Days of Our Lives Ends John Black Character Eight Months After Drake Hogestyn’s Death

The popular soap opera Days of Our Lives aired the emotional death of John Black, portrayed by Drake Hogestyn, on June 2, 2025, marking the end of an era following Hogestyn's real-life passing from pancreatic cancer in September 2024. John's character died from injuries sustained in a lab explosion while on a mission to save his brother Bo, with his final moments shared with his wife Marlena, played by Deidre Hall, who described the episode as the "hardest day ever." The show's writers aimed to give John a heroic and meaningful exit, with executive producer Ken Corday confirming that Hogestyn had approved the storyline before his death. The episode deeply resonated with fans and cast alike, with heartfelt tributes highlighting Hogestyn's dedication, generosity, and professionalism during his decades-long tenure on the show. Fellow actors, including George DelHoyo and Susan Seaforth Hayes, reflected on Hogestyn's work ethic and kindness, while social media was filled with emotional responses to the tribute episode. The character's death provided closure to a beloved figure who appeared in over 4,300 episodes since 1986, reinforcing his enduring impact on the series and its audience.