In the world of daytime television, few relationships have captivated audiences like that of John Black and his daughter Belle on Days of Our Lives. Behind the scenes, the bond between actors Drake Hogestyn and Kirsten Storms was equally compelling. Recently, Storms opened up about her deep connection to Hogestyn, shedding light on their personal and professional relationship, and the profound impact of his passing.
In 1999, at just 14 years old, Kirsten Storms joined Days of Our Lives as Belle Black, the daughter of the show's iconic couple, John Black (Drake Hogestyn) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). Transitioning from Disney projects like Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, Storms found herself immersed in the fast-paced world of soap operas. Working alongside seasoned actors, she quickly adapted, crediting Hogestyn and Hall for their guidance and support during her formative years on the show.
“Deidre Hall would not take any excuses, and I loved that,” Storms recalled.
“I wanted to show her I was capable of [doing the work]. It was one of the best learning experiences I could have had at 14”.
Storms' relationship with Hogestyn extended beyond their on-screen roles. She dated Hogestyn’s son, Ben, for a period, which allowed her to spend considerable time with the Hogestyn family. This personal connection deepened her appreciation for Drake, whom she described as always being in a good mood and fully committed to his work.
“He just was my favorite person there and a legend. So happy and always in a good mood.
And prepared. He did his 100 percent best job always,” Storms shared.
Drake Hogestyn passed away on September 28, 2024, just one day shy of his 71st birthday, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Storms expressed that his death still feels surreal, noting that she hadn’t seen him in a while, which makes it hard to accept that he’s gone. Her sentiments echo those of many in the Days of Our Lives community, who continue to mourn the loss of a beloved colleague and friend.
“I was really upset when I heard he had passed. But again, I don’t feel like that’s even set in for me, really,” she admitted.
Storms left Days of Our Lives in 2004, marking the end of a significant chapter in her life. She described her departure as bittersweet, having formed a familial bond with the cast and crew during her five-year tenure. The experience not only honed her acting skills but also left her with lasting memories and relationships that she cherishes to this day.
“When I left DAYS [in 2004], I had a lot of sad feelings about it, just because I had grown a family there,” she reflected
As Storms continues her role as Maxie Jones on General Hospital, she carries with her the lessons and memories from her time on Days of Our Lives. Her reflections on Drake Hogestyn serve as a testament to the profound impact he had on those around him, both professionally and personally. Through her words, fans gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the beloved character of John Black, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Drake Hogestyn's portrayal of John Black made him a staple in the world of daytime television, and his influence extended far beyond the screen. For Kirsten Storms and many others, his mentorship, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his craft left an indelible mark. As the soap opera community continues to honor his memory, his legacy lives on through the stories he helped tell and the lives he touched.
