45 Facts About Drake Hogestyn

From Baseball Dreams to Soap Opera Stardom

Drake Hogestyn's journey from the baseball diamond to the world of daytime television is nothing short of fascinating. His early life and career transitions set the stage for his eventual rise to fame.

1. Early Life and Education: Hogestyn grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he developed a passion for science and baseball. He attended the University of South Florida on a baseball scholarship and initially majored in pre-dentistry.

2. Baseball Career: Before becoming an actor, Hogestyn played minor league baseball for the New York Yankees. He was a third baseman and even represented the United States in South America during his baseball days.

3. Injury and Transition: An injury to his right heel in 1978 forced Hogestyn to end his baseball career. This setback led him to explore other passions, including acting.

4. Acting Beginnings: Hogestyn entered a talent search through Columbia Pictures, competing against 75,000 other hopefuls. He was one of 30 winners, which landed him a role on the short-lived TV version of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers".

5. Early Roles: After several episodic appearances, Hogestyn found his acting home on "Days of Our Lives." He initially took over the role of Roman Brady from Wayne Northrop and later became known as John Black.

The Iconic John Black

Drake Hogestyn's portrayal of John Black on "Days of Our Lives" has made him a household name. His character's evolution and the impact on the show are noteworthy.

6. Character Evolution: Hogestyn's character, John Black, was introduced as the show's version of the amnesiac title character in "The Bourne Identity." Over time, John Black became a mainstay on NBC's long-running daytime drama.

7. Soap Opera Legend: For 20 years, Hogestyn lived out the many lives and loves of John Black on "Days of Our Lives." His character's tumultuous antics captivated audiences, making him a daytime legend.

8. Awards and Nominations: Hogestyn has won three awards and received six nominations for his work on "Days of Our Lives." His contributions to the show have been widely recognized within the soap opera community.

9. Fan Outcry and Rehiring: In 2008, budget cuts forced "Days of Our Lives" to fire Hogestyn. However, fan outcry was so strong that he was rehired, demonstrating the impact he had on the show and its audience.

10. Accident on Set: In 2016, Hogestyn suffered a head injury during a stunt on the "Days of Our Lives" set. This accident sidelined him for several months but did not deter him from returning to the show with welcome arms and silver hair.

Personal Life and Family

Beyond the screen, Drake Hogestyn's personal life and family have played a significant role in shaping who he is today.

11. Marriage and Family: Hogestyn married his childhood sweetheart, Victoria Post, in 1986. They have four children: Ben, Whitney, Alexandra, and Rachael. The family has been based in California, where Hogestyn has made his home since landing in Salem.

12. Lessons from Baseball: Hogestyn credits his lessons learned on the baseball field for his success in acting. The discipline and teamwork required in sports have translated well to his acting career.

13. Workshops and Training: During his early days in Los Angeles, Hogestyn participated in workshops with top talents like Dustin Hoffman, Walter Matthau, and Sydney Pollack. These experiences helped him hone his acting skills.

14. Screen Actors Guild Card: Despite initial difficulties in finding work, Hogestyn managed to talk his way into a scene that earned him a Screen Actors Guild card. This marked a significant milestone in his acting career.

15. Generation and MacGyver: Hogestyn landed roles in the highly touted futuristic show "Generation" and the popular series "MacGyver." These early successes paved the way for his future opportunities.

Versatility in Roles

Drake Hogestyn's ability to take on various roles has showcased his versatility as an actor. From soap operas to TV movies, his range is impressive.

16. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: His stint on "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" whetted his appetite for television. This experience led him to pursue more acting roles, eventually landing him on "Days of Our Lives".

17. Roman Brady and John Black: Hogestyn initially took over the role of Roman Brady from Wayne Northrop. Later, he became known as John Black, a character that would become iconic in soap opera history.

18. Pawn Sean and DiMera Roles: In addition to Roman Brady and John Black, Hogestyn has also played roles like Pawn Sean and DiMera on "Days of Our Lives." His versatility has allowed him to take on a wide range of characters.

19. Christmas Tree Lane Role: In the TV movie "Christmas Tree Lane," Hogestyn played the role of Benjamin Reilly. This performance showcased his ability to adapt to different genres beyond soap operas.

20. Criminal Minds Guest Appearance: Hogestyn's guest appearance as Senator Alfred Mayhew in "Criminal Minds" demonstrated his range as an actor. He has successfully transitioned between different types of television shows.

Memorable TV Appearances

Drake Hogestyn's career includes numerous memorable TV appearances that have left a lasting impact on audiences.

21. Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem: In 2021, Hogestyn reprised his role as John Black in the TV mini-series "Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem." This marked his continued involvement with the show even after his initial departure.

22. Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas: The same year, Hogestyn appeared in "Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas," another spin-off of the original series. He once again played the iconic character John Black.

23. Christmas Tree Lane: In 2020, Hogestyn starred as Benjamin Reilly in the TV movie "Christmas Tree Lane." This role showcased his versatility as an actor beyond soap operas.

24. Days of Our Lives 35th Anniversary: In 2000, Hogestyn participated in the "Days of Our Lives 35th Anniversary" TV movie. This special episode celebrated the show's milestone and featured many of its iconic characters, including John Black.

25. Night Sins and One Stormy Night: Hogestyn has appeared in several TV movies, including "Night Sins" and "One Stormy Night." Both roles further cemented his status as a daytime legend.

A Life Beyond Acting

Drake Hogestyn's life extends beyond his acting career. His experiences and interests have shaped him into a well-rounded individual.

26. Height and Physical Appearance: Hogestyn stands at 6’2” (1.88 m) tall, giving him a commanding presence on screen.

27. Trademark Voice: His distinctive raspy voice has become synonymous with his characters, particularly John Black. This unique quality has helped him stand out in the competitive world of soap operas.

28. Nickname: Hogestyn is affectionately known as "Hoagie" by friends and fans.

29. Publicity Listings: Hogestyn has been listed in various publicity listings, including IMDb, where he is recognized for his extensive work in television.

30. IMDb Profile: His profile on IMDb highlights his extensive career, including roles in "Days of Our Lives," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," and "Otherworld".

Educational Background and Early Influences

Drake Hogestyn's educational background and early influences played a significant role in shaping his career path.

31. Generation and Medical School: Initially, Hogestyn was pre-dentistry major at the University of South Florida. However, he eventually earned degrees in microbiology and applied sciences, moving far from his initial academic path.

32. University of South Florida: Hogestyn's time at the University of South Florida was marked by his involvement in baseball and his academic pursuits. The university's location near Yankees owner George Steinbrenner's business interests added an interesting dynamic to his college experience.

33. South America Representation: During his baseball days, Hogestyn represented the United States in South America. This international experience broadened his horizons and provided valuable life lessons.

34. Jack Butterfield and Chris Welsh: Hogestyn was coached by famed former University of Maine skipper Jack Butterfield. He also played alongside Chris Welsh, a longtime color commentator for the Cincinnati Reds. This team dynamic played a significant role in shaping his early years as an athlete.

35. Fort Lauderdale Call-Up: After a successful stint with the Yankees' farm team, Hogestyn was called up to Class A Fort Lauderdale. This move marked a significant step in his baseball career, where he faced new challenges and opportunities.

Challenges and Triumphs

Drake Hogestyn's career has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, showcasing his resilience and determination.

36. Texas Rangers Manager Buck Showalter: Hogestyn played alongside Texas Rangers manager Buck Showalter during his time in Fort Lauderdale. This experience provided valuable insights into the world of professional baseball.

37. Injury Bug: Despite his initial success, Hogestyn fell victim to the injury bug multiple times. A chip in his right heel on a pier cement block in 1978 forced him to end his baseball career prematurely.

38. Strong Longevity: Hogestyn's strong longevity in the industry is a testament to his dedication and talent. He has continued to captivate audiences with his performances despite the challenges he has faced.

39. Soap Opera History: Hogestyn has been a part of soap opera history, with a career spanning over three decades. He has played multiple roles on "Days of Our Lives," including Forrest Alamain and DiMera.

40. Legacy and Impact: Drake Hogestyn's legacy extends beyond his acting career. His journey from baseball to soap operas serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with perseverance and talent, one can achieve their dreams in unexpected ways.

Memorable Moments and Achievements

Drake Hogestyn's career is filled with memorable moments and achievements that have left a lasting impact on his fans and the entertainment industry.

41. TV Series Credits: Hogestyn has appeared in numerous TV series, including "Days of Our Lives," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," and "Otherworld." He has played iconic characters like John Black, Roman Brady, and Pawn Sean.

42. TV Movie Credits: Hogestyn has also appeared in several TV movies, such as "Night Sins," "One Stormy Night," and "Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues." He has portrayed characters like John Black and Jack Breed.

43. Criminal Minds Appearance: In 2018, Hogestyn guest-starred as Senator Alfred Mayhew in the popular crime drama series "Criminal Minds".

44. Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem: In 2021, Hogestyn reprised his role as John Black in the TV mini-series "Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem." This marked his continued involvement with the show even after his initial departure.

45. Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas: The same year, Hogestyn appeared in "Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas," another spin-off of the original series. He once again played the iconic character John Black.

Drake Hogestyn: A Legacy of Resilience and Talent

Drake Hogestyn's journey from minor league baseball to soap opera stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he transitioned from a promising baseball career with the New York Yankees to becoming a beloved actor on "Days of Our Lives." His portrayal of John Black captivated audiences for over two decades, earning him numerous awards and nominations. Despite setbacks like injuries and budget cuts, Hogestyn's resilience and dedication kept him in the spotlight. His unique raspy voice, commanding presence, and versatility have made him a daytime legend. Beyond acting, Hogestyn's personal life, including his marriage to Victoria Post and their four children, adds depth to his story. His legacy continues to inspire, proving that with perseverance and talent, one can achieve greatness in unexpected ways.