I was 9 years old when The Pawn on Days of Our Lives became John Black—and I’ve been hooked ever since

Drake Hogestyn's character, John Black, is slated to receive an emotional funeral on Days of Our Lives during the week of June 9, 2025. While the actor passed away in September 2024, his character, John Black, was given a heroic departure story arc.

As John passed away on the June 2 episode, he had his loving wife by his side. With that, the long history of one of the most iconic Days characters came to an end. As one of the early fans of Drake's character on Days of Our Lives, I was captivated by the enigmatic story arc as "The Pawn" assumed the name John Black.

Both John's ever-evolving arc and Drake's onscreen presence were mesmerising for a young viewer. For fans like me, Drake's passing was tragic, but John's exit was heartbreaking.

Meanwhile, the other story arcs currently playing out on Days of Our Lives involve Xander's stance, Arianna's mystery, and Bo's return. While Philip and Xander's clash landed the former in the hospital, unconscious, the latter faced a broken marriage.

Bo was saved thanks to John's last brave act and a miraculous drug. Elsewhere, Arianna is more than a handful for her parents, leaving Gabi and Will struggling. As Salem comes together for their hero's funeral on the long-running Peacock daily soap, other relationship complications continue in Salem.

Disclaimer: This article contains the author's personal opinions.

---

The journey from Pawn to ISA agent on Days of Our Lives

Drake Hogestyn appeared in the Days of Our Lives' storyline in November 1985 as the bandaged "Pawn". Suffering from memory loss, "The Pawn" stole the identity of a soldier, John Black. After saving psychiatrist Marlena from thugs, the latter put him in therapy to get his memory back. While both were drawn to each other, Marlena wondered whether this was the villain, Stefano DiMera.

However, by manipulating the evidence, Stefano had Marlena believe that John was Roman Brady, her missing husband. This confusion led to the two getting married, as John was made to believe the same. However, the real Roman returned in 1991, leaving John to wonder about his identity again.

Over the years, John struggled to find his true identity and his roots, as his fans tried to keep up with mind-boggling revelations and retconned arcs. By 2025, John's backstory was clear. He was revealed to be John Robicheaux, son of farmer and veteran armyman, Timothy.

During the Korean War, Timothy's absence forced his wife, Maude, to put up their son for adoption. Adopted by Leopold Alamain, the child was called Forrest. Soon, John was included in a secret international group run by Yo Ling, Ilya Petrov, and Stefano DiMera. Pawn was the name coined by Stefano.

While drug lord Victor Kiriakis acquired "The Pawn", Stefano orchestrated John's brainwashing. Under Victor, John went on several assignments with Steve Johnson, leading to their long-term friendship. Although left amnesiac about parts of his past, John was later revealed to have been on heroic missions throughout his life till he landed in Salem,

As John settled into his life in Salem, he became an official hero. His career moved between working with Steve in their company, The Black Patch, and as an agent in ISA. His courageous actions saved lives while endangering his own, including the last, which led to his death on June 2, 2025. Incidentally, Konstatin recognized Pawn in 2023. Moreover, John met his father, Timothy, the same year.

---

Days of Our Lives: John's legacy in Salem

John's tragic but valiant end will likely bring back many memories. As his funeral takes place, the show will present snippets of his past in flashbacks. That would include his romance with Marlena and his friendship with Steve. As a longtime fan, I would recall all the arcs where John kept me glued to my screen.

Despite Stefano playing with him and Victor using him for their own needs, the Salem hero finds love and respect everywhere. That includes the members of the DiMera and Kiriakis families, and viewers like me.

As the soap's spoilers hint, his son with Tori, Paul, will recollect his bond with his father over their shared love for baseball. Incidentally, actor Hogestyn was a minor-league baseball player before joining Days of Our Lives. As such, Paul's homage is both for John and Drake.

---

Continue watching Days of Our Lives to be part of John Black's funeral and memorial service in the upcoming episodes.