The actress returns to the Peacock streaming soap opera as the soap pays tribute to Drake Hogestyn. One of Days of Our Lives most beloved characters and actresses is returning to the Peacock streaming soap opera this week. Christie Clark is brining the character of Carrie Brady back home to Salem to say goodbye to her father John Black (Drake Hogestyn). Clark joined the soap in 1986 as a young Carrie Brady, daughter of Roman Brady (Wayne Northrop) and Anna Dimera (Leann Hunley). John Black (Hogestyn) was presumed to be Roman Brady from 1986-1991. In ’91 it was revealed that the ‘REAL’ Roman, portrayed by Northorp, was actually alive. Black then became romantically involved with Carrie’s step-mother Marlena (Deidre Hall), and stayed a present father figure in Carrie’s life throughout the years. Clark portrayed the role of Carrie off and on from 1986-2021.
Now, the moment Days of Our Lives fans have been preparing for has arrived. It’s time to say good-bye to one of daytime’s greatest heroes, as John Black’s family and friends come to say goodbye as the character is written off the Peacock streaming soap opera after actor Hogestynpassed away. Clark will return to the soap opera to support her step-mother Marlena and say good-bye to her father John on May 28. The official Days of Our Lives YouTube channel gave us our first look at the characters exit storyline as the family visit John in the hospital room to say goodbye.
The promo ended as family and friends visit John’s hospital room to say good-bye to the hero. Abe Carver (James Reynolds) visits his longtime friend and says, “we’re family John.” We hear Marlena’s (Deidre Hall) voice over saying, “Family is who sets it in your heart. Who brings you to life, who makes it worthwhile.” While we see scenes of Paul (Christopher Sean), Brady (Eric Martsolf), Will (Chandler Massey), Carrie (Christie Clark), Eric (Greg Vaughn), and Belle (Martha Madison) visiting and saying goodbye to their father/grandfather. We then see Steve (Stephen Nichols) is in the church begging God for a miracle saying, “please help my partner.” Before ending on a shot of Marlena climbing in bed with John saying, “don’t leave us.”
Earlier this year we learned that one of the first stories the new head writing regime would tackle is writing out the character of John Black. Hogestyn had to step away from the role he had inhabited since 1986, for an impressive 4425 episodes, as he courageously fought pancreatic cancer. Hogestyn sadly passed away on September 28, 2024. Speaking of this story, the writers said, “While we wanted John to have a heroic and meaningful exit, we wrote the story with the fervent hope that Drake would be able to return someday. John had already been off for over nine months, and there were only so many missions the man could be on. Realizing he might never come back, while praying he would, we needed to craft an exit that honored John, Drake, and the fans.”
A Farewell 51 Years in the Making
You don’t just watch a character for 51 years—you grow up with them. You share your mornings, your heartbreaks, your coffee breaks, and sometimes, even your tears. That’s why when a beloved ‘Days of Our Lives’ star returned for one final appearance, fans didn’t just watch—they felt it deep in their bones.
Who Is the Star Everyone’s Talking About?
Meet the Soap Legend Behind the Headlines
It’s none other than Drake Hogestyn, the man behind the unforgettable John Black. He first stepped into the world of Salem in the mid-1980s, and from that moment on, he wasn’t just acting—he was becoming an icon.
Why the Return Now?
A Story That Deserved a Proper Goodbye
After decades of love triangles, secret identities, resurrections (yes, plural), and countless jaw-dropping plot twists, Drake Hogestyn had quietly stepped back in recent years. But he knew this character needed a true send-off, not a silent fadeout.
Behind the Scenes of the Emotional Reunion
A Return That Was Kept Secret
The showrunners kept the news under wraps to surprise fans—and wow, did it work. When John Black walked through the doors of the Brady Pub in the latest episode, time seemed to freeze for longtime viewers.
H3: Cast and Crew Couldn’t Hold Back Tears
Reports from the set described an atmosphere that was more like a reunion than a shoot. Hugs, tears, and heartfelt speeches filled the room as the actor filmed what could be his last scene.
The Scene That Broke Everyone’s Heart
A Moment Full of Nostalgia and Gratitude
John Black’s farewell wasn’t over-the-top. It was real, grounded, and honest. It was the kind of scene that says, “Thank you for letting me be part of your story.” His final exchange with Marlena? Gut-wrenching. Their chemistry hasn’t aged a day.
A Toast to a Lifetime of Memories
In a quiet moment, surrounded by friends and family, John raised a glass and said, “Here’s to love, to family, and to finding our way back—no matter how far we stray.”
Goosebumps, right?
The Impact of John Black on Soap Opera History
More Than a Character—A Cultural Staple
John Black wasn’t just another guy in a suit on daytime TV. He was a symbol of redemption, loyalty, and romance. He made mistakes, sure, but he always found his way back.
H3: Generations Watched Him Grow
Some fans have literally grown up watching John Black. Mothers passed the tradition down to daughters. He became a part of the family.
Social Media Reaction: A Digital Tidal Wave of Emotion
#FarewellJohnBlack Goes Viral
Within minutes of the episode airing, the internet exploded. Fans posted screenshots, video tributes, and personal stories using hashtags like #ThankYouDrake and #FarewellJohnBlack.
Even Celebrities Weighed In
Several former cast members and even celebrities outside the soap world paid tribute. One tweet read:
“Daytime TV won’t be the same without John Black. Thank you for the memories, Drake Hogestyn.”
The Most Memorable Moments of John Black’s Journey
1. The Amnesia Twist
When John believed he was Roman Brady—soap opera storytelling at its best.
2. His First Kiss with Marlena
You could practically hear hearts thudding across America.
3. The Wedding to Marlena
Elegant, emotional, and unforgettable.
4. Faking His Death (Again)
Let’s be honest, this happened more than once—and fans loved every second.
5. Saving Salem (Multiple Times)
From bombs to brainwashing, John always came through.
What Does This Mean for ‘Days of Our Lives’?
The End of an Era, The Start of a New Chapter
John Black’s departure marks a shift in the show’s timeline. It’s a moment of reflection and transition.
Can the Show Survive Without Him?
Absolutely. But it won’t be the same. And maybe that’s okay. Change is part of storytelling, even if it stings.
Will Drake Hogestyn Ever Return?
Never Say Never in Salem
Soap operas are notorious for bending the rules of reality. When asked about a future comeback, Drake smiled and said, “In Salem? Anything’s possible.”
Fans are holding onto that maybe.
Fan Tributes and Letters Pour In
Stories That Span Decades
One fan wrote, “My grandmother introduced me to ‘Days’ because of John. Now my daughter watches with me.” That’s the kind of legacy you can’t write into a script.
What Made This Farewell So Powerful?
It Was Earned
This wasn’t a stunt or a ratings grab. It was a real, human goodbye—the kind that leaves a mark.
It Spoke to All of Us
John’s final words weren’t just for Marlena or the cast. They were for us, the viewers. The ones who stayed through all the highs and lows.
Final Thoughts: A Goodbye That Will Echo Through Time
The world of ‘Days of Our Lives’ will continue, as it should. But John Black’s chapter has closed, and it did so with the kind of grace, heart, and honesty you rarely see in daytime television.
It wasn’t just a goodbye to a character. It was a goodbye to an era, to a piece of our shared emotional history.
So thank you, Drake Hogestyn. Thank you, John Black.
