Days of Our Lives popular couple John Black and Marlena Evans will be celebrating their wedding anniversary this week on the show. The couple has successfully entertained Days fans for years. Sadly, one half of the beloved duo, Drake Hogestyn, who portrayed John Black, passed away a few months ago. Recently Marlena’s portrayer actress Deidre Hall has hinted towards a surprise plan to pay homage to the late actor. All the details are inside so keep reading till the end.
Deidre Hall Hints Toward a Special Show in Memory of Drake!
Days actor Deidre Hall spoke with People at a fan meet event on 2nd of November recently. During the interview she expressed grief over the loss of her on-screen partner. She also remembered his legacy showing affection and love for both the actor and his character. Deidre said that she loved John for Marlena, he was fabulous and amazing, while she also praised Drake as a very talented and marvelous co-star.
While answering the questions about how Drake will be honored on Days, she dropped some hints for the fans. She warmly expressed that DOOL is a family show not just the characters and cast but the audience are Days family too. So, this special gesture will involve the fans too.
She mentioned, “We bring Christmas to people that don’t have one. We bring thanksgiving to people that don’t have family. We are there and when we lose a family member, you share it with us”. She further added that we have lost Bill and Drake, and we will share that loss together. She also acknowledged that being part of a legacy show which we all love to watch is a feeling of comfort.
A Flashback of John’s Days on DOOL!
During the interview, she acknowledged that she cannot reveal the specific details, but it is going to be a special episode dedicated to the late actor. The show will feature the making of legacy character John Black on DOOL in all these years. John’s popular moments will be compiled to present in the loving memory of the popular actor.
Deidre has also hinted that fans have not seen Drake’s last moments on the screen so this special episode will bring an opportunity to witness that. She said, the show will handle the unseen part along with “hours of flashback of his history”. The actor also shared a timeline by telling, “it isn’t coming up yet, obviously, because it doesn’t come in until next year”.
Clearly, the tribute episode will be aired in 2025, so fans have to wait a little but as the actress claims, fans are going to find some lovely scenes in that episode.
Drake’s Battle With Cancer
Drake Hogestyn was battling with pancreatic cancer and lost his life to the disease on 28th of September 2024. The tragic news was shared with all of us by his family members through a social media statement on platform X.
Hogestyn first joined the show in 1986 without any specific name of his character but then went on to score fame and popularity as John Black. His pair with Marlena Evans has even won the most popular couple on daytime drama at Emmy awards indicating its popularity among the viewers. His other popular works include Criminal Mind and Otherworld meanwhile the actor has also appeared on TV movies like Generation and One Stormy Night.
As Deidre reveals Days of Our Lives plan to re-release some of the most loving John and John and Marlena moments on the show. How excited are you for the tribute episode? Do share in the comments. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more such updates on your favorite soaps and celebs.