When I was a teenager during the summertime, I used to watch Days of Our Lives.
The long-running series has showcased many vibrant characters over the years, and Drake Hogestyn was undoubtedly one of the most memorable.
Now we mourn the loss of this beloved star, who passed away just one day shy of his 71st birthday.
Donald Drake Hogestyn, known to many as John Black from Days of Our Lives, left an indelible mark on the world of daytime television.
After an incredible 38 years and nearly 4,300 episodes on the iconic show, his passing just one day before his 71st birthday has left fans heartbroken.
Born in 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn was destined for greatness from a young age, with a father who hailed from New York and a devoted mother who nurtured his talents.
Hogestyn’s journey to stardom began in the 1980s when he ventured into acting with Columbia Pictures. In a talent search that attracted 75,000 hopefuls, he emerged as one of just 30 selected, securing a significant role in the prime-time series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Drafted by Yankees
However, what many fans might not know is that before he captivated audiences on screen, Hogestyn was a promising baseball player who had even been drafted by the New York Yankees. As a skilled third baseman in their minor league system, it seemed he was on the path to playing at Yankee Stadium. Yet, an unexpected injury shattered those dreams, steering him toward a different kind of spotlight.
In 1986, Hogestyn made his mark on Days of Our Lives, first appearing as a mysterious character known as “The Pawn.”
Audiences were excited, and Hogestyn quickly became a fan favorite, transforming into the iconic John Black. Over the years, he navigated dramatic storylines filled with amnesia, espionage, and intense relationships, making him one of the most recognizable faces in daytime television.
His on-screen romance with longtime co-star Deidre Hall, known for her portrayal of Marlena, became a defining element of the series and established them as a true supercouple on daytime television.
Hogestyn’s talent earned him numerous nominations for Soap Opera Digest Awards, with multiple wins for Favorite Hero and Favorite Couple alongside Hall.
Why was he fired?
In 2008, fans were stunned when it was announced that Hogestyn and Hall had been let go from Days of Our Lives due to budget cuts. However, the demand for their return was undeniable, and they rejoined the show a few years later, much to the delight of their devoted fans. Tragically, Hogestyn made his final appearance on the soap on September 9, 2024, just weeks before his passing.
Drake and his wife, Victoria, shared a deep love that began when he was just 15 years old and she was only 12. ”We were meant to be,” he once said in an interview, capturing the essence of their enduring bond. They married in 1986, the same year Hogestyn joined Days of Our Lives, and together they raised four children.
Cause of death
Sadly, Drake Hogestyn’s life came to an end due to pancreatic cancer on September 28, 2024, in Los Angeles.
His family announced the news with heavy hearts, saying, ”He was thrown the curveball 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.”
As we remember Drake Hogestyn, we celebrate the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives, both through his unforgettable performances and the love he shared with his family. He will forever remain a cherished part of television history and in the hearts of his fans.
My condolences to his family, friends, coworkers and fans! Rest in peace, Drake!
Son donates hair to his mom who has been battling a recurrent brain tumor for nearly 20 years
What was intended to be a joke ended up being one of the greatest gifts a mother could ever have from her son.
An Arizona guy grew out his hair for over three years in order to give it to his mother, who lost her hair due to radiation treatment.
Matt Shaha declared, “It makes perfect sense.” “In the first place, she gave me the hair.”
Melanie Shaha battled a benign brain tumor for many years.
She remarked, “I had surgery twice, in 2003 and 2006, for a pituitary tumor that was recurrent and benign brain tumor.”
After two successful surgeries to remove it, she was prescribed radiation in 2017 when it reappeared.
“I inquired with my doctor, ‘Will my hair fall out?’” and they replied, “No.”
She lost her hair three months later.
A TWO-DAY WEEK…
She remarked today, “When you don’t have hair, you stand out like a sore thumb and kind people can say things that make you cry.” “Looking sick bothers me more than actually being sick.” At the store, I’d want to fit in rather than stand out.
Shortly after Melanie started experiencing hair loss, her son, who is 27 years old, made a joke one day about growing his hair out and getting a wig for her.
I began working with Matt Shaha a year ago, and he is one of the most giving people I have ever met. Among the original…
Even though Melanie’s son was receiving such a nice offer, she didn’t want to burden him with it.
But Matt had a different perspective. For the next 2.5 years, he let his hair grow out. He went to his mother’s house with a few coworkers when his hair was at the right length, and they chopped it off.
I began working with Matt Shaha a year ago, and he is one of the most giving people I have ever met. Among the original…
Melanie remarked, “We were so excited that we started crying when they started cutting.”
He even paid the $2,000 to have the wig created when the time came.
The mother and son team discovered a wigmaker who created a lighter and more comfortable wig by hand-stitting the hair. Melanie had the wig trimmed and styled as soon as it arrived.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen my mom look like that since she lost it, so it’s been about four years,” Matt remarked upon seeing her in it.
Melanie, smitten with her new appearance, conceded that surpassing her son’s present would be difficult. “It definitely fills your heart.”
Melanie is very happy! Look at her expression! Matt is even grinning broadly. For them both and their families, I adore this.
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