‘DOOL’ Alison Sweeney Shares Heartfelt Tribute To Drake Hogestyn

Alison Sweeney and Drake Hogestyn/Credit: YouTube

The soap opera community is in shock after Days Of Our Lives actor Drake Hogestyn suddenly passed away. Alison Sweeney shared a heartfelt tribute to her TV (step)dad.

Drake Hogestyn Passes Away At 70

Soap opera fans were shocked to hear the news that beloved Days Of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn passed away over the weekend. The actor was just one day shy of his 71st birthday when he passed away on Saturday, September 28. He had quietly fought a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Drake Hogestyn/Credit: YouTube
Drake Hogestyn/Credit: YouTube

Aside from his family, friends, and co-stars, his illness wasn’t public knowledge. So his passing came as a great shock to fans who watched him as John Black for nearly 40 years.

DOOL Alum Alison Sweeney Shares Heartfelt Tribute

Drake Hogestyn played one half of the beloved DOOL super couple, John and Marlena. Deidre Hall has yet to make a public statement about the devastating loss. But Alison Sweeney, who played Marlena’s daughter Sami on the soap, shared a heartfelt tribute to her former co-star.

Sami had a huge role in John and Marlena’s early romance. She outed their affair and feuded with John for years until finally accepting him as her stepfather. But behind-the-scenes, Alison Sweeney and Drake Hogestyn were very close.

She took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to her TV (step)dad. “Drake was an incredible man. He was funny, generous and thoughtful. [Drake] cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set,” the post began.

The emotional tribute continued, “My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ali Sweeney (@alisweeney)

More Tributes To Beloved Soap Star

Alison Sweeney was one of many soap actors to speak out about Drake Hogestyn’s death. General Hospital star Nancy Lee Grahn wrote on Twitter, My deepest condolences to Drake Hogestyn’s family, friends and fans. What a lovely, lovely gracious man.

Eileen Davidson, who played opposite of Drake as Kristen DiMera and her many doppelgangers, for many years. She tweeted, When I heard the news about Drake Hogestyn’s passing I felt kicked in the gut. A truly one of a kind. So kind, hilarious & talented. Loved his family so much. I know he’s up there telling one of his many stories. Thanks for the laughs Drake. I’ll always love and miss you. XO.

Christopher Sean, who played John Black’s son Paul on the soap, wrote, I will always love you. You were more than just my tv father, in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world lost a true Hero. Miss and love you so much Drake. Rest in Peace Dad. “Keep Swinging for the Fences.”Drake Hogestyn.”

The tributes to the late Drake Hogestyn will continue to pour in. The soap opera has yet to reveal how they will handle the unexpected passing.

Jennifer Havener
Follow me

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *