Days Of Our Lives Star Deidre Hall said “beautiful tribute shows” are planned and are coming to honor Drake Hogestein, who died in late September at the age of 70.
Hall, who filmed Marlena opposite Hogestein’s John Black, said: people that a long-running drama will pay tribute to the actor as if he were a beloved relative.
“It’s a family-run show and it’s a family-produced show and that’s reflected in everything we do,” she said. “We bring Christmas to people who don’t have Christmas. We bring Thanksgiving to people who don’t have a family. We’re there and when we lose a family member, you can share them with us. We lost Bill [Hayes]We lost Drake. You’re going to share that with us. I think it’s comforting for the audience to know that they’re part of that legacy and part of that future.
Speaking more specifically about tributes in future episodes, Hall replied: “The show will deal with that. We have shows coming up that are just hours of flashbacks to his history. So, obviously it’s not out yet, because it’s not coming until next year, but you’re going to see some great tribute shows.
The popular Peacock, which was just renewed for Season 61 at the beginning of the month, will have upcoming tribute episodes to Hayes, who died in January at the age of 98, this week. On Dec. 2, the Emmy-winning daytime series will reach its 15,000th episode.
Hogestein died on September 28, one day before his 71st birthday, of pancreatic cancer. He first began playing John Black in 1986, with a hiatus from 2009 to 2011, where he returned to the fan-favorite character until his death.
Hall paid tribute to her on-screen love interest last month in a statement, saying, “For nearly 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man. John is Marlena’s iconic hero, tirelessly saving her from all manner of villainous affairs. My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene. He was generous and kind to everyone, from the executive staff to the night crew. Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone who did it with him.
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