DAYS Star Deidre Hall Remembers Drake Hogestyn

The news that soap star Drake Hogestyn had passed away at the age of 70 on Sept. 28 from pancreatic cancer hit the daytime community hard. His friends and castmates have been sharing heartfelt memories and tributes to the late actor, and now his longtime Days of Our Lives co-star, Deidre Hall , who played Marlena to his John, has spoken out.

“For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” Hall said in a statement to Access Hollywood . “Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains. 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.”

Hall had already been starring on DAYS as Dr. Marlena Evans for 10 years when Hogestyn joined the cast in 1986 to play a mysterious character named “The Pawn.” With no memories, “The Pawn” named himself John Black and forged a new life in Salem, falling in love with the lovely Marlena. And their relationship survived constant obstacles, from changing identities, infidelity, and even the devil itself.

“He was gracious and kind to everyone, from the executive staff to the night crew,” Hall added. “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.”

There is no information yet as to how DAYS will address Hogestyn’s passing. Due to the soap’s advanced taping schedule, his final episode as John aired back on Sept. 9.