Days of Our Lives' Deidre Hall reacts to Drake Hogestyn's death

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

Hall, 76, remembered her friend and colleague in an emotional statement Access Hollywood on Wednesday, four days after Hogestyn's death.

“For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” Hall said, referring to her character in the TV series, Hogestyn’s love interest, John Black.

The actress continued: “John Marlena is an iconic hero who tirelessly saves her from everything related to evil people.” “My co-star was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; Impeccable in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene.

Hall said Hogestyn “was generous and kind to everyone” on the set of the beloved TV series.

She continued: “Drake loved what he did, and he adored and respected everyone who did it with 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 truly the center of his life.

“Drake is dearly loved by everyone who knew him and will be missed beyond measure. We will continue, as he always encouraged us, to swing for the fences.”

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

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

Hall left the show in 1987 for a role on Our House, but returned after its cancellation. In May 2023, she spoke about John and Marlena's relationship during an interview with the people.

“We're the couple that teaches you that people stay together through thick and thin, stay loving, stay sensual and sexual, and that's worth fighting for,” she said at the time. “[Fans are] Able to suspend disbelief long enough to truly immerse yourself in the story.

The couple also referred to the test they had in a joint interview with Soap opera summary In April 2018.

“I auditioned with him because I was going to play with him and when everyone was done — they looked at all the scenes obviously — and I was called upstairs and said, ‘Okay, we know what we think, what do you think?’ Because you should work with him? And everyone agreed and it was Drake.” Hall said!

“No one came close to being this kind of character, who had this kind of charm and chemistry and charisma of a male lead,” she added, “and that was the beginning of it.”

“I think John and Marlena embody sacrificing for each other and overcoming all the obstacles that every couple faces every day,” Hogestyn said. “We don't take that responsibility lightly. I think it's a good signal to send to the audience.”

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

Many of Hall's co-stars have paid tribute to him on social media, including Christian Alfonso, Genie Francis and Ali Sweeney.

The show, which aired on NBC from 1965 to 2022 and is now streaming new episodes on Peacock, also paid tribute to Hall on its official Instagram page.

“He faced a curveball in his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination,” he added. 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. We love him and will miss him all the days of our lives,” the letter added.