سيرة
John was born on April 5, 1949, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Dr. Owen C. Berg and Evelyn van Emden Berg. He graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1967 and pursued studies at the University of Chicago, Tulane University, and through life experiences.
Throughout his life, John followed a varied career, working as a restaurant manager, rock and roll band manager, bartender, Top 40 and Country Western DJ, ski resort marketing manager in Crested Butte, Colorado, production assistant for Wide World of Sports, and writer for publications including Sports Illustrated. He also worked as a graphic artist for Merrill Lynch in New York, performed voice-over work for radio and television commercials, and was the voice of Dial-a-Pope. As an actor, John had recurring roles on General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, Port Charles, Passions, and The Young & the Restless. After moving to Los Angeles, he increased his acting roles, appearing in films like Star Trek Nemesis and It Could Happen to You, and guest-starring on TV shows such as Monk, Brothers & Sisters, Navy NCIS, Boston Legal, House MD, and many others.
In recent years, John focused on founding a world peace initiative called "Unplug for Peace," encouraging people to disconnect and listen to their inner voice for one day each month to promote global peace. This movement was supported by figures such as Jean Houston, a principal founder of the Human Potential Movement, and Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul. The campaign aimed for a National Day of unplugging on January 28, 2008, marking the 60th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's death. John was also dedicated to helping others achieve sobriety and inner peace.
John's personal interests included snow skiing, traveling, trapeze, hiking, and mountain climbing. On recent adventures, he hiked approximately 10.5 miles each way to Havasu Falls, ascending about 2,500 feet vertically, and took a cruise to Istanbul. A notable accomplishment in his later years was summiting Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the Continental United States, after weeks of preparation with friends.