The lingering loss of Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn was uppermost in many of their costars’ minds during the recent Day of DAYS fan expo, Stephen Nichols (Steve Johnson) in particular.
Stephen Nichols Honors Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn
In a lengthy, heartfelt Instagram post, Nichols wrote in part: “The most important part of this annual ritual is meeting with those fans, friends of the show and signing photos and having exchanges with them which, due to time constraints, are much too brief. This interaction with our fans, the life blood of Days, was what our beloved Bill Hayes and Drake Hogestyn loved the best.
Bill was our elder statesman, and I’m here to tell you, Drake looked forward to taking on that mantle in later years. He would have been the perfect fit. Unfortunately, that will not come to pass.
“I wanted to speak about Drake at the event, and I wish I had. But I knew, as the mic was passed to me, I still couldn’t do that for more than a few seconds without falling apart. I miss Drake so very much.
“I know so many others feel the same way. There is a huge void at work without Drake’s energy, enthusiasm and dedication…
“Drake absolutely loved his job and Daytime TV culture more so than anyone I have ever worked with. He was ecstatic each year at the prospect of interacting with fans. His moto was always to give you what you came for, whether onstage or in person. He always went above and beyond to do just that.
“The upcoming episodes honoring Bill and Drake were a labor of love on everyone’s part. They were such remarkable people and vital parts of Days, they deserve the most detailed, well-crafted send-off we can give them. That allows those of us who are grieving to carry their example of humility, hard work & kindness forward into our lives.”
View this post on Instagram
A number of Nichols’ fellow DOOLers and a plethora of fans reached out to him in the comments section with words of praise and comfort, including YYCandyT who penned: “Your words are yet again so generous and beautiful. Wishing you lighter days ahead as you all tap into the best of Drake as you swing for the fences. In the meantime, much love to you and the whole cast.”
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