Biography
In 2021, acclaimed actor John Hoogenakker stars in Hulu's limited series "Dopesick," alongside Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Kaitlyn Dever, and Rosario Dawson. Based on Beth Macy's New York Times bestselling book, "Dopesick" explores America's opioid crisis, from Purdue Pharma's boardrooms to a struggling Virginia mining town and the DEA's corridors. Hoogenakker delivers a standout performance as Randy Ramseyer, an assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting the high-profile Purdue Pharma case. The series premiered in October 2021.
Besides "Dopesick," Hoogenakker recently appeared on Hulu's mystery series "Castle Rock" as Carl Wilkes, acting opposite Lizzy Caplan. He is widely recognized for his role as Matice, a black-ops CIA operative, in Amazon's hit series "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan," starring John Krasinski and Wendell Pierce. His other credits include "A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas," "Public Enemies" with Marion Cotillard and Christian Bale, USA’s "Colony," STARZ's "The Girlfriend Experience," and Fox’s "Empire," among others.
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hoogenakker discovered his passion for acting early on. A two-time state and district high school debate champion in Humorous Interpretation, he studied at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. He honed his craft on stage, performing at prestigious venues such as The Goodman, Writers' Theatre, Court Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Steppenwolf Garage. His diverse stage roles include Chris Smith in Tracy Letts' "Killer Joe" and Hamlet at The Illinois Shakespeare Festival. At New York's Brooklyn Academy of Music, he earned praise for his portrayal of the troubled, alcohol-dependent Willie Oban in the acclaimed revival of "The Iceman Cometh," alongside Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy.
Hoogenakker’s early on-screen work includes the 2006 film "Flags of Our Fathers," directed by Clint Eastwood. In addition to film and television, he has appeared extensively in commercials, reaching millions nationwide. His campaigns include spots for Pepsi/NASCAR, Baskin-Robbins, Avocados of Mexico, Hyundai, and voice work for McDonald's, BMO Harris, Nintendo, Tyson, Sears, and a Santander campaign with Robert De Niro. Notably, his role as the Bud Light King popularized the phrase "Dilly Dilly," and he recently appeared alongside his sidekick Walter the cat in commercials for Chevy.
When not filming around the globe, Hoogenakker enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors as much as possible.
