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!
TikToker Claims She Is “Suing” Her Parents For Giving Birth To Her Without Consent
Popular TikToker Kass Theaz, who has over 142,000 followers, recently made headlines when she said she intended to sue her parents for having given birth to her against her will. Her strange statement caught her followers off guard, especially because she is a parent herself.
Theaz spoke to her audience from inside a car in a video that has received over 2.5 million views, and she had a serious expression. “I went clothes shopping for my children, as I mentioned in my last video. A lot of people are shocked to hear that I have children considering I sued my parents for having me without my permission,” she said in her explanation.
“So my parents that I sued, they contributed to conceiving me, and my mother that raised me, she gave birth to me,” she continued, elaborating on her position. I did not give my consent to be here, which is why I filed a lawsuit against them. I had no idea that I would have to become an adult and find employment in order to support myself. Simply put, I didn’t agree to it. I sued them because they made no attempt to get in touch with me before to my birth to inquire about my desire to be here.
Theaz subsequently clarified that everything was meant to be satire, which answered the confusion of some viewers who asked whether she was being serious or humorous. “I thought it was obvious that I was joking,” she clarified. It is funny to me, though. People become agitated over anything. It demonstrates how little thought is given to reactions before behaving.
Theaz used the occasion to discuss her experience as an adopted mom in addition to her humorous assertion that she was suing her parents. “It’s different when you adopt because it’s not my fault that they’re here,” she said, emphasizing that adopting children is a different journey than giving birth to them. I’m merely attempting to be a decent person and support them.
Theaz’s amusing video may have confused some viewers at first, but in the end, it was a fun reminder to verify information and ask questions before acting. Theaz’s distinctive TikTok content keeps her fans entertained and interested.
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