Drake Hogestyn: Career, cause of death and final episode

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.”

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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!

After a Call from a Stranger, a Woman’s Recent Love Story Turns Into a Drama – Story of the Day

“All men are liars.” With these words, Violet ended her radio program. Her life experiences and the countless stories she heard from her listeners had proven it. But, a date with a coworker made her question her belief. After a call from a stranger, she was convinced she had been right all along.

Violet sat comfortably in her chair, leaning slightly toward the microphone in the cozy, dimly lit studio of a local radio station.

The equipment’s soft hum and the faint buzz of the control board’s lights cast a warm, golden glow across the room.

Opposite her was James, her co-host, his posture more relaxed, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table as they listened to the voice crackling through the speakers.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“He’s pulling away from me…” Susan’s voice trembled, and a muffled sob came through.

“I don’t know what to do. We barely talk anymore. I never thought I’d turn to a radio show for advice, but I don’t have anyone else who’ll listen.”

Violet adjusted her headphones, her expression softening.

“Don’t worry, Suzy, right? That’s your name?”

Her voice was calm, like the steady rhythm of a heartbeat, offering comfort through the static.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Yes, it’s Susan,” the caller confirmed, her breath hitching.

“Well, Suzy, that’s why we have this segment—to help people like you with relationship struggles. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s brave of you.”

Susan hesitated before asking, “So… what do you think I should do, Violet?”

Violet straightened in her chair, her tone sharp yet controlled.

“The same thing I always say—forget him. He’s either cheating on you or stringing you along. Either way, you deserve better.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

James’s head snapped up, and he raised an eyebrow at her.

“Violet, maybe we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. It could be anything—stress at work, personal issues. Maybe he doesn’t know how to communicate.”

Violet gave him a sidelong glance.

“Or maybe he has a mistress,” she said dryly. “Let’s not sugarcoat it. All men are liars.”

The tension hung for a moment, but Violet quickly turned back to the microphone, her professional smile firmly in place.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Thanks for tuning in, folks. Enjoy the next song.” She flipped the switch, cutting their microphones.

Music filled the studio, and Violet leaned back, the faintest smirk playing on her lips.

James, however, shook his head slightly, unsure whether to push back or let it slide.

The studio lights dimmed slightly as the end-of-shift silence settled over the room.

Violet gathered her things—her notebook, headphones, and an oversized scarf she draped over her shoulder.

She moved with her usual efficiency, but her mind was already on the comfort of home and a hot cup of tea.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

James lingered by the console, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

His usual easygoing demeanor seemed absent, replaced by a noticeable nervousness. Finally, he stepped closer, clearing his throat.

“You were ruthless with men today, as usual,” he said, flashing her a sheepish grin. His attempt at humor was met with a raised eyebrow.

Violet paused and glanced at him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“You’ve been here six months, James,” she replied flatly. “I thought you’d have figured out by now what our audience expects.”

“So, it’s just for ratings, then?” James asked, tilting his head.

“You don’t actually believe all that?”

Violet shrugged, her expression unreadable.

“I never said that. What do you want, James? I was about to head home.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

James rubbed the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at her. “Well, uh… I’ve been meaning to ask…” His words trailed off as his confidence wavered.

“Spit it out,” Violet said, smirking slightly, amused by his awkwardness. “Talking is supposed to be your job.”

He chuckled nervously, his face flushing. “Would you, um… like to go on a date with me?”

“A date?” Violet blinked, caught off guard. “Like a date-date?”

“Yes. Exactly. There’s a great place nearby I think you’d like.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Violet hesitated, shifting her bag on her shoulder. “James, you know I’m not big on dating.”

“Because you think all men are liars, right?” James teased. His tone was light but daring. “Let me prove that not all of us are that bad. Some of us are mostly honest.”

“Mostly?” Violet repeated, laughing despite herself. “Fine. But don’t expect miracles.”

“That’s good enough for me,” James said, his grin widening as he grabbed his coat.

The small restaurant felt like a hidden gem, the kind of place you’d never stumble upon unless someone showed you.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Candlelight flickered on every table, casting warm, golden hues across the room while the smooth notes of live jazz wove through the air.

The musicians, tucked into a corner, played as though they were part of the room’s heartbeat, their gentle melodies making the space feel alive yet soothing.

James pulled out a chair for Violet, his movements natural, unforced. Violet raised an eyebrow but couldn’t help a small smile as she sat down.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Chivalry isn’t dead, I see,” she teased.

“Well, I try,” James said with a grin, taking his seat across from her.

Violet glanced around, taking in the cozy surroundings.

“This place is charming,” she admitted. “I didn’t know spots like this still existed.”

“Judging by that look on your face, you don’t go to places like this often,” James said, leaning forward slightly, his tone playful.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I don’t go on dates often, that’s for sure,” Violet replied, smoothing the napkin on her lap.

“Really? Hard to believe. A radio host and such a beauty? You must have admirers.”

Violet’s cheeks turned pink, and she waved him off.

“Stop it. I used to date, but I gave it up a long time ago. It always felt like a waste of time.”

James tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Why’s that?”

Violet hesitated before answering.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“After dealing with betrayal, lies, and hearing all those stories on the show… It’s hard to believe in love anymore.”

James’s expression softened.

“Well,” he said gently, “not all of us are so bad.”

“Every man says that,” Violet sighed, leaning back in her chair.

James chuckled but didn’t push further. Instead, he started sharing a story about his childhood, painting vivid pictures of his clumsy adventures that left Violet laughing.

The conversation shifted naturally from funny anecdotes to deeper reflections about their lives.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Violet found herself relaxing in a way she hadn’t expected, her guard lowering with each shared laugh.

“See?” James said, grinning as she wiped away tears of laughter. “Not so bad spending time with me, is it?”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Violet replied, though her smile betrayed her words.

James stood, gesturing toward the restroom. “I’ll be right back. But I want to hear the rest of your story about the bird when I get back.”

“Hurry up, or I’ll forget it,” Violet called after him, still chuckling as she sipped her water.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Her phone buzzed on the table, interrupting her thoughts.

She frowned at the unfamiliar number and hesitated, but curiosity got the better of her.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Hi, this is Jane,” a hesitant voice said on the other end.

“Sorry to call so late, but James hasn’t come home, and your number was the only one I could find. Is he with you?”

“Jane?” Violet asked, her voice suddenly tight. “Are you his sister?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Sister? No, I’m his girlfriend,” Jane replied sharply, the words cutting through the air like a knife.

Violet froze, the warmth of the evening draining away. Her heart pounded as Jane’s words echoed in her ears.

Without responding, she hung up, her hands trembling.

She grabbed her bag, scarf, and coat and walked briskly out of the restaurant, leaving behind the candlelight, the music, and the man she thought might have been different.

The next day at the radio station, Violet entered the studio with her usual brisk stride, her scarf loosely draped around her neck.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Her expression, however, was anything but usual. It was cold, distant—like a door slammed shut.

She avoided eye contact with James, who was already at the control board, adjusting levels and humming softly to himself.

“Hey, Violet,” James called out, his voice light. He looked up with a smile, but it faltered when she breezed past him without so much as a glance.

“I was worried about you last night. You left so suddenly. I tried calling you—”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’m fine,” Violet cut in, her tone sharp and clipped. She didn’t stop moving, setting her bag down with deliberate force.

James frowned, taking a cautious step toward her.

“Did I do something wrong?” he asked hesitantly, his voice quieter now.

“You tell me,” she snapped, finally meeting his eyes, her glare icy. “Or maybe ask Jane.”

The name hit him like a slap, and his brow furrowed. “Jane? How do you know her?”

“Your girlfriend called me,” she said icily. “She wanted to know when you’d be home. Don’t worry—I didn’t keep you too long.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Violet, wait—” James started, his hands raised as if to stop the invisible storm brewing between them.

“One more word,” Violet interrupted, her voice cutting through the room like a blade, “and you’ll be looking for a new job.”

James froze, his mouth half-open, then closed it. He nodded stiffly and returned to his seat, his shoulders slumping slightly.

The day dragged on in frosty silence.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

By mid-afternoon, Violet noticed something strange. James didn’t look like a man caught in a lie; he looked genuinely upset.

His face was pale, his expression distant, as if the weight of the world sat on his shoulders.

Curiosity gnawed at her. By the end of the day, she found herself following him as he left the building.

Near the station’s entrance, a young woman stood waiting. Her arms were crossed, her expression a mix of anger and desperation.

“James! We need to talk!” the woman shouted, stepping closer.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

James stopped abruptly and sighed. “We’ve got nothing to talk about, Jane,” he said, his voice firm but weary. “I’ve told you before—we’re done. It has been months! Why won’t you let it go already!?”

“But I love you! No one else will ever love you the way I do! Even that coworker of yours!” Jane cried, her voice breaking.

“Enough!” James snapped. “Because of the lies you told her, Violet won’t even look at me. I’ve had it, Jane. Stay out of my life.”

Jane burst into tears, her shoulders shaking as she pleaded one last time, but James didn’t budge.

Finally, she climbed into her car and drove away, leaving James standing alone. He sank onto the building’s steps, burying his face in his hands.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Violet hesitated before stepping forward. “James…” she said quietly. “I heard everything.”

He looked up, his eyes tired but calm. “Now you know what I was trying to explain,” he said.

“I’m sorry,” Violet said softly, her voice filled with genuine regret. “But can you blame me for assuming the worst?”

“No. But not only men can lie as you can see.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She managed a faint smile, her defenses softening.

“Maybe not. Should we give this another try?”

James straightened, a hint of hope returning to his face.

“Why not?” he replied, a small grin tugging at his lips. “After all, tonight’s already been full of surprises.”

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Every year, Sarah had to devise a new excuse to explain to her family why they wouldn’t be visiting. “I won’t miss a single-family holiday because of your parents!” her husband Peter always insisted. But this time, Sarah stood her ground and defended her family values.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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