Drake Hogestyn, a fixture on the long-running soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” has died at 70.

The actor, who starred as John Black for nearly 40 years, battled pancreatic cancer, his family shared in a statement on the show’s verified Instagram account.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement read. “He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor.

“He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.”

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Hogestyn would have turned 71 on Sunday. USA TODAY has reached out for more information.

Alison Sweeney, aka Sami Brady, called him “an incredible man,” in her tribute post on X. “He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set,” she wrote. “I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.”

Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady) recalled him as “an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind,” concluding, “Thank youuuu for the love you gave us all everyday Drake on set and off, you were always our hero.”

Hogestyn, a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, began his career as a minor league baseball player until injuries took him out of the game for good. He made his “Days” debut in 1986, playing Black, a police officer, private investigator and secret agent, and half of a soap supercouple with Marlena Evans (played by Deidre Hall).

The actor, a two-time hottest male actor winner in the Soap Opera Digest awards, appeared on the NBC and Peacock soap until his death, taking a short break from the show in the 2000s. He was a regular on the ‘80s TV series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and made guest appearances on the shows “Otherworld” and “Criminal Minds.” Most recently, he starred in the 2020 Hallmark movie “Christmas Tree Lane.”

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