Drake Hogestyn
Drake Hogestyn | |
|---|---|
| Born | Donald Drake Hogestyn |
Drake Hogestyn (born Donald Drake Hogestyn on September 29, 1953) is an American actor best known for his role as John Black on the NBC daytime soap Days of our Lives.
Biography
Early life
Hogestyn was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended the University of South Florida in Tampa on a baseball scholarship, majoring in pre-dentistry. He graduated with a double major in microbiology and applied sciences. He was then drafted by two professional baseball organizations: the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. Hogestyn signed with the Yankees and played third base for one of their farm teams until he was injured in 1978.
Career
Hogestyn began his acting career by entering a Columbia Pictures talent search that included 75,000 people. Hogestyn was among the 30 selected, and his first starring role was on the primetime series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
After a few minor roles, Hogestyn joined the cast of Days of our Lives in 1986. He initially played a mystery man named John Black, however, John was soon revealed to be the presumed dead Roman Brady.
Hogestyn quickly became a fan favorite and enjoyed many popular pairings.
In 1991, Wayne Northrop returned to Days to reprise his role of Roman. In order to keep both actors on the show, Drake's character reverted back to being John Black.
Despite this change, Hogestyn remained one of the show's most popular actors. The pairing of John and Marlena Evans is one of the shows enduring supercouples.
Unfortunately, Hogestyn has been released from his contract (which expires in December), and his character, John Black, will be a victim of a hit and run accident. Hogestyn last airs on October 17, 2007.
Personal life
Hogestyn married his childhood sweetheart Victoria Post on December 31 1986.
The couple have four children, Rachael, Ben Hogestyn (both from Post's first marriage), Whitney and Alexandra.
Awards, honors and nominations
- Soap Opera Digest Award - Winner, Hottest Male Star (1994)
- Soap Opera Digest Award - Winner, Hottest Male Star (1995)
- Soap Opera Digest Award - Nominated, Hottest Male Star (1997)
- Soap Opera Digest Award - Nominated, Hottest Male Star (1998)
- Soap Opera Digest Award - Nominated, Hottest Romance (1998) shared with Deidre Hall
- Soap Opera Digest Award - Winner, Favorite Couple (1999) shared with Deidre Hall
- Soap Opera Digest Award - Winner, Favorite Couple (2005) shared with Deidre Hall
Roles
- Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Brian McFadden - 1982)
- Otherworld (Kort, Leader of the Micro Workers - 1985)
- Generation (Jack Breed - 1985)
- Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues (Rod - 1985)
- Days of Our Lives (John Black - 1986-present)
Trivia
- Hogestyn's nickname is Hoagie.
- Shelley Long wanted Hogestyn to play her husband on the sitcom Kelly Kelly, however, his schedule on Days conflicted with the filming of the pilot.