Key Takeaways
- Since June 2024, Hogestyn’s absence from the show Days of Our Lives has caused fans to worry that he might be sick.
- His absence might signal upcoming dramatic changes in the show.
- Hogestyn suffered a brain injury from a stunt accident in 2016.
Drake Hogestyn, famous for portraying John Black on “Days of Our Lives,” is not sick, and as of 2024, there are no indications of serious illness.
Since June, it’s been more than a month and a half since viewers last saw Drake Hogestyn as John Black on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.”
In the June 2024 episodes, Black decided to go to Greece to seek forgiveness for his wrongdoings. After arriving in Greece, the show no longer featured him in subsequent storylines.
Fans are growing anxious over Black’s month-long absence, wondering if it signals the end of his character’s journey or if he is suffering from an illness.
But there’s no reason to worry, as there’s no indication that John Black is planning to leave the show soon.
Hogestyn remains under contract and is listed on the soap’s official cast roster, indicating no immediate plans for his departure.
His ongoing absence could be the calm before a storm of dramatic twists and turns in the storyline.
Previously, in 2007, John Black had a car accident and was presumed de*d, but he was eventually brought back to life.
Therefore, his current absence should not be taken as an indication of a permanent exit.
Furthermore, as of 2024, no confirmed reports are indicating that Drake is suffering from a severe illness.
Although there are rumors and social media claims that he “looks sick,” no substantial evidence or official reports confirm any significant health issues.
Drake Hogestyn’s 2016 Stunt Gone Wrong: Severe Brain Injury
In addition to his recent health issues, Drake Hogestyn experienced an on-set accident in 2016, which resulted in a brain injury and kept him away from the “Days of Our Lives” set for several months due to a stunt gone wrong.
His legal team states that on May 5, the actor sustained injuries on set while attempting a stunt that involved breaking through a prop door on a set that “had not been properly prepared.”
According to his legal team, Hogestyn “ran full speed” towards the door and “smashed headfirst” into it, sustaining “severe head injuries.”
After the accident, he was hospitalized and returned to filming almost six months after his discharge. The injury resulted in John Black’s extended absence from Salem.
The actor and his family expressed their thanks in a statement released after the accident, appreciating fans for their well wishes as he recuperated from his injuries. The statement reads:
Drake, his wife Victoria, and the Hogestyn family appreciate the good wishes, prayers, and positive thoughts from so many loyal fans but ask that their privacy be respected at this time. Drake’s goal is to get back to the show as soon as possible.
Concerning his return, Dena Higley, co-head of “Days of Our Lives,” announced on X (formerly Twitter) on September 28, 2016, that he was coming back.
Drake in studio today. Great that he's back.
— Dena Higley (@DenaHigley) September 27, 2016
Responding to this, one comment wrote:
so very glad he’s well and back at work. He’s such a sweetheart.
While another wrote:
that’s wonderful news I’m so glad he’s back! He has been missed 💖
Although this incident does not connect to his current condition, it temporarily halted his appearances on the show.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The actor, born on September 29, 1953, is the son of Bill Hogestyn and Shug Hogestyn.
- After graduating from North Side High School, he attended the University of South Florida in Tampa and received a degree with dual majors in microbiology and applied sciences.
- Hogestyn wed his childhood sweetheart Victoria, and the couple are parents to four children: Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben.
