Kirsten Storms Reacts to the Sudden Death of Days of Our Lives Co-Star Drake Hogestyn: “It Doesn’t Feel Real”
Actress Kirsten Storms recently spoke about the heartbreaking loss of her former Days of Our Lives co-star and on-screen father, Drake Hogestyn. The two worked together on the popular soap opera from 1999 to 2004, and Storms says his death still doesn’t feel real to her.
In an interview with Insider TV, Storms said she found it hard to believe that he was truly gone. “I think because I hadn’t seen him in a while, it feels like it’s not real that he’s gone,” she said. “He was my favorite person on set. A true legend—always happy, always prepared, and so good at what he did.”
Drake Hogestyn passed away in September 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 70 years old.
Storms shared that they became close while filming the show and she was deeply saddened by the news of his passing. She also revealed a more personal connection—she had dated Drake’s son, Ben Hogestyn, for a few years. “I spent a lot of time with Drake and his family. He was such a kind and caring person,” she said.
Hogestyn was best known for playing the role of John Black on Days of Our Lives, a character he portrayed for an impressive 38 years. He was a beloved figure both on-screen and off.
Ken Corday, the show’s executive producer, told People Magazine that Drake was the heart of the show. “There are not enough words to say how much he will be missed. His impact on the show, both personally and professionally, was huge and will never be forgotten.”
Storms also reflected on her time on Days of Our Lives, calling it her first major role with such a fast pace. Her performance earned her the Soap Opera Digest Award for Best Child Actor in 2001.
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