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
‘Days of our Lives’ Veteran James Reynolds Reveals Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Days of our Lives long-running cast member James Reynolds revealed on the November 10 edition of Entertainment Tonight that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and his character of Abe Carver will now be going through an on-screen Parkinson’s battle as well.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner, the 80-year-old actor and Daytime Emmy winner shared how he attempted to hide the warning signs dating back to 15-20 years ago when he would have, “What they call the hallucinations. My wife (Lissa) would say, ‘You were hitting me last night in bed,’ and I would say, ‘What?!’ I was having these really horrible dreams.” Reynolds also added that he realized falling out of bed was an early symptom of Parkinson’s too.
Discussing the on-going tremors that have become more noticeable over time especially in hands, James shared that when he finally told the Days of our Lives cast they were nothing but “extraordinarily helpful and supportive.”

Photo: ET
SCREEN LIFE TO MIRROR REAL LIFE
Now with DAYS about to launch into Abe’s Parkinson’s storyline, Reynolds hopes that he can turn his experience into something positive by encouraging others facing the disease to keep fighting. During the sit-down, Reynolds co-star Jackée Harry (Paulina Price) recalls her reaction to learning of Reynolds’ real-life diagnosis and how she has continued to search for new treatments to inform James about.
Although Parkinson’s disease currently has no cure, there are medications and treatments can help those manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The condition progresses at a different pace from individual to individual.
As discussed in his conversation with ET, Reynolds cited Michael J. Fox and Alan Alda as two high-profile celebrities who have brought awareness to the disease.

Photo: JPI
In story on DAYS, Abe in recent weeks had been experiencing tremors which led to seek help and a diagnosis Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans). Soon Abe and others will find out of his battle with Parkinson’s. Although on the promo for this week’s DAYS, Abe is seen telling Kayla, that he will do something, “when the time is right.”
James Reynolds is one of the most prolific performers, being the longest-running Black Actor in a role on a television series, not to mention his aforementioned Lead Actor Daytime Emmy win in 2018, and being inducted in 2025 into the Daytime Emmy Gold and Silver Society of honorees.
You can check out James’ in-depth conversation on his Parkinson’s diagnosis below.
Share your thoughts for James after learning of his health battle, and what do you think of Days of our Lives incorporating the disease into Abe Carver’s Salem storyline? Let us know in the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
2026 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet: Men Duded Up – Who’s Got the Look? (Photos)

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet arrivals featured many a leading man from your favorite soaps, plus the younger stars and veteran actors you’ve come to love.
The gents were definitely about the bowties this year, plus fashion-forward trends, classic suit and tux looks, or sport jacket and no tie. There were a myriad of fashion choices on display from the one thing the soaps are usually known for, ‘hot’ guys.
This year for the first time the red carpet featured the cast of Beyond the Gates who were eligible for Daytime Emmy competition for the first time in their young history, bringing fresh faces and new vibes to the festivities.
LEADING MEN, VETERAN STARS AND NEWCOMERS STRIKE A POSE
Many of this year’s nominees who went on to become eventual winners, previous Emmy winners, and more, took to the carpet to strike a pose for the paparazzi in attendance.
Some of the standout looks came from (pictured above): Steve Burton (Jason Morgan, General Hospital) in traditional black tux with a sheen, Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter Walton, The Bold and the Beautiful), Giovanni Mazza (Gio Palmieri), Jibre Hordges (Jacob Hawthorne, Beyond the Gates) and Michael Graziadei (Daniel Romalotti, The Young and the Restless), all wearing tuxes, suits or sportcoat and trousers with a bowtie, plus now two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Roger Howarth (Matt Clark, The Young and the Restless) who gave us that stellar jacket and more relaxed vibe for the carpet.
Now below, check out the other actors who made an impression with red carpet fashion at the Daytime Emmy Awards this past Friday night.

Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives and Brilliant Minds alum, Al Calderon (ex-Javi Hernandez), a Daytime Emmy nominee in light green suit.

Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates’ Jaden Lucas Miller (Tyrell Richardson) had it put together from head to toe making his first appearance at a Daytime Emmy red carpet.

Photo: NATAS
The icon, Y&R’s Eric Braeden, a nominee this year for Lead Actor for his performances as Victor Newman took to the red carpet alongside his granddaughter, but took a moment to pose solo for the cameras.

Photo: NATAS
Alex Cheeks who plays Donnell McBride on Beyond the Gates took to the carpet in this blue suit with brooch.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Falconeri) entering the red carpet from the street stylin’ in blue jacket and white sneakers.

Photo: NATAS
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Harrison Cone (Deke Sharpe) bringing the on-trend fashion to the Emmys, as well as he would as the young fashion designer at Logan!

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Sawandi Wilson (Dr. Isaiah Gannon) in velvet red tuxedo stood out on the red carpet.

Photo: JPI
Last year’s Lead Actor Daytime Emmy winner, Paul Telfer (Xander Kiriakis, Days of our Lives) returned this year to present several awards on-stage and hit the red carpet in very stylish black kilt.

Photo: NATAS
Days of our Lives’ newest leading man, Kyle Pryor made his debut on the Daytime Emmy red carpet. He premieres tomorrow on the November 2nd episode of the Peacock streaming soap operas as Dominik Marino.

Photo: NATAS
Beyond the Gates star, Sean Freeman (Andre Richardson) always looks super cool. This time in white jacket and packets making a fashion statement on his first Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Bold and the Beautiful’s Crew Morrow (Will Spencer) opted for a jean jacket and black sheen jeans to take to the carpet, but still bringing the swag.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives alum Christopher Sean (Paul Narita), a nominee for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series took to the red carpet in beautiful blue.
So, which men do you think were looking good? Did the actors bring it to the red carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet: Women in Glam – Who’s Got the Look?

The 53rd annual Daytime Emmys red carpet was filled with the leading ladies of soap opera, with an array of styles, looks and fashion trends: from bright vibrant colored gowns, plenty of sequins, pantsuits, retro looks, to fashion-forward and more.
From many an Emmy newcomer to the carpet with the stars of Beyond the Gates making their first-ever appearances on daytime’s biggest night, to veteran fan favorites, to the nominees and the guest stars, these women walked the carpet showing off their 2026 fashion sensibilities to the paparazzi.
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy looks starting with pictured above: Beyond the Gates star and now Emmy winner, Ambyr Michelle (Eva Thomas), Days of our Lives’ Abigail Klein (Stephanie Johnson), and Sal Stowers (Lani Price Grant), General Hospital’s Katelyn MacMullen (Willow Tait) and alum and nominee Eva LaRue (ex-Natalia Rogers Ramirez).
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Now below, check out some of the other red carpet looks from the actresses of Beyond the Gates, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless, and then you can let us know in the comment section the answer to our question, “Who’s got the look?”

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Amanda Setton, a first-time Emmy nominee for her work as Brook Lynn Quartermaine, looked beautiful in burgundy.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
The Belle of the Ball: Beyond the Gates star Tamara Tunie wowed the red carpet, and later took home her first Lead Actress Daytime Emmy for her role as Anita Dupree.

Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Hayley Erin (Claire) look stylish and in the popular burgundy dress color trend on the carpet.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin) dressed in black and brought elegance to the carpet.

Photo: NATAS
Y&R star, Christel Khalil (Lily Winters) looked stunning in this olive green dress and matching handbag and earrings.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Alexa Havins (Lulu Spencer) also dressed in sophisticated black with embroidered top and sarong dress.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Days of our Lives’ Cherie Jimenez (Gabi Hernandez), who always wows on the carpet, did so again this year in a pearl white gown.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Beyond the Gates’ Rhonni Rose Mantilla’s (Chelsea Hamilton) in a cobalt blue dress making her first appearance on a Daytime Emmys red carpet.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Kristen Vaganos (Molly Lansing-Davis) in a pale peach dress took to the Emmys red carpet.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
General Hospital’s Braedyn Bruner (Emma Drake), a first-time Daytime Emmy nominee, showed youth with elegance.

Photo: NATAS
General Hospital’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) and Cynthia Watros (Nina Reeves), both past Lead Actress Daytime Emmy winners, were on-hand to root on this year’s nominee in the category and for their show, which ultimately won Outstanding Drama Series.

Photo: JPI
Three-time Daytime Emmy winner, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers) of The Young and the Restless definitely had people turning heads during the red carpet arrivals.

Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Y&R’s Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson) took to the red carpet also in a black dress with her latest hairstyle!

Photo: Hutchins Photo
The one and only Finola Hughes (Anna Devane, General Hospital) opted for a sleek, yet comfortable style for the 2026 Daytime Emmys.
So, who do you think wore it best from the women on this year’s Daytime Emmys Red Carpet? Let us know your thoughts and picks via the comment section below.
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