Breaking News
Drake Hogestyn, Longtime Days of our Lives Star, Passes Away at 70
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.
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
Tom Pelphrey and Kaley Cuoco Welcome Baby Girl, Philomena into the World

Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”

Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
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Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmys Gold & Silver Circle Inductees: Francesca James, Patrika Darbo and Meredith Vieira Among Those Being Honored

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday, October 8, the 2026 Gold & Silver Circle Inductees who will be celebrated at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Friday, October 30.
This year’s honor roll features industry professionals that have made contributions across daytime television, including daytime dramas, talk shows, comedy, and more.
The Gold inductees include: Meredith Vieira (former c0-host of The View, journalist and EP and CEO, Meredith Vieira Productions),Patrika Darbo (ex-Nancy, Days of our Lives and Shirley, The Bold and the Beautiful, soon to be seen reprising her role of Shirley on Y&R), three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Francesca James (ex-Kitty/Kelly, All My Children, and ex-Marcy Wade, One Life to Live, plus director and/or producer at All My Children, General Hospital, Loving, Santa Barbara et al), and finally Byron Allen (Founder, Chairman & CEO Allen Media Group).
It should be noted that Vieira made guest appearances on both All My Children and General Hospital throughout her career. On GH, she played madam Bree Flanders in 2003 and 2012. She also appeared as a wedding planner on All My Children back in 2001.

Photo: NATAS
The Silver inductees are: Stephen Brown (VP Programming and Development, Fox Television Stations) and Rubin Ervin (Announcer/Warm-Up Host for Family Feud, The Bachelor and more).The Gold and Silver Circle Society Inductees are deemed by NATAS as “exceptional professionals who have performed distinguished service within the television industry, setting standards for achievement, mentoring, leadership and professional accolades for 50 or 25 years, respectively. They represent the best and brightest in the industry.”
In a statement, Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS shared, “This year’s Gold & Silver honorees are recognized for their continued exceptional contributions to our television industry. We are proud to honor a class of honorees from diverse career paths across many daytime genres. Their impact is evident in programming every day, inspiring generations and enriching the lives of countless viewers.”
MORE ON THE 53RD ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMYS
NATAS previously announced that soap opera icon Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during this year’s ceremonies.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys will be held at the historic Hollywood Palladium and will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
The annual awards have recognized outstanding achievement in television programming and crafts since 1974, honoring work in a variety of genres, including daytime dramas, talk series, entertainment news, culinary, adventure, instructional and legal/courtroom programming.
The 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be a single ceremony in 2026, produced by NATAS Productions. Adam Sharp and Lara Gates are executive producers, with Leon Knoles returning to direct for a fifth straight year. Rachel Schwartz serves as Head of Daytime, and the firm of Lutz & Carr, LLP, provides accounting services for the competition.
So, what do you think of this year’s Gold & Silver Inductees? Happy to see some of the names that will be recognized on October 30? Who in the future who has had enduring contributions to daytime television or the soap opera genre, would you like to see receive these honors in years to come? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
Robert Kelker-Kelly, ‘General Hospital,’ ‘Days of our Lives’ and ‘Another World’ Star Dies at 62

Robert Kelker-Kelly, who became prominent as a one of the leading men in soap operas back in the late 80s and 90s has died at the age of 62. TMZ first reported the news of Robert’s passing on Saturday, October 3 at his home in St. Peters, Missouri.
According to the St. Peters police report, officers responded to call at around 8:16 pm about an unconscious man who was not breathing, as paramedics and other EMS were en route. Kelker-Kelly had reportedly complained of chest pain shortly before becoming unresponsive and the circumstances appeared consistent with a medical event.
Officers and paramedics administered life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful in reviving Kelker-Kelly. The cause of his death is still unknown and under investigation.

Photo: NBC
Daytime fans first saw Robert back in 1987 when he was cast as Sam Fowler on Another World. He played the role for three year suntil 1990. Two years later, he took over the role of Bo Brady on Days of our Lives replacing Peter Reckell, who at that time decided to leave the show.
As Bo, Kelker-Kelly was major in story playing opposite the likes of: Crystal Chappell as Dr. Carly Manning, Kristian Alfonso as Hope Williams and Lisa Rinna as Billie Reed. When Peter Reckell returned to his signature role in 1995, Kelker-Kelly left the show.
Next, Robert returned to his original stomping grounds at Another World but this time as race car driver, Bobby Reno who was actually Dr. Shane Roberts. His second AW stint lasted from 1996-1998.

Photo: ABC
Eventually, the actor would begin his run as the evil Stavros Cassadine on General Hospital in 2001, then make returns in 2002 and 2003. In 2013, he briefly returned as Stavros as part of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, and made one last appearance in 2014.
Robert has also became a professional pilot full from 2003 to 2015 and had been married to former Days of our Lives star, Miriam Parrish (ex-Jamie Caldwell) from 1997-2011, but the couple divorced in 2011. Since that time, he has not remarried.

Recently, Robert was back in the news when Lisa Rinna talked about her time working with her former Days of our Lives co-star in her recently released memoir, You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.
Rinna shared on her then on-screen love interest, “Behind the scenes, we hated each other. Remember when Kathy Hilton said I was the biggest bully in Hollywood? Not true. Not even close! I have legit stories about the real bullies in this town. Robert Kelker-Kelly is one of those bullies.”
The former Billie Reed and reality star even punctuated that with, “He made my life a living hell on the set of DAYS, He was horrible to me, I’d go so far as to say verbally abusive. He was passive-aggressive, manipulative and played weird mind games.”
Besides his role in the soaps, Kelker-Kelly appeared on primetime on Touched by an Angel and Rescue 77 , and played Bo in the Days of our Lives specials Night Sins and Winter Heat in the early 90s.
Michael Fairman TV will provide further updates as they become available on the death of Robert Kelker-Kelly.
Now, share your remembrances and condolences on the loss of Robert Kelker-Kelly via the comment section below and let us know of all his daytime roles, which was your favorite.
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