Did Drake Hogestyn Like John’s Funeral? Shocking Revelations from the Cast! | Days of Our Lives News

In a powerful and emotional turn of events, Days of Our Lives fans were left heartbroken as Salem came together to bid farewell to one of its most iconic characters — John Black, portrayed by the legendary Drake Hogestyn. While the onscreen funeral was a beautifully written tribute, what happened behind the scenes adds an even deeper layer of poignancy, revealing how fiction and real life collided in a truly unforgettable way.

Since the announcement of Drake Hogestyn’s death in September 2024, questions have swirled among loyal viewers. Was Drake still alive when they filmed John’s funeral scenes? How did the cast manage to perform such emotionally charged moments knowing the man behind the character was fading in real life?

Now, cast members are breaking their silence, offering heartfelt insights into the process of saying goodbye — both on and off screen — to a man who meant so much to them.

Filming the Funeral Before Goodbye

Martha Madison, who plays Belle Black, John’s daughter, revealed just how emotionally draining those scenes were. “We shot the funeral before he passed away,” she said in a recent interview. “It was really tough.” Her words were heavy with emotion, her voice trembling as she described the surreal atmosphere on set. “It didn’t feel like acting. It felt like we were living through something real. I barely remember filming — it was like an out-of-body experience.”

Madison wasn’t alone in her grief. Eric Martsolf, who portrays Brady Black, echoed her sentiments, explaining that what viewers saw onscreen was raw, unfiltered emotion. “We weren’t pretending to mourn John,” he said. “We were mourning Drake.”

The cast had known for some time that Hogestyn’s health was declining. That knowledge hung over the set like a cloud. Despite this, they pushed through, driven by a shared desire to honor the man they had worked beside for decades. “Every scene, every line — it all felt like it was for Drake,” Martsolf shared. “It wasn’t just storytelling. It was a tribute.”

A Double Stands In

Because Hogestyn was too ill to film his final scenes, a stunt double was used for the sequences following a storyline explosion that left John Black critically injured. Wrapped in bandages, the double allowed the character to be present without the strain on Hogestyn. Even so, his spirit lingered in every take.

The decision to proceed in this manner wasn’t made lightly. According to Martsolf, Drake and his family fully supported the storyline. “It was as if Drake himself said, ‘Tell the story.’ He wanted John’s journey to be completed with dignity.”

A Cast in Mourning

Christopher Sean (Paul), Peter Reckell (Bo), and Stephen Nichols (Steve) each offered their own reflections on working with Hogestyn. Nichols recalled the “heavy silence” that blanketed the studio, a rare occurrence in a place usually filled with energy and chatter. “You could feel it — this profound absence. It was like the air had changed,” Nichols said.

Reckell and Sean spoke of Hogestyn’s courage and unwavering professionalism. Even as his health declined, he remained involved in the creative direction of his character, offering input and support from afar. “That’s just who he was,” Sean noted. “Always committed, always caring.”

A Haunting Coincidence

Madison revealed one detail that left many cast members shaken — the timing. “We finished filming the funeral on a Friday,” she said. “Then we went on hiatus. That night or the next day, Drake passed away.” The cast was left stunned. It felt almost prophetic, like life and art had merged into a single, tearful goodbye.

“It was like we were part of a scripted farewell,” Madison added. “Except this one, none of us were ready for.”

Salem Says Goodbye

The funeral episode itself was masterfully crafted, filled with quiet, reflective moments that allowed each character — and actor — to grieve. The opening scenes showed Kayla Brady and Steve Johnson meeting before the service. “I’m closing Black Patch,” Steve told her, referencing the detective agency he had co-founded with John. “I can’t do it without my partner.”

Their conversation was full of shared history, pain, and bittersweet humor. Steve joked about retirement, saying maybe he’d take up guitar or volunteer. But the sadness was ever-present. “I don’t know what to say to Marlena,” he confessed. Kayla reassured him that Marlena held only gratitude.

Elsewhere, Brady Black helped his daughter Rachel prepare for the funeral. Clad in black, she added green flower clips to her hair — a gift from her grandfather. Tearfully, she told Brady she believed her dream had caused John’s death. Brady gently explained that her dream was John’s way of saying goodbye. “He’ll always be with us,” he assured her. It was a touching scene that struck at the heart of what made John Black such a beloved character — his enduring love for his family.

In Horton Square, Belle, Carrie, Paul, and Eric gathered with coffee cups and tissues, each carrying the weight of grief. Eric, once a priest, was nervous about officiating the ceremony. Carrie reassured him, reminding him that no one else could do it better. Belle brought out peppermints, saying, “If Dad were here, he’d be handing these out.” The group toasted their father with coffee instead of wine — laughter mingling with tears in a moment that felt deeply real.

Behind the Curtain: Love and Loss

While viewers saw a beautifully crafted tribute, the reality behind the scenes was even more moving. The actors weren’t just portraying loss — they were living it. And that emotion reached fans in waves.

The debate continues online about whether Drake Hogestyn was still alive during the filming. The truth is complex but touching. Yes, the funeral scenes were filmed shortly before his death. And yes, the cast knew time was short. That knowledge brought an added gravity to every line, every glance, every tear.

Though he couldn’t be there physically, Drake Hogestyn’s influence was everywhere — in the performances, in the writing, in the hearts of his fellow cast members. The love and respect they had for him radiated through the screen.

A Legacy That Lives On

Drake Hogestyn’s portrayal of John Black will forever remain a cornerstone of Days of Our Lives history. But perhaps even more enduring is the legacy he left behind as a friend, mentor, and inspiration. His fellow actors didn’t just lose a colleague — they lost family.

In their raw performances, in their tearful interviews, and in the memories they’ve shared, they’ve given fans one final, powerful gift: a glimpse into the soul of a man who meant the world to them — and to all of us.

Drake Hogestyn may be gone, but his spirit lives on — in Salem, in our hearts, and in every moment that made Days of Our Lives the timeless show it is. This wasn’t just the end of a storyline. It was a real goodbye, a tribute not only to a character but to a beloved actor whose light will never fade.