Donald Drake Hogestyn September 29, 1953 – September 28, 2024
Drake Hogestyn was drafted by two professional baseball organizations: the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. Hogestyn signed with the Yankees and played third base for one of their farm teams until he was injured in 1977. He began his acting career by entering aColumbia Picturestalent search that included 75,000 people.
Hogestyn was among the 30 selected, and his first starring role was on the prime time seriesSeven Brides for Seven Brothers.
After a few minor roles (one as Kort, leader of the Micro Workers in the episode 'Princess Metra' on the 80s television seriesOtherworld), Hogestyn joined the cast ofDays of our Livesin 1986. He initially played a mystery man referred to simply as "The Pawn." However, it was soon revealed The Pawn was the presumed deadRoman Brady. Hogestyn quickly became a fan favorite and enjoyed many pairings, the most popular of which was with longtime co-star Deidre Hall. In 1998, while starring onDays,Shelley Longenlisted Hogestyn to join her for the upcoming seriesKelly, Kelly. He was set to star in both until the filming of the pilot episode ofKelly, Kellyconflicted with his schedule onDays, and the role went toRobert Hays.
In 1991,Wayne Northropagreed to return toDaysto reprise his role of Roman. In order to keep both actors on the show, Drake's story wasretconned, and his past was rewritten. Despite this change, Hogestyn remained one of the show's most popular actors. The pairing ofJohn Black and Marlena Evans(Deidre Hall) is one of the show's enduringsupercouples.
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