Drake Hogestynthe long-standing one Days of our lives Star who played John Black has died. He was 79.

Hogestyn, who was just a day shy of his 71st birthday when he died on Saturday, September 28, was battling pancreatic cancer, according to a statement from his family shared by the newspaper Days of our lives Social media accounts.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement said. “He experienced the turning point of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he rose to the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After an incredible fight, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.”

“He was the greatest husband, father, dad and actor,” it continues. “He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the industry. We love him and will miss him all the days of our lives.”

days Executive producer Ken Corday In a statement to Soap Opera Digest, they said: “This is a very difficult matter for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not enough words to express how much he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”

Hogestyn appeared for the first time on Days of our lives in 1986 and portrayed Black in more than 4,200 episodes of the popular soap over nearly four decades. His character’s favorite romance with Marlena Evans, played by Deidre Hallwon the on-screen couple a Soap Opera Digest Award for “Favorite Couple” in 2005.

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He also appeared in other projects throughout his career, including the ’80s series Seven brides for seven brothers – which marked his first major TV role – Overworldand television films generation, Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues, A stormy night And Night sins.

Several of Hogestyns Days of our lives Co-stars took to social media to mourn his death, among other things Allison Sweeneywho wrote on Instagram: “Drake was an incredible man, he was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days and the fans and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a big part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and cherish every story, joke and hug.”