‘Days of Our Lives’ (DOOL) spoilers reveal that Days filmed John Black’s funeral as Drake Hogestyn, who played the late character, was dying. The cast and crew had to tape these difficult scenes with the thought in mind that unless a miracle occurred, Hogestyn would not be able to come back.
‘Days Of Our Lives’ Spoilers: Drake Pre-Approved His Character, John Black’s Final Story
Meanwhile, John’s loved ones in Salem gathered to pay tribute to the legendary hero. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. It was an emotionally charged few days as Days shot his funeral in three parts. His wake started on Thursday, June 12.
Hogestyn took his final breath the weekend after the funeral was taped. He passed away on September 28, 2024, just one day shy of his 71st birthday.
The late actor had pre-approved the last chapter in John’s story. During these gut-wrenching three days, no “performances” were involved. Each eulogy, story, and personal anecdote about John was also meant to honor Drake.
Eric Martsolf, who plays John’s son, Brady Black, said, “There was literally zero acting going on during those three days. Everyone was holding hands to the point that our hands were getting white.”
Martha Madison, who plays John’s daughter, Belle Black, explained, “Getting the whole gang together to pay their respects was a beautiful release,” she said.
“None of us were really able to see him or be with him towards the end. This was our opportunity to do it as a family,” she added.
The funeral started on June 10. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans), Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols), Roman Brady (Josh Taylor), Belle, and Paul Narita (Christopher Sean) all spoke.
‘Days Of Our Lives’ Spoilers: Everyone Actor Who Spoke Truly Meant Every Word
Kayla and Roman spoke about when John believed he was Roman and how he handled the switch with grace. Kayla said that John became family, and while he was “not a brother by blood,” he was “a brother by heart.”
Belle got up and spoke through her tears as she recounted how she always felt safest when she was with her dad, commenting on how funny he was.
Perhaps one of the most touching and poignant eulogies was when Paul talked about how he would bond with his dad through baseball.
Many fans are already aware that Drake was an avid baseball fan, having played in the minor leagues. He would encourage the other Days cast members to “swing for the fences” as he drew parallels between baseball and acting.
Sami Brady (Alison Sweeny) was there in spirit as she sent a letter for her brother, Eric Brady (Greg Vaughn), to read.
Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) defied his doctor’s advice and had Hope take him to Salem for the funeral, and he arrived right before it had concluded.
Bo’s speech about how John saved his life couldn’t have been more significant as he said, “He may not be here, but the gift of his life will go on, and declared triumphantly, “And that’s a fact,” John’s signature catchphrase.
Shane Donovan (Charles Shaughnessy) also honored John when he spoke. He told everyone how John was “The finest agent I ever worked with and a lifelong friend.”
‘Days Of Our Lives’ Spoilers: Brady’s Eulogy Made Us Laugh, And Marlena’s Made Us Cry
Perhaps the most poignant eulogy was the one Brady gave. It was a welcome and lighthearted change of pace from the sorrowful ones others gave.
Brady created an entire eulogy about how John perfected the sometimes questioning and often intimidating “raised eyebrow” and how he could communicate solely with a slick furrowed brow.
Brady touched on his experiences with John as a father, and his speech managed to make everyone laugh through tears. It was a breath of fresh air amidst all the sadness.
Then, it was Marlena Evans’s (Melissa Reeves) turn. She read a beautiful and incredibly moving poem that punctuated a deeply heartfelt sentiment.
“This is the season of true love when we believe that we alone can love, that no one could have ever loved so before us, and that no one will love in the same way after us.”
The poem perfectly captures the spirit of John and Marlena’s epic 40-year-long love story. Marlena looked at the picture and said, “Goodnight, my love,” as the audience was reduced to tears.
Drake Hogeystn loved and appreciated the fans so much that he wisely gave the green light for his final heroic act and funeral.
He knew that the viewers would want closure. While he was staring death in the face, he still thought about us. John Black and Drake Hogestyn were both truly class acts. We will celebrate the impact he made on daytime for years to come.
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