‘Days of Our Lives’ star Deidre Hall breaks her silence on co-star Drake Hogestyn’s death

Deidre Hall is honoring her late “Days of Our Lives” co-star Drake Hogestyn, who died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 70.

Hall, 76, remembered his friend and colleague in an emotional statement reach hollywood on Wednesday, four days after Hogestyn’s death.

“For almost 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have been in love with the same man,” Hall said, referring to the love interest of his soap opera character, Hogestyn’s John Black.

The actress added, “Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, saving her from all cases of villains.” “My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment we entered the studio; Impeccable in his preparation and ready for any situation in any scene.”

Hall said that Hogestyn was “kind and compassionate to everyone” on the set of the beloved soap opera series.

He added, “Drake loved what he did and everyone he did it with appreciated and respected him.” “Having said that, we always knew that his two greatest loves were his family and the Yankees. Victoria (Hogestyn’s wife) and their children were really the center of his life.

“Drake is deeply loved by everyone who ever knew him and will be greatly missed. We will continue, as he has always encouraged us, to swing for the fences,” his statement concluded.

Hogestyn played John Black on “Days of Our Lives” for nearly 40 years before his death.

Her on-screen relationship with Hall, who joined the show in 1976, became one of the most famous romances in daytime TV history.

Hall left the show in 1987 for a role in “Our House”, but returned after its cancellation. In May 2023, he opened up about John and Marlena’s relationship during an interview People,

“We’re that couple that teaches you that people stay together through good and bad times, and they stay in love, and they stay sensual and sensual, and that’s worth fighting for,” she said at the time. “(Fans) are able to suspend disbelief long enough to really sink into the story.”

The pair also recalled their audition in a joint interview Soap Opera Digest In April 2018.

“I tested with him as I would have been playing with him and when everyone was done – they looked at all the scenes, obviously – and I was called up saying, ‘Okay, we know we What do you think, what do you think because you have to work with him?’ And everyone agreed and it was Drake!” Hall said.

“No one could come close to that kind of image, that kind of magic, chemistry and male hero charm. And that was the beginning of it,” she added.

Hogestyn said, “I think John and Marlena are the epitome of sacrifice for each other and overcoming the obstacles that every couple faces every day. We don’t take that responsibility lightly. I think this is a good sign to convey this message to the audience.

The late actor passed away on September 28 after battling pancreatic cancer. He filmed his final “Days of Our Lives” episode on September 9.

Several of Hall’s co-stars paid tribute to him on social media, including Kristian Alfonso, Genie Francis and Ali Sweeney.

The show, which aired on NBC from 1965 to 2022 and now streams new episodes on Peacock, also honored Hall on its official Instagram page.

“The biggest shock of her life came when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but she faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination.” read the statement,

“He loved performing for the DAYS audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew and production team in the business,” the message said. We love him and we will miss him all the days of our lives.