Drake Hogestyn

Drake Hogestyn (born September 25, 1953) is an American actor and former baseball player best known for his legendary role as John Black on NBC's long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Hogestyn played the character from 1986 to 2021, making him one of the longest-serving actors in daytime television history and creating one of soap opera's most iconic characters. Before his acting career, Hogestyn was a professional baseball player in the Minnesota Twins organization, but an arm injury ended his athletic aspirations, leading him to pursue acting. His portrayal of the mysterious and romantic John Black made him a daytime television icon and earned him multiple Daytime Emmy nominations throughout his tenure. Hogestyn became deeply embedded in the lives of millions of viewers who watched the show over four decades, and his character was central to some of the show's most memorable storylines and relationships. Beyond "Days of Our Lives," he appeared in various television shows and movies, though the soap opera role remained his primary focus. Hogestyn's remarkable longevity in a single role is rare in modern television and speaks to both his talent and the dedication of the show's loyal audience. He passed away on September 29, 2021, just days after his final episode aired, leaving behind a legacy as one of daytime television's greatest and most beloved actors.