Days Of Our Lives
Update and Statement Issued On DAYS Drake Hogestyn Injury

Photo: DHogestynTwitter
Days of our Lives enduring star, Drake Hogestyn (John Black) was sidelined back in May with an injury that was first brought to light by the Globe. Their report indicated that Hogestyn fell from a tree and experienced internal bleeding from his injury. Back at the beginning of July, We Love Soaps reported their sources indicated Drake was actually injured on set.
Now comes word via a statement given to Soap Opera Digest from the actor’s legal team; explaining his absence and his recovery. They claim on May 5th, Drake was injured on the set while filming a stunt that required him to “break” through a prop door on a set that “had not been properly prepared”. Hogestyn “ran full speed” toward the door and “smashed headfirst” into it suffering “severe head injuries”. The actor was hospitalized and he is currently recovering at his Malibu home.
The legal team statement went on to say: “Drake, his wife Victoria, and the Hogestyn family, appreciate all the good wishes, prayers and positive thoughts from so many loyal fans, but ask that their privacy be respected at this time. Drake’s goal is to get back to the show as soon as possible.”
Send you well-wishes for a speedy recovery to Drake, one of the nicest men in the business, in the comment section below!
Wishing Drake a speedy recovery…
Get well and come back soon.
“…Drake’s goal is to get back to the show as soon as possible.” ”
yet this statement is from HIS legal team
I certainly hope it doesn’t go their
I imagine Drake Hogestyn made a good life out of this show of show
I hate when news like the globe rush to publish news without all the facts first…..anyway, it wasnt tree climbing…people shouldnt do certain things like tree climbing…look what happened to Pa Ingals on Little House on The Prairie when he climbed a tree to retreive a kite…he fell and was seriously injured…he almost lost his farm!!!-lol
OMG Ouch Cover up and lies lawsuit and cancelation. .END OF. ..
Wow, sounds like that’s probably going to be a big settlement. That was very negligent from whoever is responsible in the prop dept. Best wishes to Drake on a complete recovery.
I have not watched this show in over ten years but I wish this man the best yes he is a good man . Just exactly what are they doing over there?
Lawyer’s released the statement, so it sounds like something is brewing. Poor guy. If he sustained a concussion he could have a long road to recovery ahead of him. My thoughts are with him.
If Drake was injured on the set of DOOlL then I would guess that the lawyers are discussing liability with ABC
NBC.
I do wish him well….I hope he is not in to much pain…..but, not interested in the character. Not one iota. He has the most boring, uninteresting aura….right up there with Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez. Is anyone interested in that story??
Hes strong, he will come back.
He survived Theresa knocking him out with a fireplace poker – he survived being tied up by his crazy father – he’ll survive this as well. He’s a fighter that’s for sure!
Um, I think you’re confusing what happened to “John Black” as opposed to Drake Hogestyn!
This was a “real” injury opposed to a “reel” injury.
This may be the final nail in Days’s coffin. It sounds like Corday tried to cover up a nasty on set injury that was the result of negligence. I applaud Drake for holding Corday & his company accountable, and I wish him the best in his recovery.
Every fan knows the show is a sinking ship, but this is a new low for them.
I agree with your post… w/ the exception… that DAYS , the show itself … not be affected by this
on the other hand… i’m so disgusted with Ken Corday and his Production values
Sssssssss!
Lawyers statement & the mention that the door wasn’t properly prepared.. yup. More to come.
Our man Drake is a tough guy! If anyone can make a full recovery, it will be him! My thoughts and prayers are with him. xoxo
Prayers to Drake and his loved ones.
But yeah that’s gonna be a good settlement. I wouldn’t mind seeing Ken Corday taking a hit with a lawsuit.
What was he doing climbing trees? Playing Pokeman Go?
Let us hope he heals fast so he can back to his riveting story line in which John Black continues to investigate his ancestral past playing Ancestry.com.
“Gee, Marlena, John Wilkes Booth is my twice removed fifth cousin. Who knew?”
We love you Drake! I know that your strong will is going to bring you back on screen to us soon. ❤️
It’s good to hear Drake is recovering. I never believed the story ‘The Globe’ reported and I don’t think DAYS is covering up anything. Drake was injured on the job. DAYS, NBC and Sony has insurance. I’m sure Drake has lawyers making sure the insurance company is treating him fairly. I’m also sure said insurance company has instructed DAYS, NBC and Sony not to say anything until it’s all sorted out and settled.
The people saying it’s a coverup already have an ax to grind and are using Drake’s horrible accident to push their own agenda…SHAME ON YOU, VIPERS!
Thank you for this common sense post. I agree wholeheartedly.
I totally agree with you. The main concern should be Drake’s recovery and return to the show. Why does everything have to be turned into a negative. Drake would not be happy with all the negative comments towards the show and Ken Corday.
Oh my, a sensible post!
Will someone replace him?
Never!
OMG poor Drake! I’m so thankful that the truth about his set accident is finally out there. He was a victim, he did nothing wrong and was severely hurt due to neglectfulness by another person, yet GLOBE magazine tried to make it look like his negligence caused his accident. What a horrendous set accident, I can’t even imagine what Drake and his family are going through! Thank God once again his guardian angel and many other archangels surrounded him that day to protect him from sustaining even more severe injuries! I’m so thankful he is now out of the hospital and back at home recovering! This man wants to get back to work so it will happen, his full name is Donald Drake and it means “Mighty dragon” and he has proven how resilient he is in his life, after facing severe injuries before! As always, my prayers and thoughts are continuing for him and his family!
Prayers for his recovery
I hope he is ok!!!!!
That’s awful-if it was an on-set injury. I hope he is doing better.
No one knows the real story except the people that were on set that day. I wish the story did not change so drastic – from falling out of a tree to an onset injury. That is what makes me people speculate.
he is being written out of days in the not too distant future
I hope he is written out. All he does is make faces and “whispers’ his lines. I don’t care for his acting.
You’re awful to comment on the way Drake speaks, That is his Natural voice…Just be kind and wish him well, & NoIll feelings Or Comments. God Heals all who Pray. & takes (Care of ALL HEALS…)
I pray he completely recovers so he can return to the work he loves . He has always been so wonderful in both the role of Roman Brady and John Black. Days negligence needs to be addressed without a doubt, so I pray for wisdom on the part of his legal team, a fair and just settlement for Drake and family, as well as a speedy completely recovery so that he can return, continue as the character so may of us have come to love over the years. Take care DRAKE best wishes!!!
God Bless Drake and his family ,get well soon Drake.
Drake,
best wishes for a speedy recovery, I can’t wait for you to return to DOOL.
I am looking forward to seeing you back, with a well-healed head!
Have been a fan from the beginning and hope and pray that drake will be well will be glad to se back on the show. Was happy. When you came back before. God bless you
Actors get hurt on the set all the time. Calm down everyone. Get Well Drake.
I’ve been a huge fan of Drake Hogestyn since I was a kid. If anything, I’ve been frustrated with the way the writers have neglected him and his relationship with Marlena. Anyway, I hope he gets well, that whatever damage he incurred wasn’t as serious as it sounds, and that he returns to DOOL as the super-hero-dude that he deserves to play on screen. I’m sure Doc misses you as do your long-time fans.
Drake,
Get well soon. I miss seeing you on DOOL. I wish you a speedy recovery
I am a constant fan. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy and full recovery. God bless
drake I been a fan of yours since the 80’s so I hope you have a speedy recovery we miss you on the show.
I’ve been a huge fan of Drake’s since day one. He is and always will be my favorite actor. I’ve watched Days since I was little, my Mom got me hooked on it. John and Marlena are my favorite power couple.
They killed off Bo Brady I hope Drake is there for a long while. Prayers go out to Drake and his family. God bless.
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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