Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES: John Black’s Funeral Part Two: Heartbreaking Eulogies and Bo Learns of His Beloved Friend’s Death
On the Tuesday, June 10th episode of Days of our Lives, it was the part two of three episodes devoted to the funeral of John Black in tribute to his iconic portrayer the late Drake Hogestyn. Major kudos goes to the writers who throughout the funeral sprinkled in not only the history of John, but mixed within it important nuggets in Drake’s life as well.
As anyone watching could tell, this was a story that blurs the lines between reality and scripted drama, as the emotion, sadness, and heartache on the faces of the characters were also what the actors were feeling in that moment to honor their fallen castmate and beloved friend. Drake died back on September 28, 2024 from pancreatic cancer, while John Black succumbed to injuries sustained saving a drug to bring Bo (Peter Reckell) back to life and took his final breath on the June 2, 2025 episode of DAYS.
When part two begins, Rachel (Alice Halsey) is in tears saying she is not able to say goodbye to Grandpa John. Marlena (Deidre Hall) gives Rachel, one of John’s favorite possessions, a Mickey Mantle baseball card. That way, anytime she starts to miss him, she has something to remember him by. When nothing stops Rachel from crying, it’s decided she should go home so Tate (Leo Howard) and Arianne (Marissa Reyes) step up to drive her there, so Brady (Eric Martsolf) can stay and mourn his father.
Photo: JPI
Watching the funeral from the eyes of Brady was gut-wrenching (Eric Martsolf showed us why he can do so much without even uttering a single word) as he eventually joins Marlena, Belle (Martha Madison) and Carrie (Christie Clark) in the front row as Eric (Greg Vaughan) begins to officiate the memorial service. To begin, Eric says a prayer stating that John is going to his eternal home, and will be welcomed by Shawn and Caroline, and all those who loved him.
Photo: JPI
Next, Brady gets up to the lectern and sings “Amazing Grace,” which brings tears to all the attendees. That moment is followed by the trio of Abe (James Reynolds), Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Shane (Charles Shaughnessy) who all represented a different phase of John’s professional lifetime of work. Seeing the three men together made viewers reach for the hankies. However it was Steve, who struggled the most to speak, noting how fitting that in John’s final act of courage he saved the life of a man he considered his brother. Abe shared that if you were in John’s circle you never left. Shane recalls him as a loyal friend and true hero. Marlena has tears streaming down her face as does Belle.
Photo: JPI
Meanwhile, Bo has arranged for a picnic with Hope (Kristian Alfonso), while he is still in a wheelchair. She asks how he managed to pull this off. He says he had help from Ciara (Victoria Konefal) and Shawn (Brandon Beemer). Bo notices something is wrong with Hope. She finally admits that John died and the funeral is going on today. Bo is beside himself and wants to be there. Later, when speaking to the doctor, she thinks it’s too soon for him to do that as it could put impede his recovery. Bo is determined to make it to the funeral.
Photo: JPI
Back at the memorial, now at the lectern are Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) and Roman (Josh Taylor) representing the Brady family. Roman recalls when for years everybody including John thought he was the real Roman Brady. Through that time, Roman will always be thankful to John for helping raise his children and being there for Marlena and his family. In a heartbreaking moment, Kayla shares that while not a brother by blood, John became a brother by heart. She tells the backstory of how the late Caroline Brady welcomed John in to the Brady family, even after they all learned he was not Roman and that John named his son, Brady, after the clan.
Photo: JPI
When it was Belle’s turn, she spoke of her father as someone who had a very humorous side, and was always present when she just needed advice or a shoulder to cry or a laugh. Belle says she will try not to cry all throughout today, but will also find time to laugh because that’s how her dad would want it.
Photo: JPI
As the episode came to its conclusion, it was Paul’s eulogy for his father, played beautifully by Christopher Sean, that if you were weren’t in a puddle of tears yet, had you reaching for the hankies. If DAYS fans recall, when we first met Paul, he was a professional baseball player (just like Drake Hogestyn was in real life). At the lectern, Paul spoke of their father and son bond over baseball, and how John had mad skills on the field so that he wouldn’t be surprised if he were a professional ballplayer in a past life.
Photo: JPI
As tears stream down his face, Paul wishes he could have spent more time with his dad. Paul detailed he missed growing up with John as his father as the two met later in life. Paul wishes that John could be at his upcoming wedding to Andrew. Paul says that in the short time they had together on earth, John made him feel loved and accepted. Paul looks at John’s (Drake’s) portrait and says through his tears “I love you, Dad. I can’t wait to play another game of baseball with you again.” And with that, the episode came to end with “to be continued” across the screen.
Photo: JPI
In the annals of soap opera, this was probably one of the saddest, most poignant and touching funerals we have ever seen – not only because of the iconic hero that was John Black – but also because of watching the actors grieve the loss of a man they loved so much that was taken from us way too soon.
So, did you reach for the hankies many times over during part two of John’s memorial? What moment got to use the most? Paul’s eulogy? Brady singing “Amazing Grace?” Abe/Steve/Shane taking to the lectern? Kayla and Roman? Belle’s remembrance? Bo finding out about John, or something else? Let us know via the comment section below.
Paul’s hands down followed by Bo’s for obvious reason reasons
Everyone’s tears and bloodshot eyes were real …. including mine after watching DOL for 60 years. I felt like I was attending a family funeral. Kudos to the writers.
Days Of Our Lives
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Lexie Emerges and Shocks Abe as the DiMera Family Gathers for The Reading of Stefano’s Will
Next week on all-new episodes of Days of Our Lives, finally it looks like Lexie Carver is fully resurrected when the character now played by Nikki Crawford stumbles into a DiMera family gathering, which is supposed to be for the reading of Stefano DiMera’s will.
In the Peacock video teaser, as EJ (Dan Feuerriegel) and company toast the Phoenix, the secret tunnel door swings open, and out stumbles out Lexie! Meanwhile, Dr, Rolf (Richard Wharton) realizes Lexie is gone and no longer in her bed. When Abe (James Reynolds) sees his beloved Lexie, he is absolutely stunned. But the question is, when Lexie speaks, is she the Lexie of old, or will her memory and brain be all scrambled eggs?
As longtime DAYS viewers know, the part of Lexie was portrayed for years by Renee Jones, who retired from acting after her run which lasted from 1993-2012. At the time of her departure, Lexie was killed-off with an inoperable brain tumor.
Courtesy/Peacock
Elsewhere, Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) is up to no good and now makes a play for Xander (Paul Telfer). but then tells him, “What I want now, is for you to kill him!” Who does she want killed? EJ? Johnny (Carson Boatman)? Or someone else?
Take a look at the official Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of May 11-15 below.
Monday, May 11
Lexie crashes the reading of Stefano’s will.
Tony makes Gabi an unexpected offer.
Kristen sees Sophia.
EJ questions Cat.
Chad defends Leo.
Tuesday, May 12
Belle asks Marlena for advice.
Holly lashes out at Tate.
Brady and Sarah comfort each other.
Philip comes through for Gabi.
Ari opens up to Liam.
Wednesday, May 13
Steve pays Alex a visit.
EJ pulls a fast one on Gwen.
Marlena offers Paulina support.
Thursday, May 14
Johnny and Chanel lean on each other.
Jada moves Shawn into her place and opens the door for renewed romance.
Gabi presses Ari about her relationship with Liam.
Amy confronts Holly.
Friday, May 15
EJ wants to explore his past with Cat.
Kristen and Chad discuss life and death.
Javi opens up to Rafe.
Gwen plays hardball with Xander.
Check out the latest DAYS promo entitled, “Heartbreak Hotel” below.
Then, let us know, does this Lexie come back from the dead intrigue you, even though Nikki Crawford is taking on the role and not Renee Jones? Do you think she will be anywhere near the same personality she had before she “died’? Who does Kristen want killed now? Weigh-in via the comment section.
Breaking News
DAYS Lauren Koslow Temporarily Fills-In for Jess Walton as ‘The Young and the Restless’ Jill Abbott
In a ironic twist, Lauren Koslow, who currently plays Kate Roberts on Days of Our Lives is returning to The Young and the Restless to play Jill Abbott while temporarily filling in for Jess Walton. Koslow will appear for five episodes beginning on Thursday, June 25.
Koslow first appeared on The Young and the Restless back in 1984 in what was her first soap opera role when she was cast as Lindsey Wells. Now, she returns decades later subbing for Walton, who due to a scheduling conflict, was was unable to travel to Los Angeles when the storyline called for Jill. The Emmy-winning Walton has played the Jill since 1987 and went on recurring status with the show in 2012. Jess also left Los Angeles to reside in Oregon in 2011.
Making this all the richer was the original Jill played by Brenda Dickson, often shared scenes with Koslow’s Y&R character. Lauren played Lindsey Wells until 1986, before moving over to The Bold and the Beautiful as Margo Lynley. Koslow was B&B’s Margo from 1987–1992, and again in 2002. Then, in 1996, she was cast on Days of Our Lives as Kate Roberts, replacing Deborah Adair, and she has been in Salem ever since. But there’s still another another twist to this casting history. Y&R viewers recall Deborah Adair also played Jill, after Brenda Dickson left in 1980, and following a brief stint by Bond Gideon, before heading to DAYS to originate the role of Kate.
Photo: CBS
THE DAYS AND Y&R CONNECTION
As soap fans know, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless are both part of Sony. Y&R is produced by Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television, while DAYS is owned by Corday Productions and distributed by Sony.
So, having Koslow visit The Young and the Restless to fill in for Jess Walton has nothing to do with her continued role of Kate on DAYS. In fact, a rep for the show shared that her upcoming appearance on Y&R, “does not affect her status with the show in any way.” Recently, Stacy Haiduk reprised her role of Patty Williams on Y&R, even though she is still being seen as Kristen DiMera on DAYS.
In a joint statement offered up to TV Insider, executive producer, Sally McDonald and head writer, Josh Griffith expressed, “We’re extremely grateful to Lauren Koslow for returning to her Y&R roots and temporarily stepping into the role of Jill. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Ken Corday (executive producer) and Noel Maxam (co-executive producer) at Days of Our Lives and Peacock. Their support embodies the collaborative spirit of the daytime television community.”
McDonald and Griffith clarified that Jess Walton is forever their Jill and shared, “Jess Walton is an enduring cornerstone of Y&R. We look forward to welcoming her back to Genoa City as her schedule permits and celebrating her extraordinary 40th anniversary as the iconic Jill Abbott.”
So, what do you think of Days of Our Lives Lauren Koslow stepping in for Jess Walton as Jill Abbott? Excited to see what she does in the role while filling in for the Jess? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Days Of Our Lives
‘Days of Our Lives’ Alum Al Calderon Shares Parting Thoughts on ‘Brilliant Minds’ Following its Cancellation
Last week, NBC pulled the plug on the medical drama, Brilliant Minds, as the last 6 episodes of its second and final season will begin to air later this month. The series which saw its ratings plummet was taken off the schedule in February, with reports of it being on the bubble until finally the decision was handed down.
Al Calderon, who departed Days of our Lives in the role of Javi Hernandez in 2025 to join the primetime series as Nurse Nico Silva, was a part of the stellar cast that also featured One Life to Live alum, Teddy Sears (ex-Chad Bennett) and series star, Zachary Quinto.
On Brilliant Minds, Quinto plays neurology physician Oliver Wolf, who’s character and the series is inspired by the life and books of neurologist. Oliver Sacks. The series focuses on the medical mysteries of the mind, as Wolf a larger-than-life neurologist and his team of interns explore the last great frontier, the human mind, while grappling with their own relationships and mental health.
Photo: NBC
In a real-life twist, Days of our Lives announced Calderon’s successor, Jacob Martinez as the new Javi debuting this June on April 30. Come May 1, NBC canceled Brilliant Minds. Now, on Wednesday, May 6, Al Calderon took a moment to reflect on his experience at Bronx General Hospital, the backdrop of Brilliant Minds, via a post on his Instagram.
“Thank you Brilliant Minds” Calderon began. “What a life changing experience. Met forever friends. Learned from the absolute best. Was reminded that my voice mattered. Learned that it’s okay to believe in yourself. Felt like I was part of something. While our beautiful show has gone onto glory we’ve got 6 more incredible episodes to share with you starting May 27th.”
Al also added, “NBC and Warner Brothers TV, thank you for allowing me to be silly and quippy, Demane Davis, Michael Grassi, David Rapaport, Zachary Quinto, thank you for all of your encouragement and support.”
As his heartfelt post came to a close, Calderon explained why the experience on Brilliant Minds was life-changing: “I’ve been at this a long time and this show gave me hope for the future of my career. I owe it to these incredible individuals. Our crew. Our writers. Our editors. The whole shebang. I love you all endlessly.”
Taking to the comment threads were several of Al’s Brilliant Minds and DAYS former co-stars, and even his successor, Jacob Martinez jumped in and shared, “YOU are brilliant 💕”
What did you think of Al’s heartfelt message about his time on Brilliant Minds? Will you miss seeing him on DAYS and on the primetime series? Looking forward to seeing what he will do next? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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Days o
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