Drake Hogestyn

Drake Hogestyn, born September 29, 1953, is an American actor known for his portrayal of John Black on the American soap opera Days of Our Lives. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Hogestyn attended North Side High School before pursuing higher education at the University of South Florida on a baseball scholarship. Graduating with a double major in microbiology and applied sciences, Hogestyn was drafted by both the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. He chose to sign with the Yankees but suffered an injury in 1977. Hogestyn later entered a talent search by Columbia Pictures, securing his first starring role on the prime time series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.