Late soap opera legend Drake Hogestyn, best known for his portrayal of John Black on Days of Our Lives, was such a notable figure in daytime TV that he even inspired a parody on Friends.
Hogestyn, who passed away at 70 on Sept. 28 after battling pancreatic cancer, had been a mainstay on Days from 1986 until 2024. His long-lasting legacy on the show was humorously echoed in the Friends character, Dr. Drake Ramoray, played by Matt LeBlanc’s Joey Tribbiani. Joey’s role on the fictional Days of Our Lives provided plenty of laughs throughout Friends, especially as the writers crafted over-the-top storylines, including Ramoray falling down an elevator shaft and returning with a brain transplant.
Although Hogestyn never commented on the parody, his co-star Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady on Days, fondly recalled the cast enjoying the show’s playful nod to their world. “We’d watch every week that Joey was on Days of Our Lives,” she shared, appreciating the humor in it all.
Following his passing, Days of Our Lives shared a heartfelt message from Hogestyn’s family, paying tribute to his strength and perseverance. His legacy as a beloved figure in the soap opera world will continue to resonate with both fans and colleagues.
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