Days of Our Lives star's emotional tribute to TV husband after his death
Deidre Hall has remembered her "gracious and kind" TV husband Drake Hogestyn days after his death.
Hall starred alongside Hogestyn for decades on Days of Our Lives. The longtime co-stars played beloved on-screen couple Marlena and John on the soap opera.
"For nearly 4 decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man," Hall paid tribute to Hogestyn in a statement to Access Hollywood.
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Deidre Hall has paid tribute to her Days of Our Lives' co-star Drake Hogestyn. NBCUniversal via Getty Images
"Marlena's John is an iconic hero, unfailingly rescuing her from all matter of villains. My acting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; flawless in his preparation and ready for any eventuality in any scene."
Hall said Hogestyn was "gracious and kind to everyone" on set.
"Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it."
Hogestyn is survived by his wife Victoria, who he married in 1986, and their four children.
The actress said his "two greatest loves" were his family and the New York Yankees baseball team.
"Drake is dearly loved by everyone who ever knew him and he will be missed beyond measure. We will continue, as he always encouraged us, to swing for the fences."
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"Drake loved what he did and adored and respected everyone with whom he did it." Getty
Hall's heartbreaking tribute comes just days after it was announced Hogestyn died aged 70 following a battle with cancer.
The news was shared in a statement from the actor's family, posted to his Instagram.
"He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination," they said.
Hogestyn starred as John Black on Days of Our Lives for 38 years, joining the show in 1986 – a decade after Hall debuted on the series.
Their on-screen romance went on to become a key part of the popular soap drama, getting married several times on the show.
Hall and Hogestyn's TV chemistry even won them the Favorite Couple trophy at the Soap Opera Digest Awards in 2005.
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