John Hoogenakker is an American actor with a diverse career spanning stage, screen, and commercials. Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hoogenakker’s early exposure to performance came through choir, children’s theatre, and his involvement in the debate team at South Mecklenburg High School. His professional acting career began in 1999, after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. His early stage work included notable performances in Shakespearean plays like Antony and Cleopatra and Hamlet.
Hoogenakker’s television career has seen him take on a variety of roles across several popular series. He is well recognized for playing Lt. Spellman on Chicago Fire and Matice in the thriller Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan on Prime Video. He also appeared in Castle Rock as Carl Wilkes and portrayed Randy Ramseyer in the Hulu limited series Dopesick. His notable presence in these series has earned him recognition in the television industry.
In addition to his television work, Hoogenakker gained significant commercial fame for his portrayal of the Bud Light King in the brand’s iconic Dilly Dilly commercials. His theatrical work also includes a long history with various prestigious theaters, including the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, where he showcased his versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. Throughout his career, Hoogenakker has built a reputation for his strong stage presence and his ability to bring complex characters to life on screen.
