<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 24, 1999
TO
PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 3, 1999
MASSACHUSETTS ONLY
Notwithstanding any language in the prospectus to the contrary, the following
shall apply with respect to policies delivered or issued for delivery in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
(a) The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit feature will apply only during the
first five Policy years.
(b) There is no option to extend the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
feature beyond the first five Policy years and, as a consequence, there
can be no Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Charge assessed under the
Policy.
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JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
SUPPLEMENT DATED MAY 24, 1999
TO
PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 3, 1999
TEXAS ONLY
Notwithstanding any language in the prospectus to the contrary, the following
shall apply with respect to policies delivered or issued for delivery in the
state of Texas:
(a) The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit feature will apply only during the
first five Policy years.
(b) There is no option to extend the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit
feature beyond the first five Policy years and, as a consequence, there
can be no Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Charge assessed under the
Policy.
