Days of our Lives' Deidre Hall breaks her silence about Drake Hogestyn's death 

Days of our Lives icon Deidre Hall, who played Drake Hogestyn's love interest on the soap for nearly four decades, has paid tribute to the late actor in a statement to Access Hollywood.

Deidre Hall honors her Days of our Lives co-star

Hall and Hogestyn played the legendary couple of John and Marlena—a.k.a. Jarlena—since the 1980s. After multiple marriages in which they raised their children, John and Marlena settled into a comfortable life in Salem.

They became one of the most popular pairings on the show, working together since Hogestyn's DAYS debut in 1986.

"For nearly 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man. Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains,” Hall said in her statement. "My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene."

Hall went on to describe the type of person Hogestyn was outside work.

"He was gracious and kind to everyone, from the executive staff to the night crew. Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it," Hall continued. "Having said that, we always knew that his two greatest loves were his family and the Yankees. Victoria and their children were truly the center of his life. Drake is dearly loved by everyone who ever knew him and he will be missed beyond measure. We will continue, as he always encouraged us, to swing for the fences."

The soap world is mourning Drake Hogestyn

With her statement, Hall joins a long list of co-stars who have shared their favorite memories of Hogestyn through the years, as well as cherished photos. From Martha Madison (Belle Black) to Alison Sweeney (Sami Brady), the tributes have been long, heartfelt, and emotional.

Hogestyn died after a battle with pancreatic cancer on September 28, 2024, just one day shy of his 71st birthday. His final DAYS scenes with Eric Martsolf's Brady and Leo Howard's Tate aired on September 9.

Catch all-new episodes of Days of our Lives weekdays on Peacock.

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