“He deserves that tribute” — Days of Our Lives filmed John’s funeral while Drake Hogestyn was on his deathbed

ISA agent John Black is being given a loving funeral on Days of Our Lives during the week of June 9, 2025. This also marks the final farewell of Drake Hogestyn, the actor who played John Black for almost 40 years. Hogestyn passed away in September 2024 after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer.

The cast of Days of Our Lives spoke to Variety about their experience while filming the funeral. Eric Martsoff, who plays Drake's onscreen son, Brady, said that John's funeral doubles up as a homage to one of the most iconic television actors. He said:

"He was the epitome of a soap opera star on and off the stage, and the man deserves eyeballs, and he deserves that tribute."

Since Drake was alive during the filming of the event and it was done with his and his family's permission, it had a different impact on the soap's cast and crew. Martsoff explained that Hogestyn was a "consummate storyteller" who wanted his audience to get closure on his character.

However, it was difficult for others to film a funeral when they knew Hogestyn was dying. In Martsoff's words:

"Knowing that this man was on the planet, and we were literally taping his funeral and his death, that was hard. It was really hard...There was literally zero acting going on during those three days."

Martha Madison, who plays John's youngest daughter, Belle, shared similar sentiments.

"For us, it felt like our responsibility and an honor to do it the very best that we knew how...The fact that we were losing Drake at the same time, it was very hard on us emotionally, as we’re losing someone we really love. We didn’t really have to perform."

The Days of Our Lives actors also shared their personal emotions and connectivity with Hogestyn. While Martsoff referred to him as "a father figure," Madison admired his commitment and playfulness.

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Days of Our Lives: John gets an honorable farewell

The week of June 2, 2025, saw the Black family and their friends trying to accept the sudden death of the heroic agent. As other members arrived in town, the preparations for the funeral started on Days of Our Lives. Almost every Salem resident dropped in at the Black family's house to meet Marlena and offer condolences.

Monday's episode, dated June 9, 2025, saw the funeral start with every character dressed in black and remembering John. As his sons and daughter, Carrie, raised a toast to their father, John's grandchildren arrived at the venue, distraught. Little Rachel was inconsolable.

Steve and Kayla arrived as the former brought in John's stuff from their agency office. He handed them over to Marlena and apologized for asking for John's help on the fatal case. Marlena admitted that John would have always wanted to help Bo. The funeral continued in the next Days of Our Lives episode.

Eric officiated the funeral with a heartwarming eulogy on John. This was followed by Brady singing and everyone taking turns to speak about John at the lectern. While Abe's eulogy left Marlena tearful, Belle reminded everyone how John loved a good laugh. Paul, in turn, spoke about John's love for baseball.

Tuesday's episode, dated June 10, 2025, also marked Hope telling Bo about his benefactor's death. As a shocked Bo decided to attend the funeral, his doctor and his wife stopped him from leaving his treatment midway. However, the soap's spoilers suggest Bo will be in town soon.

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Stay tuned to Days of Our Lives as Salem bids John Black and his actor, Drake Hogestyn, an emotional goodbye.