‘Days of Our Lives’ star Drake Hogestyn ‘signed off’ on his character’s death amid cancer battle
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Days of Our Lives' star Drake Hogestyn agreed to kill off his fictional character on the show and filmed the death scene before his own death in September 2024, due to pancreatic cancer.
The show’s executive producer Ken Corday told Soap Opera Digest he was thinking of ways to justify Hogestyn’s character, John Black’s, absence from the TV show for nine months.
He explained, “We were rolling the dice, because it’s difficult to tell a story of someone’s death or a character’s death while the actor is still alive; albeit [Drake] was fighting, like a tiger, a very difficult disease.”
“And I made the choice to, ‘Okay, let’s tell the story.’ He hadn’t been on [the show] in nine months. We needed a reason [for John’s absence],” Corday stated.
John Black's death scene will air in an upcoming episode of the soap opera.
Drake Hogestyn was ‘in favor’ of killing his character John Black
Ken Corday said in the interview to Soap Opera Digest on Thursday, November 7, that depicting John Black’s death was challenging and he wanted Drake Hogestyn’s approval on the plot twist.
“I wanted to make sure Drake signed off on this, and he was totally in favor of it. He trusted me. Had Drake, God willing, beaten this, he would’ve come back, and it would’ve been something different. But [the story] had to be told,” he shared.
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Corday also revealed to the weekly magazine, “It was extremely difficult and painful for us to tell it — for the cast, for everybody. Drake was a big part of the show. The consummate actor. Always a team player and pretty good-looking, too.”
Even Deidre Hall, who played the role of Marlena, the love interest of Hogestyn’s character, claimed that shooting the death scene was not easy.
“Drake was still with us. I know Ken had promised him a place to come back. He was looking forward to coming back, and he was fighting the good fight. So we had not said good-bye to him yet. And we weren’t thinking good-bye to him at that point,” she said.
NBC's 'Days of Our Lives' first premiered in 1965 and soon became a favorite among viewers of daytime television serials. In its 50 years, the show has garnered numerous Emmy Awards and nominations, as well as multiple Soap Opera Digest and People’s Choice Awards.
Drake Hogestyn put up 'unbelievable fight' against cancer
Drake Hogestyn was just a day apart from turning 71 before he died on September 28.
A statement from his family read, “It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn.”
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It continued, “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.”
Calling the actor “most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor,” the statement added, “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'.”
'Days of Our Lives' fans react to death of Drake Hogestyn’s character John Black
Die-hard fans of 'Days of Our Lives' shared their views online after Ken Corday’s disclosure about the end of the character John Black played by late actor Drake Hogestyn.
A person on Facebook commented, “He had to plan his own death on the show😭😭😭so sad.”
Another person wrote, “Drake/John Black you are and will be missed by all your fans and your TV family. May you rest in peace. It makes me so sad, DOOL won't be the same without you. My thoughts and prayers to your family.”
“As sad as this is, it is nice to have closure on the daytime soap as well. Drake is so very much missed. RIP!” the third one wrote.
An individual shared, “As someone who lost a father to this horrible disease it will be difficult to watch. Thankfully he had time to spend with both his families to say good bye.”
Another posted, “It's going to be a rough season saying good bye to Bill and Drake. Our hearts are with all of you at DOOL.”
“I find it ironic that he passed in real life from the same disease that killed Isabella on the show! Just wow! RIP Drake Hogestyn…..we'll miss you and John Black,” a comment read.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
