‘Days of Our Lives’ (DOOL) spoilers share that Deidre Hall, who plays Marlena Evans, opened up to Soap Opera Digest about John Black’s death on the soap.
‘Days Of Our Lives’ Spoilers: Hall’s Tears For John Were Very Real
John’s portrayer, Drake Hogestyn, passed away on September 28, 2024. He had bravely battled pancreatic cancer and succumbed to his illness.
The June 2nd episode of Days was heartbreaking, not only for the many viewers who had grown up watching John over the years but also for the actors who had to play these complex, painful, and emotionally charged scenes.
The tears were very real for Hall as Marlena lay by John’s side at the hospital and listened to him take his final breath as she tearfully assured her husband it was okay for him to go.
John’s death was written while the actor was still alive, and he approved the story of his character’s passing before his death.
Hall, who has been playing Marlena Evans on Days since 1976, screen-tested with Hogestyn when he first joined the cast of Days in 1986.
“Nobody came close to being the kind of figure and having that sort of magic and chemistry and the male hero attraction. And that was the beginning of it,” Hall recalled of her onscreen husband.
John and Marlena’s love story became one of the most poignant and essential love stories in soap opera history.
‘Days Of Our Lives’ Spoilers: Hall Had A Measure Of Comfort Knowing How The Audience Would Receive John And Marlena’s Final Scenes
While filming the scenes of Marlena grieving John’s death was taxing for the actress, Hall said that it helped
“knowing how the audience would receive it. So I wasn’t alone out there,”
She explained.
“They were sitting right beside me going, “Oh, say this and say that and feel this. And ‘oh my gosh, I’m with you. I’m with you. There was such a wealth of experience and emotion that everybody brought to it along with me. So I didn’t have to carry it alone,”
She noted.
There was really no acting required during these scenes. When an actor passes away on a show, the actors usually go through the grief process twice.
In today’s episode of Days, word of John’s death spread through Salem, and John’s loved ones are mourning him in a way that feels too real for everyone on the canvas.
Viewers who also love John spent four decades watching his epic romance with Marlena. Hall posted a very simple message on Instagram and wrote, “I know, I know. Hardest day ever.”
Fans were incredibly moved by Hall’s performance and responded with kind, loving support for Hall as Hogestyn’s longtime acting partner.
‘Days Of Our Lives’ Spoilers: A Tribute To An Iconic Character And Acting Legend
Martha Madison, John’s TV daughter, Belle Black, posted a screenshot of Marlena lying in John’s hospital bed, wanting to “take a moment for the Queen.” She also showed a photo of her character, Belle, and John hugging and declaring, “Forever in our hearts.”
Eric Martsolf, who plays Hogestyn’s TV son, Brady Black, paid tribute to the late actor in his Instagram stories. He shared a photo of himself and Hogestyn behind the scenes, writing, “Thank you, Drake. Portraying your son will always be the highlight of my career.”
The final scenes between Marlena and John were hard to watch as we cried right along with Marlena. Deidre Hall deserves significant recognition for her touching performance.
Deidre Hall also paid tribute to Drake and John, as she beautifully wrote,
“For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man. Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains,”
She divulged.
Hall concluded,
“My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for eventuality in every scene. 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.”
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