The Daytime TV Surprise You Didn’t See Coming
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.
When Kirsten Met Drake: A Teenage Star’s Soap Opera Baptism
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.
Kirsten Storms Drops a Truth Bomb About Her Real-Life Bond With Days of Our Lives’ Icon Drake Hogestyn
This wasn’t just a father-daughter relationship on screen — it was a genuine bond off-screen too.
In the world of daytime television, few on-screen relationships have touched audiences quite like that of John Black and his daughter Belle on Days of Our Lives. But behind the scenes, a story just as heartfelt was unfolding. Kirsten Storms, who portrayed Belle, recently opened up about her deep, personal connection with actor Drake Hogestyn — a bond that transcended the script.
A Screen Father Who Became Her Real-Life Anchor
Kirsten Storms joined Days of Our Lives in 1999 at just 14 years old. She was cast as Belle Black, daughter of the beloved couple John Black (played by Drake Hogestyn) and Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall). Coming from Disney projects like Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, Kirsten was new to the fast-paced, emotionally intense world of soap operas — and that’s when she met Drake.
“Drake wasn’t just a co-star. He was a protector. A father figure to me at a time I needed one most,” Storms shared.
Drake helped guide her not just in acting but in life. “He made sure I was eating, taking breaks, staying grounded. If I was nervous about a scene, he was the one to pull me aside and reassure me.”
More Than Just Lines: A True Father-Daughter Bond
Their connection went beyond work. Kirsten affectionately called him “Papa D” and frequently shared behind-the-scenes memories on social media. Drake, in turn, showed up for her big life events — from her high school graduation to birthdays and more.
“When I moved on to General Hospital, he was the first to call and tell me how proud he was,” she recalled. “I always knew he loved me like one of his own.”
A Heartbreaking Loss
When Drake Hogestyn passed away, it wasn’t just a loss to the soap opera world — it was a deeply personal heartbreak for Kirsten.
“I cried for days,” she confessed. “I still can’t bring myself to watch our old scenes. I miss hearing him say ‘Hey, kiddo’ more than anything.”
The grief, she said, was like losing a second father. She stayed in close contact with Drake’s real family and has shared how much their love and support have meant during this time.
Honoring His Legacy
Despite the pain, Kirsten is determined to honor Drake’s legacy. She is currently planning a short film in his memory and is working on compiling untold stories and behind-the-scenes footage to share with fans.
“He always said, ‘Put your heart into every line, and you’ll reach theirs.’ I carry that with me every day.”