John O’Hurley, a name synonymous with wit, charm, and a commanding stage presence, is more than just J. Peterman from Seinfeld. This exceptionally tall and strikingly handsome actor, who playfully admits to having “cornered the market on arrogance and pomposity,” has cultivated a public persona as captivating as his performances. His physical stature alone commands attention, a fact humorously acknowledged in headlines that have declared, “A hunk is born” upon his stage appearances. But beyond the charisma and the striking looks, John O’Hurley is a multifaceted talent, currently captivating audiences as Billy Flynn in the Tony Award-winning musical Chicago.
John O'Hurley as Billy Flynn in Chicago, photographed by Lori Mars, showcasing his charismatic stage presence at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Currently gracing the stage at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) from May 2nd to 7th, John O’Hurley stars in Chicago, the sensational musical satire set in the roaring twenties. This theatrical masterpiece, a six-time Tony Award winner, holds the distinction of being the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, boasting over 8,483 performances as of April 16th. Only the British Phantom of the Opera surpasses its longevity. Chicago plunges audiences into a world of “sin, corruption, and all that jazz,” a thrilling spectacle of murderesses, cunning lawyers, and dazzling musical numbers.
In this iconic production, John O’Hurley embodies the slick and silver-tongued criminal defense lawyer, Billy Flynn. It’s a role he has inhabited over 1,500 times, a testament to his enduring connection with the character and the show. When asked about maintaining freshness in each performance, O’Hurley reveals his nightly ritual: “I start every night with a prayer: God, let me be surprised. Most times, I am.” His commitment to spontaneity is evident in his performances, often alongside carefully selected casts that ensure palpable on-stage chemistry. O’Hurley regards Chicago, penned by the legendary duo John Kander and Fred Ebb with Bob Fosse’s groundbreaking choreography, as their magnum opus, placing it among the top five musicals of all time for its choreography, music, and compelling narrative. He also jokingly acknowledges one of the perks of the role – being surrounded by talented performers in striking costumes each night.
The allure of Chicago is amplified by its unforgettable score, featuring classics like “All that Jazz,” “Razzle Dazzle,” the poignant “Class,” “When You’re Good to Mama,” and the audience-favorite “Mr. Cellophane.” The choreography is pure Fosse, characterized by its distinctive jazz hands, finger pops, pelvic thrusts, and hat tips – a style affectionately termed “Fosse-osity” by O’Hurley. He describes the narrative structure as a series of vignettes, each spotlighting one of Flynn’s captivating clients – the murderesses. “Connecting the dots. Black and white on canvas. Lighting and movement,” O’Hurley explains, emphasizing the show’s rhythmic essence, “The skits move one to another in a jazz beat. There is a jazz beat nuance to the show.”
John O’Hurley’s journey to becoming a celebrated performer has roots in New England. Born in the region, he pursued his education in Massachusetts and Connecticut before graduating from Providence College in 1976. He humorously refers to his alma mater as “time served,” yet his connection remains strong. During his graduation, he received a theater award, notably as the sole theater major at the time. Providence College later bestowed upon him an honorary doctorate, and he proudly serves on the college’s Board of Trustees, especially during their centennial celebrations.
Beyond his professional life, John O’Hurley’s personal life also sparks curiosity. In a candid interview, he addressed some intriguing questions. Regarding his distinguished gray hair, he revealed the transition began after his dark-haired days as the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance in 1984, becoming more apparent during his time on the soap opera Loving. His distinctive, almost British-sounding speech, often perceived as affected, is, in fact, a masterful act of performance. In person, he speaks without affectation, showcasing his genuine voice. As a father who embraced parenthood later in life, O’Hurley reflects on the timing, acknowledging that earlier in his career, “the theater was his lady and his life,” making fatherhood less of a priority. Now, he cherishes his family above all, viewing his career as a means to support them. He delights in being a husband and father to his 12-year-old son, who amusingly sees his father on screen not as “Dad” but as “John the actor.”
John O’Hurley’s talents extend beyond acting. Classically trained in vocals, he is also a self-taught pianist and composer. His multifaceted appeal has earned him accolades, including being named one of People Magazine‘s “Sexiest Men Alive.” He is a published author, with a diverse acting portfolio spanning stage, television, and film. His recognizable face and voice have graced numerous commercials and animated characters, numbering over fifteen. However, for many, John O’Hurley will forever be remembered as J. Peterman from the iconic Seinfeld series, a role that garnered him a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award and propelled him to widespread recognition.
For dog enthusiasts, John O’Hurley is a familiar face every Thanksgiving afternoon as the co-host of the Purina National Dog Show since 2002. A dog lover himself, owning two dogs, he also penned The Perfect Dog, a touching poem for his son that was beautifully adapted into a children’s book. Reflecting on his passion for acting, John O’Hurley distinguishes between television/film and live theater. He appreciates television but professes a deep love for the immediacy of live theater. “With film or TV, you do your acting job, your pages, your lines, often not in sequence. The finished product is in the hands of the editors. It is an editor’s medium,” he explains. “With stage, acting is immediate. You get an organic reaction from the audience. You perform the beginning, the middle and the end. You start innocent, end reflective.” He elaborates on the actor’s control on stage, “For instance, if I have to get a laugh, I can get a laugh. Breathe in and breathe out. It’s all in the timing. You can be silent on stage… you can command the attention of an audience by the power of silence. An actor has earned the right to be silent on stage.”
While time constraints curtailed the interview, the encounter concluded with a photo and autograph, leaving a lasting impression of John O’Hurley as a “very cool, calm, collected and comfortable professional” – and undeniably, extremely handsome and tall.
