Drake Hogestyn, the beloved soap opera star who passed away at 70 on September 28 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, had a lasting impact on television, even inspiring a character on the iconic sitcom Friends.
Hogestyn, who portrayed John Black on Days of Our Lives for nearly 40 years, was parodied through Matt LeBlanc’s character, Joey Tribbiani, who played the fictional role of Drake Ramoray in a soap opera within the show. Ramoray, much like Hogestyn’s character, experienced dramatic and outrageous storylines, captivating audiences in brief glimpses throughout the series.
Ramoray made his debut in the season 2 episode “The One with the Russ,” where Joey’s tumultuous audition for the soap led to his eventual casting. The character faced a series of comedic misadventures, including a controversial interview where he claimed to write his own lines, prompting the show’s writers to kill him off in an elevator accident. He later returned after a bizarre plot twist involving a brain transplant, only to meet an untimely end at the hands of a nurse.
While Hogestyn never publicly addressed the homage, Alison Sweeney, his co-star from Days of Our Lives, shared her delight in seeing Joey’s antics on Friends. “It was such a fun ongoing story to watch… it just had such a sense of humor about what we do,” she noted.
Following Hogestyn’s passing, Days of Our Lives released a heartfelt statement from his family, highlighting his strength and resilience during his illness. Executive producer Ken Corday expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing Hogestyn’s significant contributions to the show.
Sweeney also paid tribute to her late colleague on Instagram, describing him as “funny, generous, and thoughtful,” and recalling the profound bond they shared on set. “My heart breaks for his family… I will miss him terribly,” she wrote.
Hogestyn’s legacy continues to resonate with fans and colleagues alike, ensuring that his impact on television will never be forgotten.
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