Stephen Nichols first joined “Days of Our Lives” in 1986 as Steve “Patch” Johnson, and he became fast friends with Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black. The two shared screen time for nearly four decades, but more importantly, their real-life friendship was rock-solid.
Hogestyn’s death from pancreatic cancer, on Sept. 28, 2024, left a hole in the soap community, and now, a year later, tributes are still rolling in. Stephen Nichols took to Instagram to remember his friend on the first anniversary of his passing.
Stephen Pays Tribute to Drake on the Anniversary of His Passing
GettyIt’s hard to believe that it has already been a year since the actor’s tragic death. Many people have honored his legacy in the last few days, and Stephen Nichols paid tribute to Drake with a very special caption to his Instagram post.
“I remember so vividly — one year ago today — getting the news that Drake had passed. Lisa and I were sitting in a theater in Burbank, having just watched a short film made by one of our #Days directors. In the middle of the Q&A, an email came in. Just like that… Drake was gone.
Even though I knew the day would come, it hit me like a punch. And it still does. Like so many of my colleagues — and everyone lucky enough to know him — I find it hard to believe he’s not here… telling stories, lifting spirits, spreading his love and positivity everywhere he went.
Drake, you left your mark, buddy. On me, and on the hearts of so many others.”
Saying Goodbye to John Black was Hard
GettyNichols had worked with Hogestyn on and off for nearly 40 years. He told Soap Opera Digest earlier this year that filming John’s demise was beyond difficult for him.
The actor says that having to say farewell to the character of John Black was “the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And I didn’t, at first, agree with what was going on, because [Drake] was still living.” What helped him was knowing that Drake “gave his blessing to the storyline beforehand to Ken Corday. So if it was okay with him, then I felt that I had to do my part.”
Filming the character’s fictional funeral proved to be difficult. “Everybody pulled together. We held each other together to get through it. We did what we could do, and I’m sure Drake would be happy [with how it turned out].”
Nichols says that he remained in close contact with Drake right to the very end. “I was in touch with him every week, at least two or three days a week. We kept close, and I knew what was happening [with his health].”
