Today, we bring you some deeply emotional news about Days of Our Lives and the loss of a beloved character.
It is with heavy hearts that we talk about John Black, a character who has been at the heart of Salem for nearly four decades, and the death of his portrayer, Drake Hogestyn, in September 2024 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.
Hogestyn, who was 70 at the time of his passing, left an indelible mark on Days of Our Lives and the lives of the fans who have followed his character’s journey.
John Black’s Last Mission and His Absence from Salem
As we’ve seen in recent Days of Our Lives episodes, John Black is currently involved in a dangerous mission for the International Security Agency (ISA).
This mission has kept him out of Salem for some time, leaving Marlena, his wife, deeply concerned. Fans have watched as Marlena has been unable to reach John, with the growing worry taking a toll on her emotional well-being.
As days turn into weeks without any word from John, Marlena’s anxiety intensifies. The couple, who have been through so much together, is now facing the reality of being separated, with no assurance of when—or if—John will return.
Even Steve, ever the loyal friend to both John and Marlena, has attempted to reach out to Shane for more information. Unfortunately, his efforts have been in vain. Steve’s concerns mirror those of Marlena—both are unsure of where John is or whether he is in grave danger.
The suspense surrounding John’s mission and his lack of communication leaves a sense of dread in Salem. As fans, we are all on edge, knowing that something monumental is brewing in John’s storyline.
John’s Final Goodbye – The End of an Era
It appears that John’s absence will not be resolved with a return.
In a bittersweet twist, we now know that fans will say goodbye to John Black in June 2025, as Days of Our Lives prepares for a heart-wrenching farewell.
The news comes from actress Deidre Hall, who plays Marlena Evans on the show. In an emotional revelation, Hall shared that she will be returning to the show in early June for a special episode where the residents of Salem will mourn the loss of John Black.
This marks a truly somber moment in the show’s history, as the character—who has been a cornerstone of the series for nearly 40 years—will be laid to rest.
The death of John Black will be a pivotal moment, not just in the storyline, but for the fans who have followed his journey from the beginning. With his passing, Days of Our Lives will mark the end of an era, and the grief of the characters will undoubtedly be shared by the fans who have loved him for so long.
A Tribute to Drake Hogestyn
Drake Hogestyn’s portrayal of John Black has touched the hearts of many.
As Deidre Hall so poignantly stated, “Drake was a highlight in the makeup room and was known for his warmth and openness with everyone on set. His stories and sense of humor made him not just a beloved co-star, but a cherished friend to the cast and crew of Days of Our Lives.”
In addition to his onscreen presence, Drake was admired for his family values and the love he shared with his own loved ones, making him a true hero both on and off the screen.
Hall reflected on the loss of her friend, sharing how difficult it has been to say goodbye to so many of the great men from the show:
“We’ve lost so many of our heroes, so many great men on our show. It’s terrible to lose someone, but it’s wonderful to celebrate someone’s life,” she said.
These words will undoubtedly resonate with fans as they prepare to say their own goodbyes to John Black and the actor who so perfectly brought him to life for decades.
It is a difficult reality for the Days of Our Lives family, but Hall’s sentiment is a reminder that even in grief, there is room to celebrate a life well lived.
As fans, we can take comfort in knowing that Drake Hogestyn’s legacy will live on through John Black’s impact on the series and the countless viewers who were touched by his portrayal.
What John’s Death Means for Marlena and Salem
The death of John Black will have far-reaching consequences for Marlena and everyone in Salem.
As Marlena grapples with the loss of her husband, viewers can expect to see a deeply emotional performance from Deidre Hall, as she navigates the pain and sorrow of losing the love of her life.
The couple, who have survived kidnappings, secret identities, and countless challenges, will now face the ultimate test—living without each other.
For the other residents of Salem, John’s death will be a profound loss. John was not just Marlena’s husband—he was a key figure in the lives of many, including Steve, Kayla, and the Brady family.
His death will likely trigger a wave of grief and reflection, with characters coming together to support Marlena and honor John’s memory.
Salem, a town already known for its dramatic ups and downs, will feel the weight of this loss, and fans can expect some deeply emotional moments as the community mourns one of its most beloved figures.
A Final Tribute to a Legend
As we move toward John Black’s final farewell in June 2025, there will likely be a number of tributes and emotional moments that will pay homage to the character and the actor who brought him to life.
While it is always difficult to say goodbye to a character who has been so important to the fabric of a show, the death of John Black represents more than just an end to a storyline—it’s the end of a chapter in Days of Our Lives history.
John’s presence, his relationships, and his incredible journey will forever remain etched in the hearts of fans.
Drake Hogestyn’s Lasting Legacy
While John Black may be gone, Drake Hogestyn’s impact on Days of Our Lives will never be forgotten.
His portrayal of John was filled with depth, strength, vulnerability, and love—traits that made him one of the most iconic characters in daytime television.
Fans who have followed John’s journey—from his mysterious past to his life with Marlena—will undoubtedly mourn his loss, but they will also celebrate the incredible performance that Drake Hogestyn brought to every scene.
As we approach the June episode marking John’s passing, we encourage fans to reflect on the countless moments that made John Black one of Salem’s most beloved residents.
From his heroic acts to his tender moments with Marlena, John’s legacy will live on in the hearts of fans, and his death will be a moment to honor the incredible journey that the character and the actor embarked on.
Final Thoughts
The news of John Black’s death is a somber moment for Days of Our Lives fans, but it also serves as a reminder of how powerful storytelling can be.
The legacy of John Black and Drake Hogestyn will continue to resonate with viewers, and while his character may no longer be part of the show, the memories and impact of his time in Salem will never fade.
As we prepare to say goodbye to one of Days of Our Lives’ most iconic characters, we encourage fans to celebrate the life of John Black and the actor who brought him to life for so many years.
