Iconic soap star Drake Hogestyn has died aged 70, just one day shy of his 71st birthday.
Hogestyn was best known as John Black on the soap Days of Our Lives, a role he played for 38 years.
His family confirmed in a statement he died on Saturday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
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“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement read.
“He was thrown the curve ball 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.
“He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor. He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business.
“We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.”
Alison Sweeney, who was on Days of Our Lives for 21 years, paid tribute to Hogestyn.
“Drake was an incredible man,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“He was funny, generous and thoughtful.
“He cared about every single scene, every person.
“He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.
In addition to Days of Our Lives, Hogestyn appeared in 22 episodes of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and appeared in an episode of Criminal Minds in 2018.