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!
You Won’t Believe How the ‘Trueblue Twins’ Are Taking Instagram by Storm!
Even though twins aren’t that rare, people are always intrigued by how two people can look so alike.
I’m fascinated by it too…
But Megan and Morgan didn’t just catch people’s attention because they looked alike. When they were four years old, their eyes were so clear they looked like crystal water. Once their photos were shared online, they quickly went viral.
Megan and Morgan Boyd, known as the “Trueblue Twins,” became famous when they were just four years old. Their mom shared photos of them on Instagram, and people around the world fell in love with their unique look.
While most parents enjoy showing off their kids’ pictures, these twins caught global attention. Now, they have over 153,000 followers on Instagram.
It’s easy to see why, isn’t it?
The girls were born on June 6, 2011.
Their mom, Stephanie, came up with the nickname “Trueblue Twins” because of their special blue eyes.
If you want to tell Megan and Morgan apart, just look at their eyes—they’re the key to distinguishing them.
It’s only Megan who has two blue eyes. Morgan’s right eye is not blue, but dark brown and thus bears a completely different look.
This is how the girls look today at nine years old.
Many twins often wear matching outfits, and the Trueblue Twins are no exception.
Their mom, Stephanie, loves shopping for clothes for her daughters and keeping their wardrobes current.
She thinks it’s important for her twin daughters to look and feel great.
Many people are amazed by the girls’ rare blue eye color.
Some folks might think African-American adults with blue eyes are wearing colored contacts, but it’s possible to be born with a rare gene that gives blue eyes.
Stephanie, the Trueblue Twins’ mom, also has blue eyes, and she says she doesn’t wear colored contacts.
Even though her daughters have become social media stars, Stephanie stays grounded.
She understands that Megan and Morgan’s natural beauty could lead to modeling careers, but she doesn’t want to push them into something they might not enjoy. That’s smart!
Just look at these beautiful 11-year-olds today—aren’t they stunning?
Everything indicates that these lovely sisters will grow up to be beautiful women. Feel free to share this story if you believe the same.
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