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Drake Hogestyn, Longtime Days of our Lives Star, Passes Away at 70

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: NBC

In heartbreaking news to share, Days of our Lives iconic Drake Hogestyn, who played hero John Black, and was a part of the Salem canvas since 1986, died at the age of 70 on September 28th, just one day shy of his 71st birthday.

While rumors had been circulating on the condition of Hogestyn’s health in recent months, in a statement Saturday evening from Drake’s family, it shared that the beloved actor had passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

The statement read, “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. 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.”

Photo: NBC

It continued,”He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor. 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. The Hogestyn Family”

Days of our Lives executive producer Ken Corday shared these words, This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”

Photo: JPI

Throughout his nearly 40-year run on Days of our Lives, fans know Drake’s winding road of characters and identifies. He was first was introduced as “The Pawn” by his arch nemesis, Stefano DiMera (the late Joe Mascolo), and then was revealed to be Marlena’s assumed-dead husband, Roman Brady, who had been previously played by Wayne Northrop from 1981-84. Eventually, it was revealed Roman was alive and Drake was John Black although he had quite the murky past and several incarnations.

Photo: JPI

In September of 2023, Drake’s friend, TV icon Dick Van Dyke came to Days of our Lives in the role of a mystery man who turned out to be John’s true biological father that he had been searching for all of his life, Timothy Robicheaux. The scenes between Van Dyke (who won an Emmy for his performances) and Hogestyn were some of the best work of his longtime veteran’s career on DAYS.

Along with Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), Drake created the leading couple of Days of our Lives known to their fans as “Jarlena” and they will go down in history as one of the all-time greatest and most popular on-screen duos of the soap opera genre. In fact, in Soap Opera Digest’s recent 50 Greatest Couples issues, John and Marlena came in at #12.

Photo: DAYS

Drake is survived by his wife Victoria, their four children Rachael, Ben (ex-Lucas, GH) Whitney, Alexandra and partners, and seven grandchildren. Victoria and Drake were married back in December of 1986, the same year he joined Days of our Lives and had been together for almost 38 years before his death.

Michael Fairman TV sends our deepest condolences to a man we loved so dearly to the entire Hogestyn and Days of our Lives family. We will continue to update this story as more details become available.

Share your remembrances and thoughts on the news of the loss of DAYS Drake Hogestyn via the comment section. To pay tribute to Drake, we share with you our final one-one-one sit-down interview with him at the Day of Days 2022 event below.

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I’m very sad to hear this news! I’ve been watching days my whole life. It will be weird without John. Condolences to family and days family.

So sad that John pass away condolences to the familey it won’t be the same on days of life’s whith out john

I know I posted a lot just got back from a endowment dinner I met him when I was just a kid I thought I still do that he was the most handsome man I had ever seen and he was as gorgeous in the inside this one is tough . I really feel for his family and his co stars . Fly with the angels

Shocking and terribly sad news. I can’t imagine that we won’t see him on the show anymore. You always knew everything would be okay with John Black in the scenes. My heart goes out to his family and his Days family.

It seems both the Days and GH cast have suffered great loses over the last two years. My condolences to his family, his Days family and friends.

I’m shocked and very sad to hear this. Prayers to his family

Oh my gosh noooo I love this man I have not watched Days in years but this was the sweetest man on the planet I’m beyond devasted! Horrible did anyone know this ?? Horrible may you the sweetest man on earth RiP !

Sick to my stomach just sick I adored him that was the great days when I watched! Life is so precious

Awful news one of the nicest people in daytime! Oh I am in total shock Deidre must be devasted

Sad news. My condolences to Drake’s family, friends and fans. I’m not a regular Days viewer, but everyone knows John Black, and John and Marlena. An iconic soap character and soap couple!

I am deeply sad to read that Drake has passed. I truly am shocked since I never read that he was ill. Please know that I offer my profound sympathy to his family and friends. May God bless and keep you in His powerful and comforting Arms!

Noticed he lost alot of weight lately.

It’s beyond sad to realize that Drake is longer here. I am just so sorry for his family, Days family and friends. He was so kind. I was fortunate to meet him at Day of Days and he was wonderful to his fans. He had the greatest attitude. So positive and he loved his family and #Days. I am heartbroken.He will be sincerely missed. May Drake rest in peace.

Omgosh im so sad and in shock! He was such a big part of Days I can’t Imagine it without him. He was so handsome I just can’t believe this. RIP to a big star!

This is a tough one. My prayers to his family and friends.

I’ve cried so much tonight I don’t think I can cry anymore. I’m going to bed actually exhausted.
Rest In Peace Drake. Thank you for all the Days of Your Life.

Sad to hear this

Goodbye “John”. RIP Drake

What a devasting loss to his family and his DOOL family. Drake will be missed on screen. He was such a big part of the Days canvas and with so many interactions with the characters. Marlena, Brady, Belle, Eric, Tate, Paul, Roman, Kate, Abe, Steve, Kayla. So happy he got to act with Dick Van Dyke last year. Prayers to his family and DOOL family. Rest in Peace, Mr. Hogestyn.

This one hit me like bricks I cannot believe it I was such in a shock I got the special surprise of face timing with drake and Deidre at days of days 2023 how I will hold that close to my heart ❤️ and drake made such a big impact on my life and so many others

This is sad news indeed. Very difficult surely for family, friends, colleagues, and fans.

This is so shocking to wake up to! My heart hurts for his wife and Family and especially his DAYS family. I cannot imagine the shock Deidre must be in. I wonder how they will address this on-screen. DAYS will not be the same without John Black. Drake, thank you for your many years of entertainment as part of the epic John & Marlena love story. You will be missed and not forgotten.

In total shock. When I first read it online I thought it was one of those phony postings, but after checking other sites, it was confirmed. So sorry for his family and friends. Rest in peace sir.

I have watched Days of Our Lives since I was 16 years old. I am now 56. I watched Drake’s character evolve from one decade to the next. I feared he was ill because he had become so thin and frail in his very recent stints on the show. He was a staple with Days of Our Lives. His character was not replaceable. It will be especially strange not seeing him anymore. I am truly saddened to learn today of his passing.

R.I.P Drake Hogstyn a/k/a John Black

What a shock! Watching this show for so many years, Drake was indeed a favorite. I’m happy to know that that he was the wonderful person in real life, that he depicted on the screen.Im truly sorry for his family’s loss and also the cast and crew, who will miss him forever. God bless you all!

Even while ill, he still managed to appear on Days. Days will not be the same without him. RIP

I was in shock when I first heard about it.This is so sad,

Breaking News

‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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