John Black belongs to the number of the most popular and memorable Days of Our Lives characters. Portrayed by Drake Hogestyn, John had dramatic, romantic, mysterious, and action-packed storylines. Whether it was covert operations or heart-wrenching love, his adventures kept fans on the edge of their seats for decades. In addition to becoming a priest, he was a lover, a father, and a hero.
These sequences illustrate the reasons behind John Black’s significant influence on the program. These are 10 of his most iconic scenes that remain fresh in the memories of fans.
Disclaimer: This article is solely the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
Here is the list of the 10 Best John Black memorable moments from Days of Our Lives:
10. John's Funeral

Days of Our Lives funeral episodes are uncooked and real. The scene was shot when Drake Hogestyn was dying of cancer. The cast claimed that because the pain was evident in their expressions, they needed less “acting.” Throughout three episodes, characters honored John’s life with eulogies, prayers, flashbacks, and even a letter from Sami. Several main characters returned to say goodbye, and Marlena, visibly upset, assisted others.
This is a deeply moving farewell for fans since it blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. In addition to play-acting, the viewers witnessed real sorrow from the cast. It celebrates Drake's nearly 40-year influence and hours John Black's legacy. It completes and honors the legacy of John Black. Fans of the soap opera view it as a celebration of a hero who lived both on and off screen, rather than merely a farewell.
9. The final warehouse explosion goodbye

John’s last mission ends in heartbreak. He enters a top-secret laboratory to acquire an experimental medication that will cure Bo Brady of a deadly sickness. John completes his mission but is killed by the explosion as flames burst around him. He passes away in the presence of everyone he loves, including Marlena, after being brought to the hospital and having his body covered in gauze.
This scene is memorable to the audience since it reveals the unquestionable heroism in John. After a life filled with thrilling adventures, mind control, forgotten memories, and secret missions, he ultimately sacrifices himself while doing what he loved most: helping others. The fans relate to the emotional gravity of it, perhaps because they know the character reflects the end of the actor as well. It is heartfelt, well-deserved, and perfectly fitting for a well-known figure in the show’s past..
8. Discovering that Leo and Paul are John's sons

John Black returns with blank eyes and a cold voice. He was shot and left to die, but was discovered by Stefano DiMera in a hidden location. Stefano reprogrammed his brain. John was brainwashed into a soldier who did whatever Stefano asked him to do, with no love or memory. Johnny is what the fans nickname him as Robo-John. In this process, he even attempted to kill those who loved him. He was later helped to break free by Marlena and friends, and John got back his heart.
This scene of “Robo‑John” remains in the minds of the viewers as it depicts the loss of John and his struggle to return. The plot was tension-filled because of the contrasting characters of the hero, who loved, and the pawn, who had no emotions. It was a typical Days of Our Lives twist, as viewers were both frightened and relieved.
7. John's coma and Marlena’s bedside vigil

Everyone in Salem fears the worst when a violent altercation leaves John Black in a deep coma. Without giving up hope, Marlena stays by his side day and night. She talks to him, relives their finest times together, and even plays their favorite song in an emotional narrative. John begins to respond gradually, first with small reactions and then by waking up.
Fans were deeply touched by this poignant scene, which showcased the profound power of love. Marlena’s faith and John’s desire to return highlighted why this couple is regarded as one of the most iconic in soap opera history. The emotional and sensitive nature of the scene beautifully illustrates love’s healing ability.
6. Cruise of Deception

John Black boards a luxury cruise ship, the Loretta. When Ernesto Toscano takes control of the ship, the masquerade party becomes a nightmare. John and the Salem leaders fight their way through a dramatic shipwreck, a bomb aboard, and sabotage. In the confusion, he falls in love with Isabella Toscano. When survivors confront one another on Ernesto’s island, their relationship blooms. As the story comes to a close, John’s bravery and his newfound love bring him marriage—and Isabella’s tragic demise.
This blend of emotion and high-seas action made the moment unforgettable. Fans appreciated the mix of adventure and romance. The suspense of the cruise, along with the bravery displayed by John, made this episode one of the best in the history of the soap opera.
5. John was brainwashed into love with Princess Gina

In Days of Our Lives, John and Marlena are kidnapped during their honeymoon by Stefano’s henchmen. John falls in love again while under hypnosis because he believes he is with Princess Gina. This submarine kidnapping confronts John with an identity crisis. He is turned into the “Pawn,” who served Gina and even slept with her without knowing that Marlena existed. After returning to safety, he remembers nothing of the ordeal, but the consequences ensue.
This moment is iconic for its shocking drama. The betrayal and hypnosis, in a twisted way, left the viewers stunned. It demonstrated John’s frailty and tested his love for Marlena. The emotional impact and high-stakes scenario made it a classic Days of Our Lives drama.
4. The affair with Kristen & the Susan Banks baby swap

Black gets involved with Kristen DiMera. Kristen pretends to be pregnant and then recruits Susan Banks to pose as her in an attempt to keep John from Marlena. After being tricked, John marries Susan, who was posing as Kristen. The newborn, who should have belonged to Susan and John, is actually Susan’s child. John is devastated when the truth is revealed. He divorces her and gets back with Marlena.
The plot of this one is unforgettable due to its emotional rollercoaster. The audience felt John’s pain in his misplaced faith and the sting of betrayal. The infant mix-up introduced suspense and irony. It also showed the great relationship that existed between John and Marlena. Fans recall this as a typical Days of Our Lives drama, filled with love, deceit, and difficult choices.
3. Father John performs an exorcism on Marlena

Days of Our Lives takes on a spooky edge with Marlena being possessed by the Devil. The possession is discovered by John Black, who believes he was formerly a priest, and he conducts a tense exorcism to rescue her. He invokes God and challenges the evil spirit in a prayer battle in the church. John manages to cast out the Devil through faith and love. Marlena is released but is almost killed during the act.
It is a famous scene for soap opera fans. The combination of horror and romance fascinated the audience. The plot was strong because of seeing John battling evil to protect the woman he loves. Drake Hogestyn delivered a powerful performance, and he and Deidre Hall had a strong connection. This exorcism remains one of Days of Our Lives’ most popular plots.
2. John's wedding to Isabella

On May 19, 1992, John Black and Isabella Toscano got married in a moving ceremony in Days of Our Lives. It turns out that Isabella goes into labor during the wedding, and they have a son, Brady Victor Black, who inherits both family legacies. The happiness of John and Isabella is impromptu and picturesque, full of romance, emotion, and fresh starts in Salem.
This is a memorable moment for the viewers because it restores hope after all of the chaos. The years of amnesia and identity issues that John faced are resolved in that instant. Brady is born, marking a new beginning for the family and linking John to future generations. This emotional, sweet scene is a classic in the history of Days of Our Lives.
1. "Will the real Roman Brady please stand up?" moment

When the amnesiac arrives in Salem as the Pawn, no one doubts that John Black is Roman Brady, in part because he resembles the long-lost Roman. He spends years living as Roman, marrying Marlena, and forming a life in Salem. The shocking twist comes when the actual Roman returns on August 30, 1991. John discovers that he is not Roman but someone else entirely—named John Black.
Fans of soap operas will always remember this revelation. It reinterprets everything the audience thought they knew. The twist offers new identity drama, heartbreak, and new mysteries. It gives substance to the ongoing Days of Our Lives story and starts John on a path of self-discovery.
It is concluded that John Black provided fans with several strong and dramatic scenes. Whether it’s large-scale twists or small-scale heartbreaks, people were touched by his story over the years. These scenes reminded admirers of their love for him. John was one of the longest-running characters, and his legacy on Days of Our Lives will forever be enshrined with love.