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!
Bill Belichick Started Dating 24-Year-Old Cheerleader Jordon Hudson Over a Year Ago
It has been claimed for more than a year that former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who has witnessed more football seasons than most of us have seen on tax returns, has been dating 24-year-old cheerleader Jordon Hudson. Indeed, if you quickly calculated, Belichick is 72 years old. Surely, age is just a number?
PEOPLE has revealed that Belichick and Hudson have been dating for a while, which supports our suspicions. During numerous public appearances, Hudson—a former cheerleader at Bridgewater State University—has drawn attention in addition to the former NFL coach.
The gossip site TMZ originally revealed this tasty detail, in case you were under the impression that it was simply a rumor. As we all know, TMZ never exaggerates. Belichick’s former players, Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady, were aware of the age gap and brought out the marshmallow roast during Netflix’s live special, The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady.
“Coach, you used to talk about Foxborough High School when we sucked,” Gronkowski said, unable to contain his annoyance. However, I now see why you were so fascinated with Foxborough High School: you were scoping out potential girlfriend material. Gronk, ouch! That one is intelligent.
Not one to pass on the opportunity to poke fun at his former coach, Brady continued, “I used to say ‘the next one,’ when someone asked which ring was my favorite.” “That Ring camera that captured Coach Belichick sneaking out of that poor girl’s house at six in the morning a few months ago is my favorite now that I’m retired.” Brady was a savage. Absolute barbarism.
Let’s go back a little, though. Linda Holliday, Belichick’s 16-year girlfriend, came before Hudson. A PEOPLE source claims that their long-term relationship ended in September 2023. You ask, what went wrong? According to the sources, these were long-simmering difficulties rather than anything brand-new.
Holliday held the position of president of Belichick’s Bill Belichick Foundation and has been associated with him since 2007. The insider claimed, “They have issues to resolve that stem from a long relationship as well as her role in his professional life.” The juggling act between coaching responsibilities and personal life is unimaginable.
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