Co-stars Ali Sweeney and Kristian Alfonso react

He will always be her John.

“Days of Our Lives” star Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black on the soap for nearly 40 years, has died. The actor died of pancreatic cancer on Saturday at the age of 70 – a day before his 71st birthday.

The iconic show’s official Instagram account shared the news of his death.

“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. He loved performing in front of 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.”

Hogestyn’s co-stars have begun paying tribute to the late star on social media, sharing photos of him from set and over the years.

“My heart,” actress Kristian Alfonso began via Instagram. “I will always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband and dear friend, but above all as an incredible, passionate person, generous and immensely kind, always……Thank you for the love you gave to all of us every day, Drake, on set and off. “You have always been our hero.”

“I love you,” she concluded. “Rest in peace 🕊️my sweet friend.”

Alfonso, 61, is best known for his role as Hope Williams Brady on the show, which aired on NBC from 1965 to 2022 and is currently streaming new episodes on Peacock. The former figure skater left the show in 2020, but is returning for a special arc alongside Peter Reckell (who famously played “Bo to her Hope”) in honor of the show’s 60th anniversary. According to TV Line in September, the reunion episodes will air in May 2025.

Genie Francis, who played Diana Colville, wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of Drake Hogestyn. Such a wonderful and kind man. It was a pleasure working with him. I always loved how much he loved his wife and children.”

Hogestyn’s co-star Ali Sweeney, whom he has known for decades, also sent her love.

“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,” the 48-year-old actress wrote via Instagram. “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.”

Hogestyn first appeared on Days of Our Lives on January 24, 1986, starring in the hit for 38 years and filming over 4,200 episodes. Co-starring Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans, it became one of the most famous romances in daytime television history.

Hall left the series in 1987 for a role in Our House, but returned after its cancellation. In May 2023, she spoke about John and Marlena’s relationship in an interview with People.

“We are the couple that teaches you that people stick together through thick and thin, stay loving, stay sensual and sexual, and that’s worth fighting for,” she said at the time. “(Fans) can suspend disbelief long enough to really immerse themselves in the story.”

In April 2018, the pair also spoke to Soap Opera Digest in a joint interview about their long on-screen history – with Hall recalling her audition.

“I tested with him because I would have played with him, and when everyone was done – they were watching all the scenes, of course – I was called up and said, ‘Okay, we know what we think, what do you think ?’ because you have to work with him?’ And everyone agreed and it was Drake!” She gushed about the Fort Wayne, Indiana native. “No one was even close to that character, had that kind of magic, chemistry and appeal of a male hero. And that was the beginning.

For his part, Hogestyn said: “As much as the world changes, there is one thing that does not change. There is a playfulness, an affection in both parts that unites and makes them stronger. I think John and Marlena embody mutual sacrifice and overcoming all the obstacles that every couple faces every day. We do not take this responsibility lightly. I think it’s a good signal to send to the audience.”

Hogestyn is survived by his wife Victoria Post, his four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael and Ben, and seven grandchildren.