Matt LeBlanc’sDays of Our LivesCharacter inFriendsWas Named After Late Soap Star Drake Hogestyn

Mar. 15, 2025

Matt LeBlanc (left) and Drake Hogestyn.Photo:Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Chic Donchin /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Chic Donchin /American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

Late soap opera star Drake Hogestyn had such an iconic on-screen presence that he was parodied onFriends.

In the hit NBC comedy show, which follows a group of six friends as they navigate their lives in New York City,Matt LeBlancportrayed aspiring actor Joey Tribbiani, who rose to fame for his role in the fictional show-within-a-show take on the soap operaDays of Our Lives.

Hogestyn — whodied at age 70on Saturday, Sept. 28, following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis — famously portrayed the character John Black in the real-life daytime series for nearly four decades from 1986 to 2024.

Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani in ‘Friends’.J. Delvalle/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

J. Delvalle/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

InFriends, LeBlanc’s character in the fictional parody was Drake Ramoray, and he was always thought to have been named after the soap opera star. Much like in the real-life show, Ramoray had an exaggerated character arc filled with drama, all of which was seen only in brief snippets throughout the sitcom’s run.

The character Ramoray, a doctor, was first introduced in the season 2 episode “The One with the Russ” when Joey auditioned for the show and landed the role after a rocky experience with a casting director.

Drake Hogestyn as John Black in ‘Days of Our Lives’.Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Frank Carroll/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

While Hogestyn never commented publicly on theFriendscharacter who shared his name, his castmateAlison Sweeney— known for playing Sami Brady inDays of Our Lives —toldCinemaBlendin February that she and her costars would “would watch every week that Joey was onDays of Our Lives.”

“It was such a fun ongoing story to watch onFriends, and it made us laugh. It just had such a sense of humor about what we do, and we just loved it,” said Sweeney, 48.

Sweeney ended up being cast in a short role inFriends, fittingly playing an actress in the fictional version of the soap opposite Joey.

Drake Hogestyn in 2008.Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

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“This is a very difficult one for all of us,“Days of Our Livesexecutive producer Ken Corday said in a statement to PEOPLE. “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.”

Sweeney posted a sweet tribute to Hogestyn onInstagram, calling him “an incredible man.”

“He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every single scene, every person,” she wrote.

She added, “He lovedDays, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set. My heart breaks for his family, they meant everything to him. He was such a huge part of my life atDays. I will miss him terribly and treasure every story, every joke and every hug.”

source: people.com