John Hoogenakker is rapidly becoming a prominent name in Hollywood, showcasing his talents across film, television, and stage. With highly anticipated roles in major upcoming projects, including Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another”, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, and Amazon’s thriller “G20” with Viola Davis, Anthony Anderson, and Anthony Starr, 2025 is set to be a landmark year for John Hoogenakker. Further solidifying his position, he will also join the cast of Apple TV+’s acclaimed series “The Morning Show” with Reese Witherspoon, adding to his already impressive repertoire.
Hoogenakker has garnered significant critical acclaim and audience appreciation for his portrayal of Randy Ramseyer in Hulu’s gripping limited series “Dopesick”. Sharing the screen with industry giants like Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, and Rosario Dawson, his performance stood out as a highlight of the series. Another role that has cemented his fan-favorite status is his portrayal of Matice, the resourceful black-ops CIA operator in Amazon’s successful series “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”, starring John Krasinski and Wendell Pierce.
His diverse filmography also includes roles in the critically praised “Knox Goes Away”, directed by and starring Michael Keaton, Showtime’s “Waco: The Aftermath”, Starz’s “The Girlfriend Experience” opposite Riley Keough, the action-packed “Public Enemies” with Marion Cotillard and Christian Bale, and the holiday comedy “A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas”.
Born on April 23, 1977, in Charlotte, North Carolina, as John Weston Hoogenakker, his passion for acting ignited early. He began his journey in performance through church musicals, commercials, and the Charlotte’s Children’s Theatre. During his time at South Mecklenburg High School, John Hoogenakker excelled in debate, becoming a two-time state and district champion in Humorous Interpretation, demonstrating his natural talent for performance and engaging audiences.
Continuing to hone his craft, John Hoogenakker attended The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. He immersed himself in the vibrant Chicago theater scene, performing at renowned venues such as The Goodman, Writers’ Theatre, Court Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Steppenwolf Garage. His stage work is remarkably varied, ranging from intense roles like Chris Smith in Tracy Letts’ “Killer Joe” to the iconic character of Hamlet at The Illinois Shakespeare Festival. He also explored unique theatrical forms with the hip-hop group The Q Brothers. A significant moment in his stage career was his critically lauded performance as Willie Oban in the revival of “The Iceman Cometh” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York, sharing the stage with celebrated actors Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy.
Alt text: John Hoogenakker powerfully portrays Willie Oban in “The Iceman Cometh” stage production at BAM, showcasing his dramatic range.
John Hoogenakker made his entry into feature films in 2006 with “Flags of Our Fathers,” directed by Clint Eastwood, where he worked alongside fellow North Carolinian actor George Grizzard. Beyond his on-screen presence, Hoogenakker has established a successful career in commercial voice-over work. His voice has been featured in numerous campaigns for major brands including McDonald’s, BMO Harris, Nintendo, Comcast, and OnStar. He has also appeared in television commercials for high-profile events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics, notably as the “Dilly Dilly King” for Bud Light, in Chevy commercials with Walter the cat, and as a spokesperson for Spectrum.
Alt text: John Hoogenakker, recognized as the Dilly Dilly King in Bud Light commercials, demonstrating his versatility in advertising.
From his early beginnings on stage to his current trajectory in major film and television productions, John Hoogenakker‘s dedication and diverse talents position him as a compelling and enduring figure in the entertainment industry. His upcoming projects are eagerly awaited, promising to further solidify his status as a versatile and sought-after actor.
