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4 Beloved Days Of Our Lives Stars Who Have Recently Died: The Shocking Details Behind Their Passing

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The world of daytime drama is currently mourning the loss of several beloved figures from the iconic soap opera, Days of Our Lives (DOOL). As of December 23, 2025, the community is still reeling from the shocking and recent passing of a young actor in January, alongside the tributes for a soap opera legend who died late last year. This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date look at the stars we have lost, exploring their legacies and the tragic circumstances of their deaths.

The continuous flow of news regarding the passing of actors from the fictional town of Salem has left the show's dedicated fanbase in a state of deep reflection. From long-running veterans who defined the show for decades to younger talents whose lives were cut tragically short, the impact of these losses is immense, reminding everyone of the tight-knit community that is the world of soap operas.

The Tragic Loss of Francisco San Martin (Dario Hernandez)

The most immediate and heartbreaking news to hit the Days of Our Lives family is the passing of actor Francisco San Martin. His death in early 2025 sent shockwaves across the industry due to his young age and the tragic circumstances involved.

Biography Profile: Francisco San Martin

  • Full Name: Francisco San Martin
  • Born: 1985
  • Died: January 16, 2025
  • Age: 39
  • Cause of Death: Suicide
  • DOOL Role: Dario Hernandez
  • Years on DOOL: 2010–2011 (and a few episodes in 2017)
  • Other Notable Roles: The Bold and the Beautiful (as Marco Dominguez), Jane the Virgin (as Mateo's father), and various appearances in other television series.
  • Hometown: Los Angeles, California (at the time of death)

Francisco San Martin, who played the character Dario Hernandez on Days of Our Lives, died at his home in Los Angeles on January 16, 2025. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office confirmed the cause of death as suicide, a detail that has brought immense sadness to his colleagues and fans.

His character, Dario Hernandez, was the brother of Rafe Hernandez and Gabi Hernandez. Dario was known for his dramatic storylines involving crime and his relationship with Nicole Walker. Although his time on the show was relatively brief, his performances were memorable, establishing him as a talented young actor in daytime television.

San Martin’s passing at just 39 years old highlights the often-unseen struggles faced by those in the entertainment industry. Tributes poured in from former co-stars and the wider soap community, emphasizing his kind nature and promising career.

The Enduring Legacy of Drake Hogestyn (John Black)

In a major loss that impacted the entire soap opera landscape, veteran actor Drake Hogestyn, who played the enigmatic John Black, passed away in September 2024.

A 38-Year Run as John Black

Drake Hogestyn was synonymous with the character of John Black for nearly four decades. He first appeared on Days of Our Lives in 1986, and his character quickly became a cornerstone of the show, known for his mysterious origins and heroic deeds. The love story between John Black and Marlena Evans (played by Deidre Hall) is considered one of the most iconic romances in soap opera history, affectionately known by fans as "Jarlena."

Hogestyn’s death was confirmed by his family in late September 2024. The actor was 70 years old. His family revealed that the cause of death was pancreatic cancer, a battle he had been quietly fighting. Hogestyn’s dedication to the role and his connection with the audience cemented his status as a daytime legend, making his absence a profound one for the show and its viewers.

Remembering Other Recent DOOL Stars Who Passed

The community also recently bid farewell to other pivotal figures whose work contributed significantly to the show’s rich history and the broader world of television. These losses further underscore a period of great sadness for the cast, crew, and dedicated fans.

Wayne Northrop: The Original Roman Brady

Wayne Northrop, the actor who originated the beloved role of Detective Roman Brady, died at the age of 77. Northrop passed away in late November, succumbing to complications arising from early onset Alzheimer's disease.

Northrop played Roman Brady from 1981 to 1984, establishing the character as a key figure in Salem. He later returned to Days of Our Lives to play a completely different character, the villainous Alex North, from 2005 to 2006. His dual roles demonstrated his versatility and deep connection to the DOOL universe. He was also known for his work on the prime-time soap Dynasty, where he played Michael Culhane.

Sally Kirkland: Oscar Nominee and Tracey Simpson

Oscar-nominated actress Sally Kirkland, who had a memorable run on Days of Our Lives, also passed away recently at the age of 84. Kirkland, a celebrated screen icon with a six-decade career, died in hospice care in Palm Springs after a long health fight.

While her career spanned celebrated films like Anna (for which she received an Academy Award nomination) and television, soap fans remember her for her 1999 arc as Tracey Simpson on Days of Our Lives. Her presence, though brief, brought significant star power and gravitas to the show, cementing her place among the many talented individuals who have graced the soap opera stage.

The Enduring Impact on the Days of Our Lives Family

The recent string of deaths—from the tragic, unexpected loss of Francisco San Martin to the passing of soap veterans like Drake Hogestyn and Wayne Northrop—has had a profound emotional effect on the Days of Our Lives community. The show, which has been on the air since 1965, prides itself on its close-knit cast and crew, often referred to as a family.

The characters these actors played are woven into the fabric of Salem. John Black, Dario Hernandez, Roman Brady, and Tracey Simpson all contributed to the complex, interwoven storylines that keep millions of viewers tuning in daily. The tributes shared on social media by current and former co-stars, including Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans), Kristian Alfonso (Hope Brady), and others, show a genuine outpouring of grief and respect for their lost colleagues.

As the show moves forward, the legacies of these talented individuals will undoubtedly be honored both on-screen and off. The memories of their performances, their contributions to the world of daytime drama, and their personal lives will continue to be cherished by the millions of fans who welcomed them into their homes for years.

This period of mourning serves as a powerful reminder of the deep, lasting connections forged through decades of storytelling. The stars of Days of Our Lives may be gone, but their impact on the soap opera world remains eternal.

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