Drake Hogestyna mainstay of the long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” has died.

Hogestyn’s family announced the sad news on Instagram “Days of Our Lives”, saying: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was hit with the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he rose to the challenge with incredible strength and determination.

They continued… “After fighting an incredible battle, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. He was the most wonderful husband, father, daddy and actor. He loved performing for the “Days” crowd and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the days of our lives.”

Hogestyn first appeared on the show in 1986. He played John Black, a character with many skills, including spy, agent, PI and secret agent! He appeared in more than 4,200 episodes of the soap.

There are only a few soap opera highlights when it comes to romance, like Luke and Laura. Well, his character and Deider Hall“Marlena Evans is right up there.

Hogestyn has appeared in a number of productions, including ‘Night Sins’, Generation, ‘Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues’ and ‘One Stormy Night’.

Hogestyn turned 70.