The long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives" prepares to say goodbye to John Black, a cherished character played by Drake Hogestyn, who died in September 2024 after battling pancreatic cancer. Hogestyn, who appeared in over 4,200 episodes from 1985 to 2024, left an indelible mark on the show. Next week, Peacock will air a heartfelt storyline marking John Black's exit, honoring both the character and the actor who brought him to life.
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Hogestyn's final appearance aired on Sept. 9, 2024, weeks before his passing. Executive producer Ken Corday, in a November interview with Soap Opera Digest, revealed that Hogestyn approved the storyline despite his declining health. "Drake trusted me," Corday said. "He was a team player, a consummate actor, and we all felt his loss deeply."
Heroic Exit for Soap Icon
The storyline, crafted with care, sees John Black's family gathering in a hospital room, where he lies bandaged after a shooting. The emotional scenes reflect not only the characters' farewells but also the cast's real-life goodbye to Hogestyn. "We wanted John to have a heroic, meaningful exit," the show's writers said. "We wrote it hoping Drake could return, but we needed to honor him, John, and the fans."
Hogestyn had been absent from the show for nine months due to his illness. "We could only write so many missions for John," the writers explained. "This story respects his legacy."
The promo, released by Peacock, captures the somber moment as Salem's residents bid farewell, mirroring the cast's grief.
Legacy in Salem
"Days of Our Lives," a staple since 1965, is one of the longest-running scripted shows in the world. Set in the fictional town of Salem, Illinois, it centers on families like the Bradys and Hortons. The series, which moved from NBC to Peacock in 2022, has aired nearly every weekday for six decades. Its bold storytelling earned it the title of "most daring drama" in the 1970s, tackling topics other soaps shied away from.
With over 15,000 episodes as of December 2024, the show remains a cultural touchstone. Veterans like Suzanne Rogers, a cast member since 1973, and Susan Seaforth Hayes, appearing across seven decades, anchor its legacy. Renewed through 2026, "Days" continues to captivate global audiences.
