Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black on ‘Days of Our Lives’ for 38 years, has died of pancreatic cancer.

The actor’s family announced the news in a statement on the long-running soap opera’s Instagram account.

“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,” the statement read. “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 “Days of Our Lives” on January 24, 1986. He subsequently played John Black – the mysterious and heroic spy, mercenary, police officer, private investigator and secret agent – ​​in more than 4,200 episodes of the NBC . soap opera (which has aired episodes on Peacock since 2022). Alongside Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans, Hogestyn helped form one of the most famous romances on daytime TV.

Hogestyn’s credits outside of “Days of Our Lives” include the CBS musical series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and a handful of TV movies from the 1980s and 1990s, including “Generation,” “Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues,” “One Stormy Night” and “Night Sins.”

Kassie DePaiva, who played Eve on “Days of Our Lives,” paid tribute to Hogestyn on social media, writing on X, “I am so saddened by this news. One of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with. What a wonderful life he lived. He will be missed. He made the world a better place.”