Entertainment

‘Days of Our Lives' Legends Reunite to Honor Drake Hogestyn

Days of Our Lives fan favorites Charles Shaughnessy (Shane) and Stephen Nichols (Steve) reunited to participate in the PanCan Purple Stride Walk to raise money for pancreatic cancer.

It was a day to remember the late great soap legend Drake Hogestyn(John), who died from pancreatic cancer in September 2024.

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Nichols led the charge as the team captain for Hogey's Home Runner. The name was a nod to Hogestyn's nickname when he was a baseball player.

Shaughnessy posted a picture of him with Nichols at the walk. It was smiles all around for the men, who were there for their friend.

"Congratulations to @stephen_e_nichols and Hogey's Homerunners on raising over $50k to fight Pancreatic cancer! You can still donate at link. Doing it for Hogey!" the soap star shared as his caption.

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Nichols showed up in the comments to thank his pal for being part of the event. "Thanks for coming out and supporting PanCan and Drake, Charlie. So great to see you!💜"

Martha Madison (Belle) also chimed in to say, "So great seeing you today! Xx."

In an interview with CBS LA Mornings, Nichols admitted that Hogestyn would be so proud of people coming together to walk to raise money for pancreatic cancer. "He's the kind of guy who would've been at the forefront of this move me if it had been someone else," Nichols declared.

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This is the second year that the Day of Our Lives family has come together to take part in the walk. Last year, Madison and Eric Martsolf (Brady) were team leaders for the walk.

Related: ‘Days of Our Lives' Star Patrick Muldoon Seen With Former '90s Girlfriend in Final Public Appearance Before His Death at 57

Hogestyn played John Black on the hit Peacock soap for 38 years. The actor was beloved by his co-stars and fans, leaving a major impact on the soap world. He privately battled pancreatic cancer before his death.

In June 2025, Days of Our Livespaid tribute to Hogestyn with emotional episodes that featured John's death. The actor had signed off on the storyline before his death. As loved ones gathered to pay tribute and mourn John, the soap's stars were remembering their friend and mourning him.

Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on Peacock.

Next: ‘General Hospital' Hunk Impresses with Performance Honoring Michael Jackson

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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 11:21 AM.

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