Deidre Hall Pays Tribute To Longtime ‘Days Of Our Lives’ Co-Star Drake Hogestyn: “We Will Continue To Swing For The Fences”

Deidre Hall is speaking out about the late Drake Hogestyn, the man she starred alongside for decades on Days of Our Lives. Hogestyn, who portrayed John Black opposite Hall’s Marlena, died Saturday of pancreatic cancer. He was 70.

Drake Hogestyn Dies: ‘Days Of Our Lives’ Star Was 70

“For nearly 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man. Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, and unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains,” Hall said in a statement given to Access Hollywood . “My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene. He was gracious and kind to everyone, from the executive staff to the night crew. Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it. Having said that, we always knew that his two greatest loves were his family and the Yankees. Victoria and their children were truly the center of his life. Drake is dearly loved by everyone who ever knew him and he will be missed beyond measure. We will continue, as he always encouraged us, to swing for the fences.”

Hogestyn first began playing John Black in 1986. His long-running romance with Hall’s Marlena left an indelible mark on daytime TV.

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The actor’s final episode of DOOL aired on September 9. The soap films far in advance, so he filmed his last installment on February 16, according to Soap Opera Digest .

His final scenes with Hall streamed on September 5.

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