Days of Our Lives Cast Films Funeral Scenes as Drake Hogestyn Nears Death

Drake Hogestyn, beloved for his 38-year portrayal of John Black on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives," died in September 2024 from pancreatic cancer. In a poignant intersection of life and art, the cast filmed the character's funeral scenes while Hogestyn was in his final days, with the actor and his family giving their full blessing for the storyline to conclude in this manner. Cast members described the emotional weight of filming the funeral, noting that the scenes were charged with genuine grief rather than acting, as they were mourning both the character and Hogestyn himself. Executive producer Ken Corday and co-stars like Eric Martsolf and Martha Madison emphasized the importance of honoring Hogestyn's legacy and the authenticity of their performances during this difficult time. Episodes airing starting June 9 pay tribute to Hogestyn's long tenure and include heartfelt flashbacks, serving as a moving farewell to both the actor and his iconic character. The shared experience brought the cast together in a unique moment of collective mourning and celebration of Hogestyn's impact on the show and fans.