In a statement released to Access Hollywood on Wednesday, “Days of our Lives” icon Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) has opened up about the death of her long-time co-star and scene partner, Drake Hogestyn (John Black), who passed away on Saturday, September 28, one day shy of his 71st birthday, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
“For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” noted Hall, referencing both Hogestyn and his alter ego John Black. “Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matter 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.”
“He was gracious and kind to everyone, from the executive staff to the night crew,” continued Hall. “Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it. Having said that, we always knew that his two greatest loves were his family and the Yankees.”
Closing out her statement, Hall noted, “Victoria [Hogestyn’s widow] and their children were truly the center of his life. 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 fences.”
Born Donald Drake Hogestyn in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 29, 1953, Hogestyn joined the cast of “Days of our Lives” in 1986, playing the roles of John Black and Roman Brady on the popular NBC daytime drama series.
Throughout his nearly 40-year run on the series, Hogestyn played opposite Hall in a pairing known simply to their fans as “Jarlena.” The couple was recently named the 12th Greatest Couple of all time by the most recent issue of Soap Opera Digest, which now releases four special edition issues a year.
In addition to the recent honor, the publication has previously awarded Hogestyn and Hall with the Favorite Couple award during the 2005 “Soap Opera Digest Awards,” with Hogestyn also winning the award for Hottest Male Star in 1994 and 1995. He received additional nominations in the category in 1997 and 1998.