John Richard Petersen, a native of Schiller Park, Illinois, just outside of Chicago's O'Hare Airport, was destined for the stage from a young age. His early experiences in grade school plays, where he also dabbled in the art of magic, laid the foundation for his blossoming talent in high school drama. Following his graduation from East Leyden High School, John headed west to attend the University of Arizona, where he was awarded a full acting scholarship after his first semester.
Tucson, Arizona, and its old west movie studio location, "Old Tucson," held a special place in John's heart, as he soon found himself on the set of "Little House on the Prairie" and "Father Murphy," as well as Sidney Poitier's films "Stir Crazy" and "Hanky Panky," serving as an extra and stand-in. After three years of college, John made the bold decision to leave his studies behind and move to Hollywood, a choice that would later become one of his biggest regrets.
John's early days in Hollywood involved working as an extra and bit player on many youth-oriented films, but he soon discovered that he was looking too old to be in high school anymore, yet not quite old enough to play adult roles, leading him away from the business. As the years passed, John grew into an adult and eventually found success on stage, taking on leads in numerous local Orange County musical productions, as well as dramas.
This newfound confidence allowed John to return to Hollywood as a full-fledged adult performer. When not in front of the camera, John remains involved with theater throughout Southern California, a testament to his enduring passion for the performing arts.
