Overview

• The soap aired a series of June 2025 episodes that solemnly conclude John Black’s story and honor Drake Hogestyn’s contribution
• Funeral scenes were captured over three days in September 2024, just before Hogestyn died at 70 after his pancreatic cancer battle
• Cast members held hands and drew on genuine grief during filming, foregoing performance for an authentic emotional farewell
• Eric Martsolf said Hogestyn approved the storyline to give fans a meaningful conclusion to John Black’s arc
• Producers secured the actor’s family blessing to weave in flashbacks and heartfelt farewells that commemorate his nearly 38-year run and more than 4,200 episodes