CNN —
Actor Drake Hogestyn, best known for his role as John Black on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” has died after a battle with cancer, his family announced Saturday. He was 70 years old.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. Life threw him a curve ball when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he overcame this hardship with incredible strength and determination. ,” said a statement from the Hogestyn family posted on the Days of Our Lives Instagram account. “After an incredible battle, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.”
Other news outlets, including Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, also reported his death.
A family statement described Hogestyn as “the most amazing husband, father, daddy and actor,” who performed for “Days of Our Lives” audiences and worked with the show’s cast, crew and production team. He emphasized his love for what he does.
“We love him and will miss him for as long as we live,” the statement said.
Hogestyn debuted on “Days of Our Lives” in 1986 and appeared in more than 4,200 episodes, according to IMDb. Their commitment to the long-running soap opera earned them the Soap Opera Digest Award for Hottest Male Star in 1994 and 1995, and again in 2005 as Favorite Couple.