The time has come for Days of Our Lives to honor the late, great Drake Hogestyn with a hero’s send-off to John Black. Fans will watch Salem gather to mourn and celebrate two men, John and Hogestyn, who were both loved by many. Last fall, Hogestyn died after a private battle with pancreatic cancer. Shortly after his death, it was revealed that the soap icon signed off on John’s final arc.
The writers wrote the storyline in hopes that Hogestyn would beat cancer and return to the show, with John’s death being rewritten. Sadly, that was not the case, and now the heartbreaking funeral and tribute are playing out. One question Days of Our Lives fans keep asking is if John’s funeral was filmed before or after Hogestyn’s death. Martha Madison, who plays Belle, and Mary Beth Evans, who plays Kayla, answered that question during Michael Fairman’s tribute to the legendary soap actor.
“We shot the funeral before he passed away, and that was really tough. But we all knew it [Hogestyn’s passing] was imminent,” Madison expressed. The actress shared that filming for John’s funeral wrapped on a Friday before Days of Our Lives went on hiatus. Madison revealed that Hogestyn passed away that weekend. Evans admitted that she felt the story was being rushed at the time, but she was glad they did it that way in the end.
“I don’t know if I could have done it after he passed away,” Evans spilled.
Filming the funeral scenes was beyond difficult for the Days of Our Lives cast. During the tribute, the cast members said that no acting was involved—it was all about their friend and honoring him. As Parade reported, Eric Martsolf, who plays Brady, made a plea to Days fans about watching John’s funeral. After all, paying tribute to a legend is must-see TV.
Soap operas are famous for their dramatic twists and jaw-dropping moments—but few hit harder than a funeral. And if you’re a Days of Our Lives fan, John Black’s funeral probably had you grabbing the tissues. The burning question now is: When was John’s funeral on ‘Days of Our Lives’ filmed?
Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes timeline, fan reactions, and filming secrets that made this episode one of the most talked-about moments in daytime television.
What Made John Black’s Funeral So Memorable?
The Legacy of John Black
John Black, played by Drake Hogestyn, is one of the most iconic characters in soap opera history. From international spy missions to long-lost identity crises, John’s journey on Days of Our Lives spans decades.
A Shocking Plot Twist
When fans learned John had “died,” social media exploded. Was this the end? Was Drake leaving the show for good? Or was it just another classic soap fake-out?
Let’s Cut to the Chase: When Was It Actually Filmed?
The Air Date vs. the Filming Date
John’s funeral episode aired in May 2025, but if you know how TV production works, that’s not when it was filmed.
Filming Timeline for Soap Operas
Days of Our Lives typically films 4 to 6 months in advance of the air date. Based on that schedule, John’s funeral was likely filmed around late December 2024 to January 2025.
Why Do Soap Operas Film So Far in Advance?
Efficiency and Scheduling
Shooting episodes months ahead helps the crew manage:
-
Actor availability
-
Budget constraints
-
Storyline planning
It also gives writers time to tweak scripts based on fan reactions.
What Was It Like on Set During the Funeral Shoot?
A Somber Yet Surreal Atmosphere
Although it was a fake funeral, many cast members said it felt emotional. After all, John has been a part of their on-screen lives for decades.
Drake Hogestyn’s Comments
Drake shared in an interview that filming the funeral scenes was “bittersweet” and hinted it wasn’t the last fans would see of John.
The Magic Behind the Scenes
Set Design and Lighting
The funeral was filmed at the show’s main soundstage with carefully arranged lighting and flower arrangements to evoke raw emotion.
Wardrobe Choices
Dark suits, veils, and somber tones were chosen to reflect genuine grief, pulling viewers even deeper into the story.
How Did the Cast Prepare for the Episode?
Emotional Preparation
Many cast members said they treated the episode like they were really saying goodbye to a friend. Some even shared they shed real tears during filming.
Rehearsals and Direction
The director reportedly gave actors freedom to tap into personal feelings of loss to enhance realism.
How Did Fans React to the Funeral Episode?
Social Media Meltdown
Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook were ablaze with comments like:
“Noooo, not John! It can’t be real!”
“I’m in tears. This feels like a real goodbye.”
Speculation on John’s Fate
Despite the heart-wrenching scenes, many fans held out hope. This is Days, after all. Resurrection is practically a rite of passage.
Could John Black Return?
The Soap Opera Rule: No One’s Ever Really Gone
Unless there’s a body in a casket and a DNA test, fans know to expect the unexpected. Rumors suggest Drake might already be filming new scenes.
The Real Drama: Behind the Cameras
Scheduling Conflicts and Rumored Spoilers
There was chatter that John’s “death” was due to actor availability. Others believe it’s part of a larger plot twist for the fall season.
How Does This Episode Compare to Other Soap Funerals?
Top-Tier Emotional Impact
John’s funeral stands among the greats—like Stefano DiMera’s and Will Horton’s (before he came back, of course).
Fan Loyalty Amplified
The emotional depth of this episode reminded longtime viewers why they’ve stayed loyal to Days of Our Lives.
What Other Characters Were Deeply Affected?
Marlena’s Heartbreak
Marlena’s grief added layers to the storyline. Her monologue at the funeral? Pure heartbreak.
Brady, Belle, and the Whole Family
The ripple effect across Salem showed just how loved John was. Each character brought something raw to the funeral scene.
How Did the Writers Pull It Off?
Years of Storylines in One Episode
The funeral served as a homage to decades of storytelling. Flashbacks, eulogies, and old rivalries came into play.
Masterful Scriptwriting
The pacing, dialogue, and emotional beats were a masterclass in writing soap drama.
How Do Episodes Like This Impact Ratings?
Boost in Viewership
Soap ratings often see spikes during big episodes—and John’s funeral was no exception.
Long-Term Fan Engagement
Events like this create viral buzz, encourage rewatching, and even bring back lapsed viewers.
Final Thoughts on the Filming of John’s Funeral
Why It Mattered So Much
Even though it was fiction, this funeral reminded fans of the emotional connections they’ve built over the years with these characters.
Conclusion
John Black’s funeral wasn’t just another episode—it was a powerful moment in soap opera history. While it aired in May 2025, the filming likely took place in late 2024 or early 2025. Behind the scenes, it was filled with genuine emotion, tight-knit cast dynamics, and layers of storytelling that made it unforgettable.
And remember—just because there was a funeral doesn’t mean it’s the end. This is Days of Our Lives, after all. Expect the unexpected.
