Drake Hogestyn, who was a 38-year-long fixture on "Days of Our Lives," passed away on Saturday, according to his family. He was seventy years old.

In a statement, the actor's family stated that Hogestyn passed away after "putting up an unbelievable fight" against pancreatic cancer on the day before his 71st birthday, as Breitbart News reported.

“He was the most amazing husband, father, papa, and actor. He loved performing for the ‘Days’ audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business,” the statement, signed “The Hogestyn Family,” continued.

“We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives.”

Final On-Screen Performance

His final appearance on the program occurred in an episode that broadcast on September 9. John and Marlena Evans (portrayed by Deidre Hall) were a long-standing supercouple on "Days of Our Lives."

“This is a very difficult one for all of us,” said Ken Corday, the executive producer of “Days of Our Lives.”

“Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched.”

The Late Actor's Family

His wife Victoria, their four children, Rachael, Ben, Whitney, and Alexandra, and their companions, as well as seven grandchildren, survive Hogestyn.

Hogestyn was a baseball player who played for a minor league team affiliated with the New York Yankees prior to turning to acting.

Several "Days of Our Lives" cast members, including Alison Sweeney, who portrayed Sami Brady until 2014, have paid tribute to Hogestyn on social media.

From Fellow Actors

“Drake was an incredible man. He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set,” Sweeney wrote on Instagram.

“My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke & every hug.”

Kristian Alfonso, who portrayed Hope Williams Brady, shared a video montage that included photographs of her and Hogestyn. She stated in the caption that Hogestyn was a "hero" to the actors.

“I’ll always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband and dear friend but mostly an incredible, passionate human being, generous and immensely kind, always,” she wrote on Instagram.