Salem is facing a heart-wrenching farewell, both in the storyline and in real life. “Days of Our Lives” fans are preparing for an emotional goodbye as the show honors the legendary John Black. Portrayed by the talented Drake Hogestyn for decades, John has been a cornerstone of the show—winning hearts with his bravery, unwavering love for Marlena, and unbreakable loyalty to his family. Now, as his journey comes to an end, Martha Madison, who plays his daughter Belle, shares her deeply personal and emotional experience of saying goodbye to her on-screen father.
Madison has embodied Belle Black for nearly 20 years, developing a close bond with Hogestyn that transcended their on-screen roles. In a heartfelt tribute, she reflected on the unforgettable memories they created together. “When you play a family member for two decades, you experience some of the most vulnerable moments together,” Madison shared, her voice heavy with emotion. She recalled the significant moments where Hogestyn was present in her life—not just as a co-star, but as a true friend. “Drake was there at my wedding, he celebrated the birth of my daughter, and he was always there, just like John was always there for Belle.”
Their relationship, built over years of portraying father and daughter, felt incredibly real. Belle has faced countless defining moments—love, heartbreak, loss, and motherhood—with John standing by her side through it all. Madison expressed how, despite acting in front of cameras, the emotions behind their scenes felt genuine. “It never felt like just a job—it felt like living those experiences with a real family member,” she said.
Drake Hogestyn’s final storyline is set to leave a lasting impact. Before his passing in September from pancreatic cancer, he gave his blessing for John Black’s farewell arc. While John remains missing in the current storyline, Marlena and his loved ones hold onto hope that they will hear from him again. The exact details of his final moments remain a mystery, but one thing is certain—John Black will exit as a true hero. 
Madison praised the show’s dedication to ensuring John’s sendoff was worthy of his legacy. “It was important to all of us that his departure was handled with love and respect. Drake deserved the best, and being part of this tribute to him was truly special,” she stated. She believes Hogestyn would be incredibly proud of how the story was crafted and how much love was poured into the farewell.
Saying goodbye was no easy task for the cast and crew, who leaned on each other throughout the emotional process. Madison emphasized the deep bonds formed behind the scenes, saying, “We weren’t just colleagues—we were a family, and Drake was such a huge part of that. It was difficult, but having each other made it a little easier.”
As fans prepare for John Black’s final moments on “Days of Our Lives,” there is a profound sense of gratitude for everything Drake Hogestyn brought to the show. His portrayal of John Black was legendary, embodying strength, love, and unwavering determination. Madison’s touching words serve as a reminder of the immense impact Hogestyn had—not just on his fellow actors, but on the loyal audience who watched him triumph over impossible odds for years.
Salem will never be the same without John Black, but his spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of “Days of Our Lives.” His legacy will live on, both in the hearts of his co-stars and in the cherished memories of devoted fans.
