We are deeply saddened to report that Days of Our Lives star Drake Hogestyn passed away on September 28 at the age of 70. The much-loved daytime actor was just one day away from his 71st birthday.

Hogestyn’s family issued a statement explaining that their loved one had succumbed to pancreatic cancer after “putting up an unbelievable fight”. They remembered him as an “amazing husband, father, papa and actor.”

Days of Our Lives’ executive producer Ken Corday stated, “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.”

Christopher Sean, who played Hogestyn’s on-screen son, Paul, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media after the news broke and said, “You were more than just my TV father, in my eyes you were my dad.”

Hogestyn was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and played Major League Baseball before an injury changed his path in life. After entering a talent search, he found himself knee deep in an acting career in Los Angeles, landing numerous primetime roles, including his first, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Life changed forever when Hogestyn audtioned for, and won, the role of Roman Brady John Black on NBC’s Days of Our Lives. He made his debut on January 24, 1986, in a soap gig that was only supposed to last for a few months… but went on to span nearly four decades after the Pawn was revealed to be Marlena Evans’ presumed-dead husband, Roman. Though his character name and storyline changed over the years, Hogestyn earned a special place in the hearts of daytime fans.

Hogestyn is survived by his wife, Victoria, and their four children Rachael, Ben, Whitney, Alexandra, their spouses, and his seven grandchildren. All of us here at Soaps extend our heartfelt condolences to Hogestyn’s loved ones and colleagues.