LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Days of Our Lives’ star Drake Hogestyn agreed to kill off his fictional character in the series and filmed the death scene before his own death in September 2024 from pancreatic cancer.

The series’ executive producer, Ken Corday, said Summary of the series he was thinking of ways to justify the absence of Hogestyn’s character, John Black, from the television show for nine months.

He explained: “We rolled the dice, because it’s difficult to tell the story of someone’s death or the death of a character while the actor is still alive; even though (Drake) was fighting, like a tiger, a very difficult illness.

“And I made the choice of, ‘Okay, let’s tell the story.’ He hadn’t been on (the show) for nine months. We needed a reason (for John’s absence),” Corday said.

John Black’s death scene will be broadcast in an upcoming episode of the soap opera.

Drake Hogestyn was ‘supportive’ of killing off his character John Black

Ken Corday said in the interview with Soap Opera Digest on Thursday, November 7 that depicting the death of John Black was a challenge and that he wanted Drake Hogestyn’s approval on the plot twist.

“I wanted to make sure Duck he approved of that and he was totally in favor of it. He trusted me. If Drake, God willing, had conquered that, he would have come back, and it would have been something different. But (the story) had to be told,” he explained.

Corday also revealed to the weekly: “It was extremely difficult and painful for us to tell it – for the actors, for everyone. Drake was a big part of the show. The accomplished actor. I’m always a team player and I’m pretty good looking.

Even Deidre Hall, who played Marlena, the love interest of Hogestyn’s character, said that shooting the death scene was not easy.

“Drake was always with us. I know Ken promised him a place to come back to. He couldn’t wait to get back and he was fighting the good fight. So we hadn’t said goodbye to him yet. And we didn’t think goodbye to him at that time,” she said.

NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” first premiered in 1965 and quickly became a favorite among daytime television series viewers. During its 50-year run, the series has won numerous Emmy Awards and nominations, as well as multiple Soap Opera Digest and People’s Choice Awards.

Drake Hogestyn leads ‘incredible fight’ against cancer

Drake Hogestyn was just one day shy of his 71st birthday before he died on September 28.

A statement from his family read: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. »

He continued: “He was faced with the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he met the challenge with incredible strength and determination.

“After an incredible fight, he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.”

Calling the actor “the most extraordinary husband, father, dad and actor,” the release added: “He loved performing in front of the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the industry’s greatest cast, crew and production crew.” . We love him and will miss him every “day of our lives”.

‘Days of Our Lives’ Fans React to the Death of Drake Hogestyn’s Character John Black

Die-hard “Days of Our Lives” fans have shared their views online after Ken Corday revealed the end of John Black’s character played by the late actor Drake Hogestyn.

One person on Facebook commented: “He must have planned his own death on the showso sad.”

Another person wrote: “Drake/John Black you are missed and will be missed by all your fans and TV family. May you rest in peace. This makes me so sad, DOOL won’t be the same without you. My thoughts and prayers to your family.

“As sad as it may be, it’s also nice to bring closure to the daytime soap opera. We miss Drake so much. TEAR!” wrote the third.

One individual shared: “For someone who lost a father to this horrible disease, this will be difficult to watch. Fortunately, he had time to spend with both of his families to say goodbye.

Another posted: “This is going to be a tough season saying goodbye to Bill and Drake. Our hearts are with all of you at DOOL.

“I find it ironic that he died in real life from the same disease that killed Isabella on the show! Wow! RIP Drake Hogestyn…..we will miss you and John Black,” one comment read.

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