Drake Hogestyn death: Days Of Our Lives star dies aged 70 after battle with pancreatic cancer

American actor starred in nearly 4,300 episodes of ‘Days Of Our Lives’

Drake Hogestyn was a veteran of ‘Days Of Our Lives’ (Michael Mattes/Alamy/PA)

The cast of Days Of Our Lives are remembering their veteran co-star Drake Hogestyn following the news of his death.

Hogestyn, who played John Black in the long-running NBC soap, died aged 70 following an “unbelievable fight” with pancreatic cancer, his family announced.

The actor passed away on September 28, the day before his 71st birthday.

In a statement posted to the official Days Of Our Lives Instagram account, the family said:

“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.

“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.”

Hogestyn joined the soap in 1986 and featured over the years as a prominent cast member.

“This is a very difficult one for all of us,” Days of Our Lives executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement to People. “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.”

Actor Alison Sweeney, who portrayed Samantha Brady, hailed Hogestyn as an “incredible man”.

In an Instagram post featuring a photo of the pair hugging, she added: “He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person.

“He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set.

“My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days.

“I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.”

Mary Beth Evans and Drake Hogestyn speak onstage during the 50th Daytime Emmy Awards in 2023 (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Kristian Alfonso, who played Hope Williams Brady, said she will always remember her late co-star as a “loving father, husband and dear friend, but mostly an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind, always”.

She paid tribute in an Instagram post with a video of photos of them laughing and smiling together.

She thanked him for the love he gave everyone on and off set, adding: “You were always our hero. Love you. Rest in peace my sweet friend.”

Actor Christopher Sean, who played Hogestyn’s on-screen son Paul Narita, shared a video collage of images of them together as he also paid tribute on Instagram.

He wrote: “I will always love you. You were more than just my tv father, in my eyes you were my dad.

“Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world lost a true Hero.

“Miss and love you so much Drake. Rest in Peace Dad.”

Hogestyn is survived by his wife Victoria and their four children: Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael and Ben.

Additional reporting by the Press Association