12 Facts About Drake Hogestyn

Donald Drake Hogestyn was an American actor best known for his long-running role as John Black on the American soap opera Days of Our Lives.

Drake Hogestyn attended the University of South Florida in Tampa on a baseball scholarship, majoring in pre-dentistry.

Drake Hogestyn graduated with a double major in microbiology and applied sciences.

Drake Hogestyn was then drafted by two professional baseball organizations: the St Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees.

Drake Hogestyn signed with the Yankees and played third base for one of their farm teams until he was injured in 1977.

Drake Hogestyn began his acting career by entering a Columbia Pictures talent search that included 75,000 people.

Drake Hogestyn was among the 30 selected, and his first starring role was on the prime time series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Drake Hogestyn quickly became a fan favorite and enjoyed many pairings, the most popular of which was with longtime co-star Deidre Hall.

In 1998, while starring on Days, Shelley Long enlisted Drake Hogestyn to join her for the upcoming series Kelly, Kelly.

Drake Hogestyn was set to star in both until the filming of the pilot episode of Kelly, Kelly conflicted with his schedule on Days, and the role went to Robert Hays.

Drake Hogestyn made his final appearance in the role during the episode released on September 9,2024, due to the soap's advanced taping schedule and his death on September 28 of the same year.

Drake Hogestyn died from pancreatic cancer at his home in Malibu, California, on September 28,2024.