Friday, May 4, 2012

David Naughton

Nothing against John Travolta, but he has the career that David Naughton should have had. Like Travolta, he was first noticed on television. Unlike Travolta, the public saw him sing and dance before they noticed his acting abilities.

In the late 1970's, David Naughton was seen by just about every baby boomer in America as the song and dance spokesman for Dr. Pepper. It was almost impossible during that time period not to know the "be a pepper" song  which associated him with the famous soft drink.


It wasn't until 1981 that the public saw he could act when he had the starring role in the John Landis classic, An American Werewolf in London. This was followed by the less successful Hot Dog...the Movie and a couple of short-lived television series, At Ease and My Sister Sam.

David Naughton is still working as an actor, but usually in small roles that go unnoticed. This is a shame for he has the charm for a romantic comedy, the singing and dancing skills for a musical, and the talent to carry a more serious piece. I guess until Hollywood opens her eyes, he will just have to settle for Not Very Famous...but should be.

4 comments:

  1. Don't forget he had a short lived television series called "Making It". There was a popular dance record of the same name released. I'm proud to be the owner of. Just met him at the last Hollywood Autograph show. He was very nice. I agree, he should have had John Revolta's career.

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    1. Ha ha! I used to call him John Revolting, myself. (He won me over with "Staying Alive" and "Phenomenon" so I admit he does have talent.) Re David Naughton: The wolf-up scene in "American Werewolf" is still the best ever, and David Naughton was terrific throughout the movie. Yes, a very underrated talent.

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  2. An American Werewolf in London is one of my favorites! It's a great combination of creepy, macabre, and at times hilarious. I can't imagine anyone but David Naughton in that role. And now I'm craving a Dr. Pepper but there's none in the house...

    Don

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    1. It's one of my favorite movies as well. I love so many films that were made between 1968 and 1984. There was such an originality to them that one just doesn't see today.

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