Soap operas are known for their dramatic storylines, and the recent passing of beloved Days of Our Lives character John Black has left fans heartbroken. But behind the scenes, the cast and crew have also been grappling with the emotional weight of saying goodbye to their friend and colleague, Drake Hogestyn, who portrayed the iconic character for over 30 years.

A Heartbreaking Goodbye to a Beloved Character

Hogestyn’s battle with pancreatic cancer became a difficult reality for the Days of Our Lives team. As his illness progressed, it became clear that filming his final scenes would be a bittersweet experience, filled with both sorrow and a sense of gratitude for the legacy he left behind.

The decision to write John Black out of the show was a difficult one, but it was made with the hope that Hogestyn would someday be able to return.