Drake Hogestyn has died. The 'Days of Our Lives' actor - who played John Black on the soap for 38 years - passed away on 28 September, just one day before his 71st birthday after battling pancreatic cancer.

Longtime “Days of Our Lives” star Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black for nearly four decades, has died at age 70

Days of Our Lives' actor Drake Hogestyn has died after battling pancreatic cancer. Bang Showbiz Bang Showbiz. More Videos. Aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Swannanoa, NC

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination.

Mr. Hogestyn was best known for playing John Black on the daytime soap opera and appeared in more than 4,200 episodes over 38 years.

Drake Hogestyn, a fixture on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” has died at 70 from pancreatic cancer. For nearly 40 years, he starred as John Black.

Longtime "Days of our Lives" actor Drake Hogestyn died at 70, following an "unbelievable fight" against pancreatic cancer.