Me too. Just very grateful to have him as the shows Heroic wonderful character all these years. Do you remember in 1986 when he made his first appearance? I had just graduated and I was having lunch with my teachers and friends from high school. It was a restaurant similar to that of Cheers Bar and Restaurant. There were Nasa engineers, astronauts, drs, lawyers, therapist and school teachers and business people eating lunch that day. Two tv’s were on. Someone at our table said “ wow! The new character John is gorgeous and captivatingly good!” And we all got quiet and watched the entire show! I wished I had sent this story to Drake over the years. That’s how easily he pulled us in- watching his abilities on camera - he was incredibly talented and unforgettable.
I rarely cry over the passing of someone I have never met. Having watched Drake Hogestyn on DOOL since 1986, in a manner of speaking, I, like so many others, felt as if I did know him through his portrayal of John Black. The thought that sustains me is that Drake celebrated his 71st birthday in Heaven, and OH, what a celebration that must have been!
This was hard to watch. Drake was a soap great. Days won't be the same without him. Those final scenes showed how much weight he lost and its sad seeing him like that. He was always in great shape. It's sad we've lost so many icons as of late.
I've been watching this Soap since I was 13...I'm now 60...I remember when he first came on the show. This is sad news 😢...it's been amazing watching him and character evolve over the years. Sending love and condolences to his family and tv cast members. He will be missed❤
I knew something was sad about that hug like he put his all into it because it felt 😔 like that and we all know he would never leave the show 😢😢😢rip john we love u ❤️ forever 💙
Wonderful he had scenes, either on the phone making reference to his other days children, and in person with marlena, eric, and tate and brady. I rewatched them this evening on peacock, his last three days after such a long and full career. Thanks for everything, drake.
Thank you Eric and Christopher for sharing your memories of Drake with us! In recent years admittedly I was not a big Days watcher, but Drake is someone you could never forget. Drake and I being both natives of Fort Wayne, IN I always thought that was so cool. Sending love and prayers to the Hogestyn and Days families!
RIP Drake! John will be missed on Days! I’ve been watching days for 19 years. It will be 20 years next year and John is one of my favorite characters! RIP Drake and John! Never knew him personally but I feel like I knew him on screen!
there will never be another John Black I ve watched Fays.. since I was in high school Drake was always a fan favorite what a beautiful man! Rip Drake we will miss you forever ❤
Damn, Drake...my childhood. What a big part of my life he was. Even in my adult years. Great memories. My mother died of pancreatic cancer. I feel I need to state this, because cancer is sometimes seen as a joke to some, but people who haven't been through it have no idea how bad pancreatic cancer is and what these people go through. It is completely horrifying and should never be downplayed. I don't know how drake was able to be walking around and able to even seem like he was functioning semi normally. I am amazed. My mother couldn't leave her bed before she went comatose and before that she couldn't stop vomiting, she couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, couldn't drink, etc. Jeez...Glad he went peacefully.
This really hit me so hard I know what’s like losing a loved one this man has helped me through so much in my life he saved me from so much darkness In my life it feels like I lost my dad all over again he was such A beacon of light for me I will always remember precious moments I will miss him forever 😭😭
I was watching his latest-still can’t believe that was his last-episode two weeks ago and noticed how he had quickly grown so old and looked so frail and weak. I made a comment about it on social and I got clowned for it, saying I was rude and a troll and being disrespectful. No I was being observant and worried for him! I thought about doing some Googling to see if he was okay healthwise but I just dismissed it, thinking maybe it wasn’t a big deal. It was. Cancer sucks! I cannot stand it! Drake was a fighter and he kept fighting until his very last breath, and I applaud him for it. There will be a day where Pancreatic Cancer-and every Cancer in the world-will be defeated. But until then… May you rest in peace, Drake Hogestyn. May you Rest in Power.
We Will Always Love and Miss Him! My Heart Is With You All! I've been watching DOOL for 54 years, I Laugh with you all and I Cry with you all!! You all are like a Family to me!!! You will Never Be Forgotten and Never Can Be Replaced!! RIP Drake/John
Drake was truly a Beacon of Hope as the iconic actor who walked with confidence, ease, grace, humor and truly a one in a million enormous compassionate heart- always positively speaking in courage and light. Such a dynamic man. Thank you to Days Of Our Lives for ironically making Drake “JOHN” a legend in our own lives daily - as an enormous fan of the show- John was the coach of the team and the respect and love everyone shared overflowed into those watching daily. Those years are precious and moments not to be forgotten. Thank you, Don Hogestyn for being a standup and standout gentleman! A team player & top notch coach in real life and on the sets. Personally - The man could make me laugh, cry and feel joy and pain! Not many people in general have that ability to express all emotions and pull others in. Heartbroken 😭 and yet grateful. 🥹. Rest with the angels surrounded by your loved ones in Heaven, Sir. 🌟🕊️🙏🤍⚾️👼🏼
My heart ♥️ is hurting for the cast and crew who loved Drake♥️. And he is so missed. Drake Knows You ALL LOVED HIM and ARE LOVING HIM🦋♥️. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN, FOR THEY WILL BE COMFORTED🎀♥️
I remember watching the very first episode when they showed what “John Black” looked like. The guy was so good looking and I remember thinking…match Marlena to him- he is perfect for her. They did and I watched them for a few more years. I feel for his family, friends, coworkers, and honestly.. for Deidre Hall. The way they looked at each other- even off screen, you could tell they adored each other and were very close. I hope he is flying in the heavens and screwing up the rainbow machine.
So heartbreaking about Drake's passing away and it's so emotional for the entire cast of Days of our lives . He will never be forgotten Rest in peace John Black ❤
Drake was my favorite on Days! His character was just amazing! My great aunt used to keep me when I was 5 yrs old. She watched the show, so I watched the show....I'm 55 now...still watch the show! He was the rare gem of handsome looks, beautiful charismatic voice, and sweetness, kindness all wrapped up into one! My dad passed away from pancreatic cancer almost 2 years ago. It's a horrible thing. I wish there was a cure. Drake will so be missed. ❤😢
OMG ERIC, Christopher, you both have me bawling my eyes out !!!! Thank you both so much. I'm crying too as I watch your heartfelt video. 💔♥😥 I am so sad to hear this news, I hove loved him since day 1 on the show, I am truly a fan, at 63, watching DOOL since 1975. Such a a wonderful man, God bless him ! Rest in Peace Drake, Heaven is lucky to have you now ! My condolences to all the cast of DOOL and to his precious FAMILY . He will truly be missed and always remembered as such a GENTLEMAN.
Thank you both so much. I'm crying too as I watch your heartfelt video. 💔♥️😥. All of us fans are hurting so much but all of you...his family, friends and coworkers are hurting so much more. My heart and thoughts are with all of you. ♥️💔😥. God bless you all. R.I.P. Drake. You are so loved.
I remember watching the show as a teenager around 1992/3 when Drake joined the cast as John Black. At the time the character had lost his memory only to regain it later believing he was Roman Brady. He performed the part with real class. So glad to see that he continued in the role all those years later and that he is remembered so fondly.
I can tell with Chris and Eric doing this interview was raw and hard. It is for the fans and friends/family for Drake. Bill Hayes going to heaven is one thing and same with John Aniston. For Drake it’s a tragedy. Not his time. Maybe at 90 at the earliest. That would be ok.
I just heard about his passing. I use to watch DOOL, and John and Marlene were one of my fav couples on the show. He will be missed. RIP Drake Hogestyn.
my sisters and mom and i were addicted to him and marlena in the 90s. i stopped watching for a long time. one day in like 2004 I began watching curious to see who was there. here comes john and I felt comfortable and back to my childhood. RIP drake / john
my first time seeing Drake in 1986 all wrapped up with bandages over his face a mole as Roman Brady that Stefano nearly destroy John Black life until Dr Marlana Evans help him see what is right in front of him amazing man and Dad Husband Grand father and a very huge fan of Drake Hogestyn Sir John Black i will miss you rest now you always in my thoughts in each scene of Days of Our Lives Blessings and love too the Hogestyn Family and his wife Victoria
NO, He was an awesome actor. We never know the pain on the inside of the people who give us their best, because they're always the ones who wear the Masks. Rest easy my friend this time it was a HOME RUN! 💕
I love that Christopher and Eric shared this with us. I cried along with them. Drake will be missed more than we can say.
Me too. Just very grateful to have him as the shows Heroic wonderful character all these years. Do you remember in 1986 when he made his first appearance? I had just graduated and I was having lunch with my teachers and friends from high school. It was a restaurant similar to that of Cheers Bar and Restaurant. There were Nasa engineers, astronauts, drs, lawyers, therapist and school teachers and business people eating lunch that day. Two tv’s were on. Someone at our table said “ wow! The new character John is gorgeous and captivatingly good!” And we all got quiet and watched the entire show! I wished I had sent this story to Drake over the years. That’s how easily he pulled us in- watching his abilities on camera - he was incredibly talented and unforgettable.
I rarely cry over the passing of someone I have never met. Having watched Drake Hogestyn on DOOL since 1986, in a manner of speaking, I, like so many others, felt as if I did know him through his portrayal of John Black.
The thought that sustains me is that Drake celebrated his 71st birthday in Heaven, and OH, what a celebration that must have been!
My heart breaks for his friends and family, prayers. he seemed like a wonderful man.
Two great guys paying tribute to great guy so touching and emotional hugs
Eric marsolf and Christopher Sean shared a great tribute memories papa drake hogestyn aka John black,what a tribute 2:58
😢😢😢 I have no more words. Just prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻 for all who love him.
This was hard to watch. Drake was a soap great. Days won't be the same without him. Those final scenes showed how much weight he lost and its sad seeing him like that. He was always in great shape. It's sad we've lost so many icons as of late.
I've been watching this Soap since I was 13...I'm now 60...I remember when he first came on the show. This is sad news 😢...it's been amazing watching him and character evolve over the years. Sending love and condolences to his family and tv cast members. He will be missed❤
No words except,I absolutely loved Drake as John Black.We all are going to miss him dearly.RIP John Black!!
What a beautiful touching interview by these two very handsome gents.
I knew something was sad about that hug like he put his all into it because it felt 😔 like that and we all know he would never leave the show 😢😢😢rip john we love u ❤️ forever 💙
RIP Drake/John, he had fought a brave battle. Wonderful man with wonderful onscreen sons.
Damn. That was beautiful.
I remember his first day on DOOL,so many greats lost recently, first John,then Bill and now Drake ,Days will never be the same 😢
I watched you for 40 years this is very hard. May you rest in peace!
Oh my gosh how sad I watched this show with grandma, my mom, and myself as adult for years RIP
Ditto for me.
Wonderful he had scenes, either on the phone making reference to his other days children, and in person with marlena, eric, and tate and brady. I rewatched them this evening on peacock, his last three days after such a long and full career. Thanks for everything, drake.
My heart is broken I didn’t have the greatest relationship with my dad and Drake was a tv dad when I was 8 in 86 till now at 46.
❤❤❤❤
Thank you Eric and Christopher for sharing your memories of Drake with us! In recent years admittedly I was not a big Days watcher, but Drake is someone you could never forget. Drake and I being both natives of Fort Wayne, IN I always thought that was so cool. Sending love and prayers to the Hogestyn and Days families!
Watched Days forever! Drake was special!!!! I could see that anytime
I saw him on a talk show!!!!!!
May he rest in peace. I am heartbroken....have been watching Days forever.
Christopher had me bawling 😢
Absolutely heartbroken 😭 💔 he was the best in all of daytime, imo. Loved John and Marlena ❤️
Rest in Peace Drake/John
RIP Drake! John will be missed on Days! I’ve been watching days for 19 years. It will be 20 years next year and John is one of my favorite characters! RIP Drake and John! Never knew him personally but I feel like I knew him on screen!
there will never be another John Black I ve watched Fays.. since I was in high school Drake was always a fan favorite what a beautiful man! Rip Drake we will miss you forever ❤
Brady and John are my favorite actors on any soap shows RIP beautiful man
That was beautiful and what a great person he was !
😢 Rip Drake condolences to days cast and drakes family. Great actor will be missed
Damn, Drake...my childhood. What a big part of my life he was. Even in my adult years. Great memories. My mother died of pancreatic cancer. I feel I need to state this, because cancer is sometimes seen as a joke to some, but people who haven't been through it have no idea how bad pancreatic cancer is and what these people go through. It is completely horrifying and should never be downplayed. I don't know how drake was able to be walking around and able to even seem like he was functioning semi normally. I am amazed. My mother couldn't leave her bed before she went comatose and before that she couldn't stop vomiting, she couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, couldn't drink, etc. Jeez...Glad he went peacefully.
Loved him so much best Actor on tv RIP DRAKE ( JOHN Black )🙏🙏🙏💔💔💔
I can see how much everyone loved him
I really liked his character. So sorry for your loss.
OMG this was so beautiful Rest in Peace Mr. Drake you will be dearly missed but definitely not forgotten
This really hit me so hard I know what’s like losing a loved one this man has helped me through so much in my life he saved me from so much darkness In my life it feels like I lost my dad all over again he was such A beacon of light for me I will always remember precious moments I will miss him forever 😭😭
Such a heart warming tribute…Rest easy and in sweet peace, Drake🙏🏻
You will always be remembered❤️
I cried right along with the guys.
Sad rip he was an icon
I was watching his latest-still can’t believe that was his last-episode two weeks ago and noticed how he had quickly grown so old and looked so frail and weak. I made a comment about it on social and I got clowned for it, saying I was rude and a troll and being disrespectful. No I was being observant and worried for him! I thought about doing some Googling to see if he was okay healthwise but I just dismissed it, thinking maybe it wasn’t a big deal.
It was. Cancer sucks! I cannot stand it! Drake was a fighter and he kept fighting until his very last breath, and I applaud him for it. There will be a day where Pancreatic Cancer-and every Cancer in the world-will be defeated. But until then…
May you rest in peace, Drake Hogestyn. May you Rest in Power.
Loved loved h😢I’m. Will not be the same without him ❤
The news of his death really saddened me. This was hard to watch 😢
Now I'm crying 😭
I started watching Days because of John and Marlena.
RIP Drake, you wonderful man.
He will be missed. 🙏🏾🕊
We Will Always Love and Miss Him! My Heart Is With You All! I've been watching DOOL for 54 years, I Laugh with you all and I Cry with you all!! You all are like a Family to me!!! You will Never Be Forgotten and Never Can Be Replaced!! RIP Drake/John
It's very hard to watch Days now that John Black is no longer there. Sending Prayers to his family & his friends. May he RIP
Drake was truly a Beacon of Hope as the iconic actor who walked with confidence, ease, grace, humor and truly a one in a million enormous compassionate heart- always positively speaking in courage and light. Such a dynamic man. Thank you to Days Of Our Lives for ironically making Drake “JOHN” a legend in our own lives daily - as an enormous fan of the show- John was the coach of the team and the respect and love everyone shared overflowed into those watching daily. Those years are precious and moments not to be forgotten. Thank you, Don Hogestyn for being a standup and standout gentleman! A team player & top notch coach in real life and on the sets. Personally - The man could make me laugh, cry and feel joy and pain! Not many people in general have that ability to express all emotions and pull others in. Heartbroken 😭 and yet grateful. 🥹. Rest with the angels surrounded by your loved ones in Heaven, Sir. 🌟🕊️🙏🤍⚾️👼🏼
So sad. I hope he knew how important he was to so many of us. Rest in Peace Drake. ❤
My heart ♥️ is hurting for the cast and crew who loved Drake♥️. And he is so missed. Drake Knows You ALL LOVED HIM and ARE LOVING HIM🦋♥️.
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN,
FOR THEY WILL BE COMFORTED🎀♥️
So sad😢 everyone’s tv dad growing up watching him😢rip
I remember watching the very first episode when they showed what “John Black” looked like. The guy was so good looking and I remember thinking…match Marlena to him- he is perfect for her. They did and I watched them for a few more years. I feel for his family, friends, coworkers, and honestly.. for Deidre Hall. The way they looked at each other- even off screen, you could tell they adored each other and were very close. I hope he is flying in the heavens and screwing up the rainbow machine.
So heartbreaking about Drake's passing away and it's so emotional for the entire cast of Days of our lives
. He will never be forgotten
Rest in peace John Black ❤
😢😢when he look up n say love u dad 😥😭😭😭
Drake was my favorite on Days! His character was just amazing! My great aunt used to keep me when I was 5 yrs old. She watched the show, so I watched the show....I'm 55 now...still watch the show! He was the rare gem of handsome looks, beautiful charismatic voice, and sweetness, kindness all wrapped up into one! My dad passed away from pancreatic cancer almost 2 years ago. It's a horrible thing. I wish there was a cure. Drake will so be missed. ❤😢
OMG ERIC, Christopher, you both have me bawling my eyes out !!!! Thank you both so much. I'm crying too as I watch your heartfelt video. 💔♥😥 I am so sad to hear this news, I hove loved him since day 1 on the show, I am truly a fan, at 63, watching DOOL since 1975. Such a a wonderful man, God bless him ! Rest in Peace Drake, Heaven is lucky to have you now ! My condolences to all the cast of DOOL and to his precious FAMILY . He will truly be missed and always remembered as such a GENTLEMAN.
My heart is broken may he rest in peace 🙏
Thank you both so much. I'm crying too as I watch your heartfelt video. 💔♥️😥. All of us fans are hurting so much but all of you...his family, friends and coworkers are hurting so much more. My heart and thoughts are with all of you. ♥️💔😥. God bless you all. R.I.P. Drake. You are so loved.
sad i cried watching this.. rip john black....
So 😢 he was a great actor 👏.
I remember watching the show as a teenager around 1992/3 when Drake joined the cast as John Black. At the time the character had lost his memory only to regain it later believing he was Roman Brady. He performed the part with real class. So glad to see that he continued in the role all those years later and that he is remembered so fondly.
Thank you for sharing those memories and for giving us so many memories rest in peace Drake Days wont be the same without you 💔 😢
I have always loved days of our lives and everyone on it. Drake will be be missed very much. Rip drake
I can tell with Chris and Eric doing this interview was raw and hard. It is for the fans and friends/family for Drake. Bill Hayes going to heaven is one thing and same with John Aniston. For Drake it’s a tragedy. Not his time. Maybe at 90 at the earliest. That would be ok.
Drake will be sorely missed in this world, watched a lot of him playing John black, got a chance to understand his story
He's going to be miss very much ,great person 😢 ❤
My heart go out to family rest in peace John you will be miss I always watch you on days of our lives 💔💔😭😭🙏✌️😇 John black
Very handsome man and great actor.
😭😭😭 Rip Drake. So happy I got to see you years ago at an event at Wonderland in Canada. 🙏🏼🤍
He is truly going to be miss days isnot going to be the same
Awesome tribute.😢
I just heard about his passing. I use to watch DOOL, and John and Marlene were one of my fav couples on the show. He will be missed. RIP Drake Hogestyn.
This is a hard pill, to swallow, 🙏
I often wonder why I survived cancer 12 years ago and think why not everyone.😔😔
So sad. I will miss him forever and a day😢
I've watched days,since I was in elementary school. Drake will be sadly missed. 😢
my sisters and mom and i were addicted to him and marlena in the 90s. i stopped watching for a long time. one day in like 2004 I began watching curious to see who was there. here comes john and I felt comfortable and back to my childhood. RIP drake / john
God bless him ❤😢
Such a wounderful man will b greatly missed
40 yrs of drake hurts so much that he is gone, ,,,,rest in peace
This was a surprise he will be missed RIP
Breaks my heart 😢
BREAKS MY HEART HES GONE ...GONE TOO SOON ..REST IN PEACE DRAKE AKA JOHN BLACK
Drake was a very good Actor, he will sorley be missed RIP John Black
Eric Martsoff looked like he could actually pass for Drake’s son, he resembled him so much! This is a devastating loss!😢😢
Loved him
rip man my prayers are for him n his family
my first time seeing Drake in 1986 all wrapped up with bandages over his face a mole as Roman Brady that Stefano nearly destroy John Black life until Dr Marlana Evans help him see what is right in front of him amazing man and Dad Husband Grand father and a very huge fan of Drake Hogestyn Sir John Black i will miss you rest now you always in my thoughts in each scene of Days of Our Lives Blessings and love too the Hogestyn Family and his wife Victoria
RIP Drake.My PRAYERS to his Family ON and OFF the Stage 😢
Sorry for your loss!
Miss you❤😭😭😭😭😭😭
💔💔💔😞😞😢😥😭 rip Drake will be missed.
Beautiful❤
Awww I didn't know he passed! I remember loving his and Marlana's relationship back in the early 2000's. 🥺
NO, He was an awesome actor. We never know the pain on the inside of the people who give us their best, because they're always the ones who wear the Masks. Rest easy my friend this time it was a HOME RUN! 💕
Well miss you,Drake ❤
He will be missed.
😢 so sad love ya Drake
Drake died? No!!!!!!!! He was amazing inside and out.
R.i.p john black always truly sad
Rest in peace king🙏🤍🕊️
My love going too all ❤😢😢😢😢😢 hop someday Find a cure for cancer my cousin died from Cancel 2016