How similar are John Black on Days of our Lives and his real life alter ego Drake Hogestyn?
Turns out they both have a Bourne Identity and are united in their passion for Jason Bourne. Together they've been stabbed, shot, trapped, attacked and stalked by a serial killer, a thief and a mad fan.
I caught up with Drake Hogestyn while he was
in town on Friday evening and discovered that he has such a strong connection with John Black he's had trippy moments of becoming him in real life.
As you may know, the character of John Black was inspired by Jason Bourne from The Bourne Identity and the initials of his name reflect the connection. The combo of John and Jason have inspired Drake too - particularly when he has to deal with crazed stalkers - which he does.
He caught a thief on the set of Days' and he literally saved his family from a Crazy about three years ago.
The high octane details from Drake:
Stalked!Drake: Yes, sometimes I think I get myself into situations where I think I have the script on my side and you do get ... I'm a very physical person and I've found myself in situations - more often than I'd like - where there are volatile situations.
I had a stalker come to my house on our anniversary. My family's there, I'm outside and he's jumped the gate and he's chasing my daughter, trying to grab her and my wife came out of the house, he grabbed her, screaming: "Where is he!?".
We had a throw down - it was a very violent throw down - it's like John Black sprang into action. He took care of business.
John Black prevailsDrake: I had a thief in my dressing room. I came back from shooting a scene and there was a guy inside my surf bag - he had my money and he had a screwdriver in his hand - he'd shimmied into the lock.
We went at it right there and John Black prevailed. I knocked a few teeth out, broke a few ribs and put him in the infirmary and he had to go to trial.
My father taught me years ago how to take care of myself, in any situation, to be confident that you will prevail. Strike first, ask later - don't wait around - and I thank him for that. I was a professional athlete so I have that ability that I've been blessed with - I'll protect my family at all costs.