CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- “Dilly Dilly.” It's the catch-phrase taking over the country after a series of Bud Light commercials hit the airwaves. It’s gaining even more attention because of a series of Super Bowl ads. It turns out the star, who’s becoming known as the “Dilly Dilly King” is a native of the Queen City.
John Hoogenakker was born and raised in Charlotte, and he’s a graduate from South Mecklenburg High School.
Performance has always been a part of his life. His first commercial was as a child in Charlotte for a Pepsi/Nascar Numbers spot. In high school, he competed on the Forensics Team. He was even a two-time state champion in Humorous Interpretation, which requires competitors to create original renditions from a piece of literature and entertain the audience.
“Back in high school days I remember thinking if any of us make it somewhere, it's going to be John,” Hoogenakker’s long-time friend Jason Dulin told NBC Charlotte. The two met in Sunday School, and played in a band together.
Hoogenakker studied acting in Chicago, and he graduated from The Theatre School at DePaul University. He’s appeared in TV shows including The Girlfriend Experience, Boss and Chicago Fire. He’s also done commercials for Hyundai, Baskin Robins and even starred alongside Robert De Niro in an ad for Santander Bank.