'Days of Our Lives' actor Drake Hogestyn dies at 70, his family says

(Gray News) - Soap opera actor Drake Hogestyn, who spent nearly 40 years on “Days of Our Lives,” has died at the age of 70, according to a statement from his family.

The statement was posted to the soap opera’s Instagram page Saturday night. It says Hogestyn was “thrown the curve ball of his life” after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After “an unbelievable fight,” he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Hogestyn is described by his family as “the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor.” He played John Black on “Days of Our Lives” for nearly four decades, starting in 1986.

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