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2 months ago
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Days Of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn has died of pancreatic cancer the day before his 71st birthday.
The soap actor's passing was announced by the show's social media account Saturday night.
'It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn.' the statement said. '
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.
Drake Hogestyn - who played John Black in Days Of Our Lives, has died aged 71
'After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.'
Hogestyn was remembered as 'the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor.'
Hogestyn first appeared on Days of Our Lives in 1986, and played the character John Black for 38 years, appearing in more than 4,200 episodes.
His co-star, Kassie DePavia, who played Eve on the show, paid tribute to the star on X.
She wrote: 'I'm so saddened by this news. What an amazing life he lived. He will be missed. He made the world a better place.'
The show's producer, Ken Corday, released a statement on the passing of the star, he said: 'This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.'
The star, born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1953. He went on to earn a baseball scholarship to the University of South Florida, where he earned a microbiology and applied sciences degree.
He set out to be a doctor before he signed on to play professional baseball with the New York Yankees minor league team, which came to an end after sustaining an injury in 1977.
His first starring role in the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers series came as a result of a Columbia Pictures talent search involving 75,000 people.
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