You don’t have to be a Days of Our Lives fan to recognize the name Drake Hogestyn. Not only was the actor a longtime favorite, he was one half of “Jarlena,” the supercouple known as John Black and Marlena Evans. He played the role for over 35 years, having taken over from Robert Poynton in 1986, and appeared in the part into 2025 following his tragic death on September 28, 2024, at the age of 70.
A Superstar Before He Was a Daytime Star
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn graduated from North Side High School then went on to attend the University of South Florida in Tampa. Though he had been there on a baseball scholarship, he majored in pre-dentistry and graduated with a double major in microbiology and applied sciences. Hogestyn was a real talent on the baseball field and was drafted by both the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. Hogestyn signed with the Yankees and played third base for one of their farm teams, the Fort Lauderdale Yankees. However, an injury in 1977 ended his baseball career.
From the Baseball Diamond to Salem
Hogestyn’s acting journey began after he entered a Columbia Pictures talent search. Out of 75,000 entrants, he was one of 30 selected, which led to him landing the role of Brian on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. From there he did an episode of Otherworld and appeared in two movies, Generation and Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues, before landing the role that would bring him into the home of millions five days a week.
“I make analogies to baseball every day on the set of Days of Our Lives,” Hogestyn stated in 2020 interview with Minor League Baseball. “It goes hand and hand with life. You have to focus, and be able to block out things when it is most important. You have to meet the challenge of it all. It’s the preparation before the game. When you walk out on the set, you’ve got to have your game face on. It’s all an extension of baseball.” And those who were close to Hogestyn and/or worked with him, often received a bit of advice from the actor in the form of an old baseball term, “Swing for the fences.”
The Pawn, to Roman, to John
Viewers first saw Hogestyn as mystery man “The Pawn” on Days of Our Lives in 1986. Later, after giving himself the name John Black, it had been revealed that he was the presume-dead Roman — until the truth came to light that in fact, Stefano DiMera had brainwashed him into thinking he was Roman. By that time, he decided to keep the name John and went on to be involved in many storylines over the years and made many more memories with the love of his life, Marlena Evans.
Those He Loved
Hogestyn and wife Victoria had been married since December of 1984 and in 1990, they were photographed with their kids, Rachael, Whitney, Alexandra and Ben during the Ice Capades Golden Anniversary.
Saying Goodbye to a Legend
A man many loved dearly, daytime was rocked when Hogestyn passed away on September 28, 2024, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His fans flooded social media with condolences, as did his castmates, who shared their fond memories of the actor. “For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” stated Deidra Hall. The actors who played his onscreen sons paid tribute to Hogestyn as well, as Eric Martsolf, expressed, “He ingratiated me into his soap opera family instantly and was a big reason why I have made it my home to this day,” and Christopher Sean (ex-Paul) added, “I will always love you. You were more than just my TV father. In my eyes, you were my dad.” Martha Madison, who played his daughter Belle, shared, “The world lost a great man, Salem lost its greatest hero and I lost one of my favorite scene partners,” as Alison Sweeney (Sami) said, “He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke and every hug.”
Open up our gallery below as we remember Hogestyn for the role he played so well and we invite our readers to look back on memories of John, from mystery man to family guy, in our photo gallery below.
