Battista
October 22, 2024
I have been watching days since my elementary school days. I would come home for lunch and watch it with my Mom. John has always been one of my favorite actors. He was darn good looking! My sincere sympathies to his family. Rest in peace Drake. Sad to see you go
Maria Vidotto
October 21, 2024
My condolences to Drake´s family and Days of Ou lives family. I started watching him at the age of 12 and am now 60. He was my favourite actor! Rest in peace
Steve S Ryan
October 20, 2024
Had the pleasure of working with Drake as part of the technical crew. He was a wonderful person, a terrific actor with a magnetic personality and a great sense of humor. He worked incredibly hard specializing in physically challenging scenes. He was very fit and worked out strenuously with weights. No matter how long we had to work on a particular day, he was always personable, considerate, and a true professional. We all loved him and will miss him.
Linda Putnam
October 18, 2024
I started watching Days when I was 17 and have continued all these years. I am now 75. I love the show and especially enjoyed seeing all of Drake's characters. He will be greatly missed. RIP and know you will always be loved. God bless your family during these difficult days.
Janice Cerdas
October 16, 2024
Drake/John Black was the best of the best. I watched him be a shining star from the first day he started on Days. I can remember him and Deidre Hall together. They were a beautiful couple on DOOL. It definitely won't be the same seeing her without him. I know the heartache she must feel, the cast of Days, his fans, but most of all his family. My prayers are with all. RIP Drake.
Shirley Wilson
October 16, 2024
I have watched him ever since he started on the show and he will be missed
CJ Willis
October 16, 2024
I have watched Days of Our Lives since 1965. My grandmother was a fan and I watched Days after school every day with her.
One of my favorite storylines on Days...John and "Doc" Marlena Evans.
Drake's character John Black/aka Roman Brady/aka The Pawn was one of my favorites. He brought such intensity and believability to his role. One of the most memorable was when he saw Doc on the pier after he believed she had died.
The most recent storyline, with Dick Van Dyke cast as his long lost father...what a monumental idea by the writers of Days! Dick Van Dyke was the perfect actor for this part! It brought a closure to John's not knowing who is true father was...turned out his father was a hero also!
I was saddened to hear of his death. He was an integral part of Days of Our Lives and will be truly missed.
May his family find peace and comfort after his passing.
Mary Wendy Quinlan
October 16, 2024
My condolences to Drake´s family he definitely was loved by the fans of days of our lives From Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Kristi Wakefield
October 15, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
your fan who loves days of our lives show From elk grove ca Kristi Wakefield
Donna Lunsford
October 13, 2024
This news came as such a shock and such sadness. Have been a Days fan since 1982, and loved the character of John. My heart and prayers go out to his family and his Days family. Drake will be missed by millions.
Cécile Bertrand
October 11, 2024
To Drake´s family, thinking of you, losing someone we love is so hard :( when I heard the news I was in shock, I will miss him so much, great actor he was part of my life for so many years. Days of our lives will never, ever be the same without our John Black. RIP Sir luv. & light Cécile from Beautiful Montréal
Days of Our Lives Fan
October 11, 2024
I have watched Days of Our Lives for over 50 years. John Black is iconic and there will never be another power couple like John and Marlena. Thank you for bringing this character to life. My thoughts and prayers go out to Drake's family and co-workers.
Germaine Williams
October 10, 2024
So sad to hear of Drake´s death! I remember when he first came to days and was programmed by Stephano Dimera to be Roman Brady. Such a awesome story line and I will truly miss him! My sincere condolences to his family and friends
Alayna Ayres
October 10, 2024
My deepest condolences and prayers are with this family he helped me through lot of difficult times in my life I shall be forever grateful for that
Michael Hartfelder Jr
October 9, 2024
Drake Hogestyn a.k.a John Black/Roman Brady/The Pawn. Your death came as a shock to us long time fans. My heart goes out to all of his family,friends,and fans around the world. You will rest on high until your family sees you again and "That's A Fact".
October 9, 2024
He was the epitome of greatness every day, giving it all he had each and every day. He had a charisma all his own. He will be greatly missed.
Kerri Jo Seddon
October 8, 2024
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Drake's passing. I grew up watching Days of our Lives still watch it today. He was a great actor, he was one of my favorites. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and Days of our Lives Co-Workers. Rest In Peace Drake.
shawna cox
October 8, 2024
Drake will always be a great man either on or off Days and he will be missed..hey John plz tell Doug and Victor i said hello.shawna from Albany Oregon a major fan of Days since 1982
Deborah Kapchinske
October 8, 2024
My mother and I had the opportunity to meet Drake in Atlanta, GA many years ago. While there was a very long line of people behind us, Drake spent a lot of time talking to us and having pictures taken. He made us feel like we were the only ones in the room. He was a very kind man. My mother was thrilled to meet him and it made her so happy! Our condolences to Victoria and the family. Your husband/father will be greatly missed by so many. God bless you as you go through this time of loss.
Beryl Clemons
October 8, 2024
My heart goes out to Drake's family. He was a great actor, and I loved seeing him playing John Black on Days of our Lives. He will be missed.
GLADYS BEDDINGFIELD
October 8, 2024
I LOVED WATCHING DAYS OF OUR LIVES. DRAKE WILL BE MISSED ON THE SHOW. HE WAS A GREAT ACTOR
Franca Ziino
October 8, 2024
I will always remember Drake as John Black in Days of our Lives. He was a great actor and we will miss him. Condolences to all the Hogestyn family. God bless. Franca & family. RIP Drake
Kelly Walz
October 8, 2024
I watched him play John Black for many years. He was so powerful with his performance , I miss him so much , wish I could have met him , I heard he was very kind
Pamela Rhodes
October 7, 2024
My deepest and sincere condolences to Drake Hogestyn entire family and his soap opera family I enjoyed watching him play John Black he was an incredible actor he'll be truly missed for all the days of our lives Rest In Paradise Legend
Jennifer Voorlas
October 7, 2024
i knew Drake from our local gym in Malibu. we would talk sports since we were both child athletes. He was always a gentleman, kind and humble. god bless his family during this time
Wanda Vatne
October 7, 2024
I was shocked by the news of his passing. I have been watching Days for years, it is wonderful show! He is still so hot! HaHa but it is true! He will be heavy deeply missed. Wonderful actor, devoted person I know. My condolences to his dear lovely family, wife, children and grandchildren. Treasures the memories you had with him. And all his friends he has worked with especially the Days crew! He is still an unique, one of kind. Rest in Peace, Drake. You will never be forgotten. ❤❤❤
Ella Bolden
October 7, 2024
Sending my condolences to the family! He will be truly missed I've been watching days a long time since I was a little girl with my granny.
Lisa Weiner
October 7, 2024
To Drake Hogestyn
You were a very talented actor. You did a great job playing john black on the daytime soap opera
Days of our lives. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner
Veda Beck
October 7, 2024
Rest in Peace. You will be missed. God Bless your family and friends.
Steve Lloyd
October 6, 2024
We have heard "There are no small Parts only Small Actors." Drake brought many qualities to John Black. His effort to improve Salem and live in the present, with no memory of where he started out. Lucky enough to find & rescue Marlena, from Stefano. Confront Lawrence Alamain & get Hope back to Beau Brady. Then to Defeat the Desecrator twice. Words cannot express the grief we shall have
RIP Drake ..You fought the good fight!
Maureen fenty
October 6, 2024
Rest in Pease drake I will miss you,dool will not be the same you will be forever in my heart soar with the angels,I will remember you .
Sarah Manring
October 6, 2024
RIP, I will miss you on Days
Beverly SanGiovanni
October 6, 2024
Rip. I will miss see you on days. I have been watching the show since I was a teenager. Prayers to your family. May God keep them in his prayer. Days will not been the same without you.
Elizabeth O'Halloran
October 6, 2024
I remember him as John Black in Days of our Lives. He was a kind man.
Elizabeth O'Halloran
Elissa Schwartz
October 6, 2024
My heart broke when I learned of Drake's passing. He was a wonderful actor and a kind human being. I have watched Days for most of my life and so have known John Black/Drake for a very long time. I was fortunate enough to meet Drake on September 30, 2002, and we had an enjoyable time chatting. I will miss him greatly and Days will never be quite the same.
Bizzy Ford
October 5, 2024
Rest in peace my favorite actor u will always be John black in my heart I love u
MONICA LOCKERBIE
October 5, 2024
Drake was a very caring man I got to meet with him at Canada's wonderland years ago .He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him and especially his family and friends R.I.P Drake/John love Monica
Jen Wilborn
October 5, 2024
Rest In Peace Drake. U will truly be missed. Sending Condolences to his family.
Maureen Marano
October 5, 2024
Rest in eternal peace, Drake Hogestyn. You will be immensely missed!
Marie Liskey
October 5, 2024
I loved him as John Black on Days of our lives. Prayers to his family and his family on Days of our lives
Kate Back
October 5, 2024
It was at My first DOD 2011 and was telling Chander my name for an autograph when he heard my name and accent and he said Kate Back from Australia ? And we weren´t allowed photos but he said do you want a photo I said we weren´t allowed and said don´t be silly you come all the way from Australia for this come on Dee and we got this great photo, He was the very essence of a gentleman and he was lovely the next time I met him telling us stories . My condolences to Victoria and his children and grandchildren. We the fans will miss him , thank you Drake for the memories and we will continue to swing for the fences
Lori Robles
October 4, 2024
I am so shocked and very sad to hear about drake´s passing!! He will truly be missed days won´t be the same now. You´re with our father now and no more pain! God bless I will always miss you John Black!!
Denice Salinas
October 4, 2024
Donald Drake, or can I say Donald Duck, which to me seems like a good time to laugh a little, even though the sudden knowledge of his death brought several tears. He was always John Black and Roman Brady to me, a good guy forever. I can only hope he was just the same in life. You will be missed. RIP
Rebecca Pena
October 4, 2024
Rest in peace. I have watched you since I was a little kid. I loved you as John Black. Thank you for entertaining us so well for so many years
My daughter meeting Drake in 1992. He was our all time favorite and will be missed so much . She gave him a pin that was a little TV that said my life is a soap opera lol. She wore one too and he put his on too. What a sweet man! RIP. Praying for your fam
Doreen
October 4, 2024
Lynn
October 4, 2024
Your going to be missed Drake and that´s a fact !
Kathy McSpadden
October 4, 2024
I'm 71 years old and have watched Days since the beginning. When I saw that Drake had died, like many others, I couldn't believe it. I thought I was dreaming. I am totally heartbroken. I saw him in Houston several years ago. He was charming and friendly. His work on Days has been phenominal. I've read about his work ethic, his dealings with the cast, crew, and his fans. I wish he had played for the Houston Astros instead of the Yankees, sorry Drake! I will say that he is the most handsome man I've ever seen. I will miss him all the Days of Our Lives. Swing for the fences. Love you with all my heart. RIP, Drake.
Kathy M., Houston
Barbara Martin
October 4, 2024
I remember when he first came on the show, my favorite show when him and Marlena (Doc) seen each other on the dock. It was breath taken... Now , for the person Drake.... he was one in a million. he was down to earth and loved his family. I can feel for them... I still have tears in my eyes when I think of him. what a wonderful man, God made for all of us to enjoy. God bless his family and dool family. and all of his fans that love him too. R.I.P.
Adrienne
October 4, 2024
I met Drake on two occasions some 30 years apart and have pictures of us together. Drake came into our homes a few times a week and it felt as if he was our friend. He was a lovely man and will be terribly missed.
Kathy Ann Brown
October 4, 2024
I've been a fan of Drake's since he started on Days. I was lucky to meet him twice, once in the late 80's and once in the late 90's.
My thoughts and prayers are with Drake's family. God bless you all.
Phyllis Payne
October 4, 2024
I started watching days as a young girl. I'm 64 now. I remember when Drake Hogestyn first came on the show. Watched him 38 years. He and his co stars are like family to me, being in my livingroom everyday. My heart is broken. I met him once at at an event. The nicest person. I will forever remember my favorite Days of our lives star. I love you and that's a fact. Mrs. Hogestyn I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.
Mary Lacek
October 3, 2024
You were my favorite character on Days of our Lives. My son stood in line at Pittsburgh's Civic Arena just to meet you and get a signed photograph of you that I still have in my livingroom today. I will never forget you. You were a wonderful, kind man who cared about everyone. God bless your wife and family and all of your friends on Days of our Lives. May you Rest in Peace.
Judi Wright
October 3, 2024
I met Drake in 1985 while working at United Airlines in Fort Wayne, in our shared home town. Hi wife, Victoria would drop him off curbside in front of UA's ticket counter. He'd run in, cutting it close to his departure time. I would check him in, hand him his boarding pass and run to the boarding area just making it on-time. This happened every Sunday for a month or so until he got his family settled in LA. I would see him less and less as Cali became his home. If did come home to visit family, I would run into him and Victoria out in a club dancing. He would always stop by my table or catch me on the dance floor. I always got a big hug and a smile. He was a man's man, polite, sweet and very kind. He played John Black exactly the way he was in real life. He adored Victoria and his children were his life. There aren't very many men in life that were this grounded and treated his fans as a family member. Drake you were one of a kind and every one that met you, knew your heart and your character. You're gone much too soon, but extended so much joy to hundreds of thousand of fans...RIH Drake you will be remembered All the Days of my Lives
Cheryl Bossieux
October 3, 2024
People say you are "gone too soon"....we didn´t get a vote! God was ready for you....we just weren´t ready to let you go! Our hearts are hurting so bad!!
KL Futch
October 3, 2024
I have loved Drake for many many years. I loved his character (John). I thought he and Marlena made a perfect on screen couple. I could hardly believe the news of his passing. It is truly heartbreaking. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
Sandra Lee
October 3, 2024
I loved watching this wonderful actor over the many years,may God bless and keep him by his side, and fly high with the angels
Sharlyn Plowman
October 3, 2024
I liked watching Drake Hogestyn on days of our lives and the Christmas movie he was in 2 years ago by
October 3, 2024
Prayers to the family for this great loss of Drake. It makes me very sad. I watched from the beginning when he started and never missed a day since. He was the reason many tuned in for at least the first 25 years of his tenure when he had great storylines. Thanks for bringing us many days of sunshine Drake.
Evelyn Bonk
October 3, 2024
You were a great actor. My heart felt condolences go out to all of the family. He will be so missed by me and all of the fans of DOOL.. R.I.P Drake
diane gagne
October 3, 2024
He was a very helpful person
Cheryl Bossieux
October 3, 2024
I was just thinking...you aren´t in pain anymore. Now your family, friends, and fans are hurting because we had to let you go! But you celebrated your birthday in a wonderful beautiful happy place with God and all the angels.
Kristen Battaglia
October 3, 2024
Your are one of my favorite people on the show. I am going miss seeing. Rest in peace Drake.
Palmer
October 3, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Carol Tripp
October 3, 2024
RIP John Black watched you from Day 1 on Days if Our Lives. Heart sick
Of your passing
Bonny Harris
October 3, 2024
The Hogestyne Family & Days of our lives family.
Sorry for your of Drake (John Black)
He will never be forgotten.
May he rest in peace.
Your biggest fan
Bonny Harris
Edmonton Alberta
Barbara Packer
October 3, 2024
Such a great actor gone to soon! Loved watching him on Days of our lives . His character was so amazing and he played the part so well. He will truly be missed!
Showing 1 - 100 of 154 results
Make a Donation
in Drake Hogestyn's name
How to support Drake's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Drake Hogestyn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more