‘Days of Our Lives’ star Deidre Hall breaks her silence on co-star Drake Hogestyn’s death
nypost.comdied from pancreatic cancer at age 70.Hall, 76, remembered her friend and colleague in an emotional statement to Access Hollywood on Wednesday, four days after Hogestyn’s death.“For nearly 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” Hall said, referring to her soap opera character, the love interest of Hogestyn’s John Black. “Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains,” the actress went on. “My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene.”Hall said Hogestyn “was gracious and kind to everyone” on the set of the beloved soap opera series.“Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it,” she continued. “Having said that, we always knew that his two greatest loves were his family and the Yankees.
Victoria [Hogestyn’s wife] and their children were truly the center of his life.”“Drake is dearly loved by everyone who ever knew him and he will be missed beyond measure.
We will continue, as he always encouraged us, to swing for the fences,” her statement concluded.Hogestyn played John Black on “Days of Our Lives” for nearly 40 years before his death.
His on-screen relationship with Hall, who joined the show in 1976, became one of the most famous romances in daytime TV history.Hall left the show in 1987 for a role on “Our House,” but returned after its cancellation.
Read more on nypost.com