How Drake Hogestyn Has Changed Since His Debut On Days Of Our Lives

John Black is one of the most interesting and complicated characters for "Days of Our Lives" fans to understand. The character — portrayed by actor Drake Hogestyn — is one half of the iconic soap opera couple John and Marlena. He's also had some of the most dramatic story arcs to ever be seen on "DOOL." Hogestyn first joined the NBC sudser in 1986 when his character was believed to be Roman Brady, per Soap Central.

Hogestyn held the character of Roman for years before the real Roman returned to Salem. It was later believed that John was Forrest Alamain. He's also thought himself to be a member of the DiMera family. However, John's past is still a huge mystery. He eventually adopted the name John Black and has been living under it for decades. 

Over the years, John has been beaten, kidnapped, brainwashed, and more. However, the love he has for his wife — Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) — never wavered. The couple have even held several epic wedding ceremonies. Interestingly, their 2018 ceremony is the only legal one that they've shared, per Soap Hub. 

John's life in Salem has been anything but calm and peaceful; Hogestyn crafted a very different life for himself in the real world.

According to Soap Hub, Drake Hogestyn shot to fame on "Days of Our Lives." Fans loved him as both Roman Brady and John Black. When budget cuts forced "DOOL" to fire the actor, viewers spoke up so loudly that the show had no choice but to bring him back as John.

Not long after making his "Days of Our Lives” debut, Hogestyn changed his life forever when he married his childhood sweetheart, Victoria. The two live in California and have raised a large family together, per Hollywood Zam. The Hogestyns are proud parents of four children: Ben, Whitney, Alexandra, and Rachael. We think that's proof Hogestyn can hold on to the love of his life both on and off screen.

Sadly, in 2016, Hogestyn suffered a scary and serious injury to the head while filming a stunt for "DOOL." He was forced to take several months off in order to recover from his injuries. When he finally returned to Salem, he was welcomed back by viewers and had a very different look. The actor let his hair go all silver, and he hasn't looked back since. "It was time," he told Soap Opera Digest. "I've got some grown kids on the show. I think there should be a demarcation." The silver fox continues to be one of the soap's most popular characters, and fans love watching his dramatic life unfold on the small screen.