Days of Our Lives ’ Deidre Hall is mourning the death of her longtime costar and friend Drake Hogestyn . “For nearly 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” Hall, 76, said in a statement to Access Hollywood when referencing her soap opera alter ego. “Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matters of villains.
My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene.” Hogestyn first began playing John Black on Days of Our Lives in 1986. During the soap opera, his character fell in love with Dr.
Marlena Evans (Hall). The fan-favorite romance went on to receive the Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple in 2005. According to Variety , their final scenes together streamed via Peacock on September 5.
“He was gracious and kind to everyone, from the executive staff to the night crew,” Hall recalled in her statement. “Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it.” While Hogestyn appeared on more than 4,000 episodes of Days of Our Lives , Hall joked that his costars knew his “two greatest loves” were his family and the New York Yankees.
“[His wife] Victoria and their children were truly the center of his life,” she said. “Drake is dearly loved by everyone who ever knew him and he will be missed beyond measure. We will continue, as he always encouraged us, to swing for the fen.