Drake Hogestyn dies at 70: The actor, who played John Black in the acclaimed soap opera for 38 years, has died from pancreatic cancer that he had been diagnosed with

Sad day for the world of television. Drake Hogestyn , known for having played John Black for 38 years in the legendary series ‘Days of Our Lives’ , has died at the age of 70.

The actor, who died just one day before turning 71, had been fighting for several years against pancreatic cancer that had been diagnosed in him. Drake Hogestyn dies at 70

This was sadly announced on the popular soap opera’s Twitter profile: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. Drake Hogestyn dies at 70

He was given the most difficult news of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination .

After an incredible fight, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones ,” they recalled in this statement.

The actor had been married to his wife , Victoria Proust, for 37 years and had four children and seven grandchildren: “He was the most incredible husband, father, grandfather and actor.

He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the industry. We love him and will miss him every day of our lives,” say the Hogestyn family. Drake Hogestyn dies at 70

The news of his passing has left some of the many faces who shared the screen with him on ‘Days of Our Lives’ devastated. For example, Alison Sweeney , who plays Sami Brady Hernandez, has said that Drake was “an incredible man”: It breaks my heart to think of his family, they meant everything to him.

He was such an important part of my life on ‘Days’ . I will miss him so much and I will treasure every story, every joke and every hug,” said the American actress.

A career dedicated to baseball and ‘Days of Our Lives’

It took Hogestyn several years to find his way into the acting world. Before that, he had tried his luck as a professional baseball player and even signed with the New York Yankees until he was injured in 1977. In the early 1980s, he would get his first break on the CBS series ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ .

However, it would not be until 1986 when he would join the ‘Days of Our Lives’ team , first playing a mysterious character known as The Pawn and then one of the fiction’s favorites, John Black .

He remained on the NBC soap opera for 38 years and even won a Soap Opera Digest award for Favorite Couple in 2005, alongside Deidre Hall. He also won a pair of Sexiest Star awards in 1994 and 1995 for the same show.

The actor also had recurring roles in films such as ‘Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues’ and ‘Generation’ . In addition, in recent years he played Senator Alfred Mayhew in ‘Criminal Minds’