Drake Hogestyn

Drake Hogestyn: Early Life and Family Background

Drake Hogestyn, born Donald Drake Hogestyn on September 29, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was an American actor who won hearts as John Black on the soap opera Days of Our Lives. For nearly 40 years, he lit up the TV screen, becoming a familiar face and a beloved name in showbiz. His life was all about pushing through challenges, chasing what he loved, and finding new ways to shine. Drake grew up in a tight-knit family in Fort Wayne. His dad was a machinist, keeping things practical, while his mom stayed home and cheered on his early passions. As a kid, he was big into sports and sharp in school. After graduating from North Side High School, he headed to the University of South Florida in Tampa, studying microbiology and applied sciences on a baseball scholarship. At first, Drake pictured himself as an oral surgeon, but baseball kept calling his name. He was good—really good—and caught the eye of pro scouts. Both the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees picked him in the MLB draft. He went with the Yankees, playing third base for their farm team until a 1977 injury knocked him out of the game for good.

Transition to Acting

When baseball slipped away, Drake didn’t sit still. He jumped at a Columbia Pictures talent search, and out of 75,000 hopefuls, he was one of just 30 picked for an acting program. That’s when Hollywood started to feel like home. His first big gig was on the CBS show Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1982–1983), playing Brian McFadden. He popped up in stuff like Otherworld (1985) and TV movies like Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues (1985) too. Those early roles showed off his charm and range, but they were just warm-ups for the real deal.

Personal Life

Drake Hogestyn married Victoria Ann Post on December 31, 1984, and they stuck together for almost 40 years until he passed in 2024. They raised four kids—Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben—and he loved being a dad, husband, and grandpa more than anything. Off the set, people saw him as a big-hearted guy, easy to talk to. He treasured time with family and kept tight bonds with his Days of Our Lives crew. That down-to-earth vibe made fans and friends adore him.

Professional Career and Achievements

In 1986, Drake stepped into Days of Our Lives as “The Pawn,” a shadowy figure who turned out to be Roman Brady. When Wayne Northrop came back as Roman in 1991, they switched Drake’s role to John Black—and that’s when he really found his groove. John Black was all about mystery and guts—sometimes a spy, sometimes a PI or a mercenary. Drake gave the guy layers that kept fans hooked. His on-screen romance with Deidre Hall’s Marlena Evans turned them into one of daytime TV’s favorite pairs. Their spark won them a Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple in 2005. Drake racked up over 4,200 episodes on the show, sticking around as one of its longest runners. He took a break from 2009 to 2011 when budgets got tight, but he was back at it until his last episode on September 9, 2024. Outside soaps, he did TV movies like Night Sins (1993) and Christmas Tree Lane (2020), and his work ethic lit a fire under younger actors.

Contributions and Impact

Drake Hogestyn left a big mark on TV. He brought depth to daytime drama with characters people couldn’t get enough of, keeping viewers glued worldwide. His long run on Days of Our Lives showed off his talent and how well he clicked with fans. Behind the scenes, he was the guy everyone loved—kind, generous, and a blast to work with. Co-stars called him “funny,” “thoughtful,” and a key piece of their on-set family.

Death and Legacy

Drake Hogestyn passed away on September 28, 2024, just a day shy of turning 71, after fighting pancreatic cancer with everything he had. He slipped away peacefully at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by the people he loved most. Tributes flooded in from all over after he was gone. Ken Corday, the show’s executive producer, called him “the ultimate team player” who gave Days of Our Lives something special. Fans remembered him not just as an actor, but as a piece of their lives through years of stories. Drake’s legacy lives on in John Black—a character who stood for toughness and heart—and in the love he poured into his family, who keep his memory close.