Final scenes of major TV star aired just weeks before his recent death

Actor Drake Hogestyn’s final scenes in Days of Our Lives aired weeks before he died.

The actor died one day shy of his 71st birthday on September 28, at his home ‘surrounded by loved ones’.

He had starred as popular character John Black since 1986, returning in 2011 to the American soap after a short three-year hiatus.

Hogestyn’s family confirmed the death in a statement on Instagram, stating the news came with ‘heavy hearts’ after his cancer diagnosis.

The statement read: ‘He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination.

‘After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor.’

They added: ‘He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of Our Lives.’

It’s now been confirmed Drake’s last scenes as John in the American soap aired in the episode that was broadcasted on September 9.

Because of how far in advance soaps film, it’s said he filmed these scenes at the start of the year.

The instalment was titled The Family Man. In it, John was involved in plenty of emotional and touching scenes with son Brady (Eric Martsolf) and grandson Tate (Leo Howard).

According to TV Line, it also featured John giving advice to Tate, who was still feeling the guilt after telling Holly that Eric was the driver responsible for the death of her biological father.

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Ken Corday, executive producer of Days of Our Lives, wrote in a tribute for Soap Opera Digest: ‘This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed.

‘His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.’

Hogestyn is survived by wife Victoria — who was his childhood sweetheart — and their four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael, and Ben.

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