How Days of Our Lives honored Drake Hogestyn’s legacy with John Black’s final storyline
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Farewell to a Soap Legend
Drake Hogestyn’s iconic character takes his final bow after four decades on our screens.
John Black’s journey ended with the same drama that defined his time in Salem, leaving fans heartbroken but grateful.
The Final Chapter Begins
Nine months after Hogestyn’s passing, his beloved character finally exited the long-running soap.
John’s last appearance with the residents of Salem saw him sharing wisdom with grandson Tate before his character embarked on one final adventure.
Though the actor never returned to set, John’s story continued with typical soap opera flair.
A Spy’s Last Mission
The ISA sent John on a dangerous mission to Estonia, worrying his wife Marlena and colleague, Steve.
He vanished completely from their radar, causing panic among those who loved him.
When the agency finally brought him back months later, viewers only glimpsed him from behind, preserving the mystery of his final moments on screen.
Heroism Until the End
John’s final act was trying to save Bo Brady from deadly sepsis.
He and Steve broke into a laboratory seeking an experimental treatment, showing his trademark bravery.
An unexpected explosion sent John to the hospital with severe injuries that would prove fatal, unlike the countless near-death experiences he’d survived before.
Heartbreaking Goodbyes
The June 2nd episode showed John’s family gathering around his hospital bed for their final farewells.
His face remained hidden beneath bandages, but his presence was felt by all.
Marlena’s goodbye touched longtime fans who had followed the super-couple “Jarlena” through decades of love, loss, and supernatural adventures.
A Legacy of Love
“For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” said Deidre Hall after Hogestyn’s death.
She praised her acting partner’s professionalism and preparedness on set.
Their chemistry created one of daytime television’s most enduring romances, with John repeatedly rescuing Marlena from countless villains over the years.
The Show Goes On
Life in Salem continues despite this tremendous loss. The Peacock soap recently cast Hank Northrop for an upcoming storyline.
He’s the son of Wayne Northrop, who played Roman Brady alongside Hall and Hogestyn before passing away last December at 77, proving the enduring legacy of this beloved television institution.