When I was a teenager during the summertime, I used to watch Days of Our Lives.
The long-running series has showcased many vibrant characters over the years, and Drake Hogestyn was undoubtedly one of the most memorable.
Now we mourn the loss of this beloved star, who passed away just one day shy of his 71st birthday.
Donald Drake Hogestyn, known to many as John Black from Days of Our Lives, left an indelible mark on the world of daytime television.
After an incredible 38 years and nearly 4,300 episodes on the iconic show, his passing just one day before his 71st birthday has left fans heartbroken.
Born in 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn was destined for greatness from a young age, with a father who hailed from New York and a devoted mother who nurtured his talents.
Hogestyn’s journey to stardom began in the 1980s when he ventured into acting with Columbia Pictures. In a talent search that attracted 75,000 hopefuls, he emerged as one of just 30 selected, securing a significant role in the prime-time series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Drafted by Yankees
However, what many fans might not know is that before he captivated audiences on screen, Hogestyn was a promising baseball player who had even been drafted by the New York Yankees. As a skilled third baseman in their minor league system, it seemed he was on the path to playing at Yankee Stadium. Yet, an unexpected injury shattered those dreams, steering him toward a different kind of spotlight.
In 1986, Hogestyn made his mark on Days of Our Lives, first appearing as a mysterious character known as “The Pawn.”
Audiences were excited, and Hogestyn quickly became a fan favorite, transforming into the iconic John Black. Over the years, he navigated dramatic storylines filled with amnesia, espionage, and intense relationships, making him one of the most recognizable faces in daytime television.
His on-screen romance with longtime co-star Deidre Hall, known for her portrayal of Marlena, became a defining element of the series and established them as a true supercouple on daytime television.
Hogestyn’s talent earned him numerous nominations for Soap Opera Digest Awards, with multiple wins for Favorite Hero and Favorite Couple alongside Hall.
Why was he fired?
In 2008, fans were stunned when it was announced that Hogestyn and Hall had been let go from Days of Our Lives due to budget cuts. However, the demand for their return was undeniable, and they rejoined the show a few years later, much to the delight of their devoted fans. Tragically, Hogestyn made his final appearance on the soap on September 9, 2024, just weeks before his passing.
Drake and his wife, Victoria, shared a deep love that began when he was just 15 years old and she was only 12. ”We were meant to be,” he once said in an interview, capturing the essence of their enduring bond. They married in 1986, the same year Hogestyn joined Days of Our Lives, and together they raised four children.
Cause of death
Sadly, Drake Hogestyn’s life came to an end due to pancreatic cancer on September 28, 2024, in Los Angeles.
His family announced the news with heavy hearts, saying, ”He was thrown the curveball 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.”
As we remember Drake Hogestyn, we celebrate the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives, both through his unforgettable performances and the love he shared with his family. He will forever remain a cherished part of television history and in the hearts of his fans.
My condolences to his family, friends, coworkers and fans! Rest in peace, Drake!
Why Blake Lively Was Praised for Posting Bikini Photos
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have been together for over a decade and are a prime example of a strong and loving couple, who are big on humor. Even before becoming parents to their 4 children, Blake predicted that Ryan would be a great father, leader, and patriarch. Recently, the couple shared exclusive snaps from their vacation, and fans were amazed at how healthy Blake looked just weeks after giving birth. Moreover, she revealed a detail about her health, to one lucky fan.
Blake posted bikini pictures and fans praised her for not touching them up.
In a tropical setting, Blake Lively flaunted her post-baby figure in a black cut-out swimsuit, and her online community was quick to commend the natural appearance of the photos. One fan said, “Let’s take a moment to appreciate how normal these pictures look,” while another praised Blake for not promoting unhealthy or speedy weight loss methods to shed her baby weight.
By choosing to share unedited photos, Blake sends a positive message of self-love and body acceptance to her fans. She inspires them to embrace their natural beauty rather than striving for the unrealistic and often unattainable standards set by the media.
The couple had some special guests on their getaway.
During their vacation, Blake and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, were joined by their mothers, Elaine Lively and Tammy Reynolds, and they all posed for a group selfie on a sandy beach.
Ryan never misses an opportunity to pay tribute to the women in his life, adding his own hilarious twist to it. For Mother’s Day, he said, “I salute these three incredible mothers for their wisdom, strength and ability to forever appear as though they’re standing at the doorway to their own surprise birthday party.”
When celebrities share pictures online, every detail gets closely examined.
Living life in the spotlight means that every detail in your public photos is subject to scrutiny, and Blake Lively is no exception. In a mirror selfie that the actress shared, one fan spotted a tiny pill bottle on a shelf and asked in the comments, “What pills are those? Do share.”
Blake’s response of “😂 Strep throat. So fun,” came as a surprise to her followers, and one lucky fan couldn’t believe that they received a reply from “THE Blake Lively.” Another follower even humorously suggested that the fortunate follower should purchase a lottery ticket. Once again, this exchange proves that Blake is down-to-earth and has a great sense of humor, even when dealing with an annoying illness like strep throat.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are a beloved Hollywood couple, cherished by fans for various compelling reasons. Their authenticity and down-to-earth nature shine through in their interactions, frequently bringing laughter to those who follow their journey.
Preview photo credit blakelively / Instagram
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