The soap world reacts to the death of Days of our Lives' Drake Hogestyn

Drake Hogestyn, the beloeved Days of our Lives star who played John Black and all his alter egos since 1986, passed away from pancreatic cancer on Saturday, September 28.

As news of his passing spread throughout the night into what would have been the actor's 71st birthday, co-stars and others in the soap world expressed their profound sadness over Hogestyn's death. Below is a sampling of the outpouring of grief.

Soap stars mourn Days of our Lives' Drake Hogestyn

Alison Sweeney, who played Hogestyn's on-screen stepdaughter, Sami Brady, off and on for more than 30 years shared a photo of the two of them together.

"Drake was an incredible man," Sweeney wrote next to the photo. "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."

Martha Madison, who has played Hogestyn's on-screen daughter, Belle Black, off and on since 2004, shared words about how much the actor meant to her. She also told a story from recent scenes they had filmed.

"One of my favorite memories of Drake was from not too long ago," Madison wrote. "He knew I was super nervous as I was preparing to deliver a five page deathbed monologue, and after we finished the scene (both soaked in tears and snot), he gave me a huge hug and whispered, “Kid, it was like that moment when you hear the crack of the bat against a long ball that flies into the stands and the crowd goes wild."

Longtime co-star Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady), who worked with Hogestyn off and on for nearly 40 years, also paid tribute.

"My heart 💔 💔💔….. I’ll always remember you as a loving," Alfonso wrote. "Loving father, husband and Dear friend but mostly an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind. Always …… Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all everyday Drake on set and off you were always our hero . Love you … Rest in Peace 🕊️my sweet friend."

Christopher Sean, who has played Hogestyn's on-screen son Paul since 2014 expressed his love for the late actor.

"I will always love you," Sean wrote. "You were more than just my tv father, in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world lost a true Hero. Miss and love you so much Drake. Rest in Peace Dad."

Staci Greason, who played Isabella Toscano Black—one of John's great loves—from 1989 to 1992, expressed her grief on Instagram.

"I awakened this morning to some very sad news," Greason said. "Drake Hogestyn was a wonderful person. He took me under his wing when I started on Days of our Lives and never let me fall...We were always laughing and had deep affection for one another. My first and only TV husband. My heart hurts."

Charles Shaughnessy, who has played ISA agent Shane Donovan on DAYS off and on since 1984, recalled how Hogestyn could always make him smile.

"Baseball and life can be brutal and heartbreaking," he wrote. "I didn't get to work with Drake as often as I would have wished, but it was always so much fun when I did. Just thinking of him in an odd moment would bring a sudden smile to my face."

Former DAYS co-star Arianne Zucker (ex-Nicole Walker) recalled Hogestyn's incredible storytelling skills.

"Gentleman. That is the first thing I would say about Drake. A TRUE gentleman," Zucker wrote. "Integrity, respect, kindness and love. He was truly authentic. He was a talker and someone I had always admired. He was the man who walked into the studio and made sure he spoke to everyone and made sure they were having a good day. If not, he told them a story that would change their day. He told so many stories of his days in baseball. He loved speaking to every single fan of the show… in length, but his wife was his love. Victoria and of course his children and grand babies was his purpose!"

Thaao Penghlis, who worked with Hogestyn off and on, playing Tony and Andre DiMera, for multiple decades, shared his grief on X (formerly Twitter).

"We shared much over the years John Tony & Andre," Penghlis said. "Great stories were told. To his family, to Deidre & Days so sorry for ur great loss. We will remember him well even though our hearts bleed. Drake thank you & May this next journey be one of great enlightenment. RIP."

Co-star Lamon Archey (Eli Grant) offered sympathy to the Hogestyn family.

"Condolences to the family, friends, and fans who’ve watched Drake dedicate almost four decades to #Days," Archey wrote. "He will be missed. Heaven got a real one. Godspeed."

Daniel Feuerriegel, who has played E.J. DiMera since 2021, also expressed his sympathies.

"He was such a beautiful man," Feuerriegel wrote on X. "Always made me feel welcomed and part of the family. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and those who’s lives he touched."

General Hospital star Genie Francis (Laura Collins), who played Hogestyn's on-screen love interest Diana Colville on DAYS from 1987 to 1989, recalled working with the actor all those years ago.

"So sad to hear of Drake Hogestyn’s passing," Francis wrote. "Such a wonderful and kind man. It was a pleasure to work with him. I always loved how much he loved his wife and children."

Although GH star Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) never worked with Hogestyn, she still had fond memories of how kind he was.

"My deepest condolences to Drake Hogestyn's family, friends and fans," Grahn said. "What a lovely, lovely gracious man."

The team at The Young and the Restless also expressed its sympathy.

"Our condolences to the @DaysPeacock family on the passing of DAYS legend Drake Hogestyn."

The outpouring of love for this legendary star who touched so many lives for over 38 years is sure to continue as the soap world absorbs this enormous loss.