Drake Hogestyn, 'Days of Our Lives' star, dies at 70

Drake Hogestyn, the “Days of Our Lives” star who appeared on the show for 38 years, died Saturday, his family confirmed. Drake Hogestyn, 'Days of Our Lives' star, dies at 70 The actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and his family said in a statement that Hogestyn died after “putting up an unbelievable fight” against the disease. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business,” the statement, signed “The Hogestyn Family,” continued. Several “Days of Our Lives” cast members have shared tributes to Hogestyn on social media, including Alison Sweeney, who played Sami Brady until 2014.