“Days of Our Lives”' Deidre Hall pays tribute to TV husband Drake Hogestyn: 'He will be missed beyond measure'

"For nearly 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man."

Days of Our Lives icon Deidre Hall is breaking her silence on the loss of longtime friend and TV husband Drake Hogestyn.

Hall and Hogestyn shared the screen for over 40 years, as one of daytime TV’s most popular pairings, Marlena Evans and John Black. On Wednesday, days after Hogestyn died at 70 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, the actress shared a heartwarming tribute to her late costar.

"For nearly 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man,” Hall began in a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly. “Marlena’s John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains. 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.”

She continued, “He was gracious and kind to everyone, from the executive staff to the night crew. Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it.”

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Hall went on to say that in addition to his passionate approach to his career, Hogestyn’s “two greatest loves were his family and the Yankees.”

Referencing the actor’s wife of 38 years, Hall concluded, “Victoria 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.”

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Hogestyn died on Sept. 28, just one day shy of his 71st birthday.

The late actor made his Days of Our Lives debut on Jan. 24, 1986, a decade after Hall was cast in 1976. While he was initially introduced as a mysterious character known only as “The Pawn,” he would become known as John Black, a heroic figure who would dabble as a spy, mercenary, police officer, private investigator, and secret agent. He quickly became a fan favorite among soap watchers and appeared in more than 4,200 episodes over the course of his 38 years on the NBC series. His popularity was hugely influenced by his chemistry and onscreen romance with Hall’s Marlena.

Hogestyn’s final Days episode aired on Sep. 9, while Hall last graced the show in August.

Since news of his death broke earlier this week, several Days of Our Lives cast members have spoken out and paid tribute to Hogestyn, including Christopher Sean, whose character Paul Narita was revealed as John Black's son in a 2015 episode.

"I will always love you," Sean wrote on X, alongside a photo of the two actors hugging. "You were more than just my TV father — in my eyes you were my dad. Thank you for everything you taught me and the love you gave me. The world lost a true hero. Miss and love you so much, Drake. Rest in peace, Dad."

Genie Francis, who played one of Hogestyn's onscreen love interest Diana Colville after Hall departed the series, wrote, ​​"So sad to hear of Drake Hogestyn's passing. Such a wonderful and kind man. It was a pleasure to work with him. I always loved how much he loved his wife and children."

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Hogestyn’s death was first announced in a statement from his family, shared on the long-running soap opera's Instagram account.

"It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was thrown the curveball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination,” read the statement, “After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor."

The post concluded, "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."

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.