John Black exits Days of Our Lives the same way he entered Salem

The Pawn was bandaged when he arrived in Salem

Drake Hogestyn joined the cast of Days of Our Lives as The Pawn in January 1986. Because of plastic surgery, he was wrapped in bandages and had no memory of his identity. In time, he became the beloved character John Black and remained in the role until January 2009. Hogestyn returned in September 2011 and continued the adventures.

John was last seen in Salem in the September 9, 2024, episode, two weeks before he passed away from pancreatic cancer on September 28. Fans noticed the actor had lost weight in his final scenes and like castmates were shocked and saddened at the news, but the show had to go on despite the heartbreak.

In recent years, Days of Our Lives has lost Bill Hayes (Doug Williams), John Aniston (Victor Kriakis), and Wayne Northrop (Roman Brady/ Dr. Alex North), which makes Hogysten's death more difficult.

John Black's journey in Salem

As The Pawn John did the bidding of Stefano Dimera (Joe Mascola). Robert Poynton initially was the man underneath the bandages due to plastic surgery. There was a memorable scene where during Christmas Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) played Silent Night for The Pawn on the harmonica.

It's ironic that John's death scenes have him in bandages because of the explosion where he was burned. The character will leave the NBC/Peacock soap the same way he entered with his face wrapped tight. DOL fans wonder about the identity of actor who has been portraying John since he returned to Salem but he has not been named.

John finally learned his true identity

Fans noticed on Friday that a tape of Hogysten's voice was used when his character said "That's a fact." At first it was eerie hearing that voice and seeing the stand-in wearing a black hoodie. John's death will take place this week May 26-30 and fans are already saying how devastating this will be.

Over the years The Pawn searced for his true identity which included believing he was Roman Brady, Father John the priest, and Forrest Alamain. Dick Vandyke joined the cast of Days of Our Lives in 2023 as Timothy "Tim" Robicheaux who was John Black's real biological father.

Fans think it's wonderful that this lose end was tied up before Hogysten was diagnosed with cancer. Fank Valentini said he discussed John's death with his portrayor and that the character would return if Drake beat the cancer. Unfortunately that did not happen and now eight months after his death the beloved Salem resident will be laid to rest.

John Black dies a hero saving several lives

John risked his life to get ther versavix for Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) and will die as he lived, a hero. He also saved Dr. Jeffrey Russell's (Michael Deitz's life and his life's work.

Long-time fans could not help but notice the bandages and think back almost 40 years to when Drake Hogysten arrived in Salem as The Pawn. He's been brainwashed, kidnapped, left for dead, and gone on many dangerous missions, and now it's all come to an end.

Be sure you tune in this week to see how John Black is laid to rest. Former cast members are supposed to return, so these episodes should be bittersweet. Hopefully, the Versavix will heal Bo from sepsis, and John will not have died in vain.

Bo and Hope Brady (Kristian Alfonso) will feel sad, as will others, at losing their friend and loved one. They will also be thankful if the medication works and saves additional lives. Remember, Days of Our Lives will air on Monday, which is Memorial Day, so tune in.