Drake Hogestyn, the iconic American actor known for his role as John Black on Days of Our Lives passed away on September 28, 2024. Drake Hogestyn was married to his wife of 38 years, Victoria.
Key Takeaways
- In 1986, Drake Hogestyn married his childhood sweetheart, Victoria. However, they had to face some obstacles.
- The couple shared four children together: three daughters, Whitney, Alexandra, and Rachael, and one son, Ben.
- On September 28, 2024, Drake Hogestyn passed away following a battle with cancer.
Drake Hogestyn, best known for his role as John Black on “Days of Our Lives“, was married to his childhood sweetheart, Victoria, since 1986!
According to Drake Hogestyn, he fell in love with his would-be wife while playing baseball when he was 15 and she was 12.
I fell in love with Victoria when I was 15, she was 12, on the baseball field. She’s on the handlebars of her girlfriend Lisa Miller’s bike, I’m playing center field, go figure
Via Daily Mail UK
Furthermore, Drake recalled that his feelings for her remained strong throughout the years, as he distinctly remembers every stage of her life, from childhood to adulthood.
and from then on that was it! I look at her, I see her, I can see her when she was 12, when she was 13, when she was 14, 15, 16 … all the moments
Via Daily Mail UK
However, it was not always plain sailing for Drake and Victoria.
When the New York Yankees drafted Drake for one of their farm teams, he had to move to Oneonta, New York.
This proved to be a difficult obstacle to their relationship because, by doing so, Drake “lost his childhood sweetheart, Victoria.”
Furthermore, while playing in the minors, Drake’s family surprised him by attending one of his minor league games.
However, his joy would be short-lived as he was handed a newspaper article announcing Victoria’s wedding to someone else.
Nonetheless, Drake eventually reunited and married Victoria, although the specific details of their reunion are not public knowledge.
Despite all the hardships, their nearly four-decade marriage stands as a testament to their deep bond and mutual commitment.
The family they built further strengthened Drake and Victoria’s relationship.
They shared four children: daughters Whitney, Alexandra, and Rachael, and son Ben.
Furthermore, their son Ben is following in his father’s footsteps as he is also an actor.
The couple also shared seven grandchildren.
The family bond probably played a crucial role in maintaining Drake and Victoria’s relationship throughout the decades.
Tragically, on September 28, 2024, Drake Hogestyn passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Moreover, he passed away just one day before his 71st birthday.
His passing marked the end of a remarkable career.
It also provided a chance for him to reflect on his relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Victoria.
Despite facing obstacles, long periods of separation, and hardships, their relationship showcased stability, loyalty, and perseverance.
We wish Victoria and the rest of the Hogestyn family peace and comfort during this difficult time.
He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor.
The Hogestyn Family — via Instagram
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Drake Hogestyn was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on September 29, 1953.
- His baseball career ended due to an injury in 1977.
- Drake Hogestyn’s first starring role was in the prime-time series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
