Donald Drake Hogestyn
Salem Presence
John Black (January 1986 to Present)
At a Glance
Back in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Drake Hogestyn had every intention of becoming a doctor if his career as a professional baseball player didn't pan out. A gifted athlete, scholarships provided his college education. He not only graduated with a double major in microbiology and applied sciences from the University of South Florida, but was also drafted by two professional baseball organization: the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. Drake signed with the Yankees as a third baseman and was climbing the farm system ladder when he sustained a career ending injury.
At the same time, Columbia Pictures was heading up a national talent search. The director in charge encouraged Drake to fly to Los Angeles to participate in an intensive four-month acting training workshop. Drake's wonderment as to why he was chosen was met with a "You act like a ball player, you don't play like one" response from the director. Looking back, Drake thinks he may have had a point.
He also received the Best Actor award five years in row from Soap Opera Update.
For his portrayal of "The Pawn," "John Black," "Roman Brady," "Roman II," "Romulus," "John Stevens," "Father John" and "Mercenary John," Drake has received Best Actor Awards from as far away as Australia, South Africa and Germany. He also received the Best Actor award five years in row from Soap Opera Update and Hottest Male Star for two years running from Soap Opera Digest. Drake tops the Daytime TV Readers Poll with more number one rankings than any other actor in the history of soap operas.
Drake surfs, snowboards, works on his old '61 Corvette and '57 T-Bird and generally spends all his free time with his wife Victoria and their four children: Rachael, Ben, Whitney and Alexandra, at their beach home in Malibu.
Acting Portfolio
TELEVISION
Days of our Lives
John Black
January 1986 to Present
Generation
Jack Breed
1985
Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues
Rod
1985
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Brian McFadden
1982
Awards & Acclaim
Daytime Emmys Pre-Nomination, Outstanding Lead Actor (2005)
Soap Opera Digest Awards Winner, Hottest Male Star (1994)
Vital Statistics
PLACE OF BIRTH: Fort Wayne, Indiana
DATE OF BIRTH: September 29th, 1953
HEIGHT: 6' 2"
MARITAL STATUS: Married; Victoria Post [Dec 31st, 1986 to Present]
CHILDREN: Four children
Miscellaneous
Attended the University of South Florida on a baseball scholarship and majored in pre-dentistry
Drafted by the New York Yankees and he played third base for their farm team until he was injured in 1978
News Archives
News Archive: DAYS refutes rumor, says Hogestyn staying put [Sep 15th, 2004]
News Archive: DAYS rep confirms Koslow inked to new contract [Nov 1st, 2004]
News Archive: Fan storms Hogestyn home, attempts exorcism. [Jan 8th, 2007]
News Archive: Whispers of Hogestyn's firing growing louder. [Sep 10th, 2007]
News Archive: Hogestyn out: John killed in hit-and-run. [Oct 14th, 2007]
