Days of our Lives star Stephen Nichols recalls the late Drake Hogestyn on the anniversary of his death

Stephen Nichols joined Days of our Lives as Steve "Patch" Johnson in 1985, the year before the late, great Drake Hogestyn came to Salem as John Black. Now, on the first anniversary of Hogestyn's passing, Nichols is paying tribute to his friend and former co-star.

Days of our Lives, remembering a friend

"I remember so vividly — one year ago today — getting the news that Drake had passed," Nichols recalled in an Instagram post. "Lisa [my wife] and I were sitting in a theater in Burbank, having just watched a short film made by one of our #Days directors. In the middle of the Q&A, an email came in. Just like that… Drake was gone.

"Even though I knew the day would come, it hit me like a punch," Nichols adds. "And it still does. Like so many of my colleagues — and everyone lucky enough to know him — I find it hard to believe he’s not here… telling stories, lifting spirits, spreading his love and positivity everywhere he went.

"Drake, you left your mark, buddy," Nichols concluded. "On me, and on the hearts of so many others."

"Love you, Stephen," posted Christie Clark, who reprised her role as Carrie Brady, last year for John's on-air memorial. "Please give hugs and kisses to my DAYS family."

In the Black

"There is no greater tribute to a loved one than remembering who they were in life," @jan.andrews.50 posted. "Drake will never be forgotten, and the words written speak volumes."

"This was one of those losses so great that I will always remember what I was doing when I heard the news of his passing," @johnmarlena_always added. "He leaves behind a void [that can] never be filled. He will always be missed."

Known for his generosity to his fans, Hogestyn played hero John Black from 1986 to 2024. Soon after his first appearance, John was revealed to be the presumed-dead Roman Brady. About five years later, Wayne Northrup, who originated the role of Roman, returned to DAYS, reprising the role, so the writers wrote into the show that "Roman" (Hogestyn) actually was John Black.

Trending

After decades of playing heroic John, the love of Marlena's (Deidre Hall) life, Hogestyn passed away shortly after his final Days of our Lives air date. Due to the show taping so far in advance, John's death did not appear on screen until last June.

Catch all-new episodes of Days of our Lives weekdays on Peacock.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback