Milt Kogan's life began on April 10, 1936, at the renowned Beth Israel Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the offspring of Eastern European immigrants Mildred and Joseph Kogan.
Milton's formative years were characterized by a plethora of athletic triumphs, with a notable emphasis on basketball, as he secured a coveted spot on the esteemed Camden, New Jersey City All-Star Basketball Team in the year 1953. This remarkable achievement was a testament to his exceptional skills on the court. Subsequently, he was accepted into the prestigious Cornell University, where he emerged as the leading scorer on his college freshman team, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport. However, a severe and debilitating knee injury sustained during his first varsity game effectively brought an abrupt end to his high-level athletic career, marking a significant turning point in his life.
Milt, undeterred by the obstacle, remained steadfast in his pursuit of academic and professional aspirations. He embarked on a rigorous educational journey, ultimately earning a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from a prestigious institution. Subsequently, he further honed his expertise by obtaining a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree from the esteemed University of California, Irvine. As a newly minted physician, Milt's versatility and passion for the performing arts led him to explore the world of acting in Hollywood. He began by securing roles in television commercials, a stepping stone that would eventually pave the way for a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Milton's initial foray into the world of acting yielded a profound impact, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration for his captivating portrayal of relatable, down-to-earth characters that resonated deeply with audiences. This early success, coupled with his personal life, saw him tie the knot with the lovely Dena Lambie, and together they welcomed two precious bundles of joy, Magavin and Teidi.
As his television career continued to soar to new heights, Milt's sense of pride and accomplishment began to give way to a growing sense of discomfort and embarrassment, stemming from his own feelings of being overly successful. This internal conflict ultimately led him to make a bold and unconventional decision, one that would see him leave the bright lights of Hollywood behind and join the esteemed ranks of the United States Peace Corps.
Milton's family relocated to West Africa, specifically Burkina Faso, where he dedicated himself to serving the impoverished for a period of two and a half years. Following his return to California, he pursued a graduate degree in Preventive Health at the University of California, Los Angeles (U.C.L.A.),ultimately earning a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) credential. Unfortunately, his marriage to Dena eventually dissolved in divorce.
Despite being faced with numerous challenges, Milt remained steadfast in his pursuit of dual careers in medicine and acting, throwing himself wholeheartedly into his work with the homeless and mentally ill population in Los Angeles. Throughout his career, he continued to make appearances on prominent television shows, take on roles in films, and showcase his comedic talents in advertisements.
It was during his time as a cowboy doctor in Harlowton, Montana, that Milt crossed paths with Susan Quast, a stunning beauty hailing from the picturesque state of South Dakota. The two eventually tied the knot, embarking on a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure together.
Milt and his devoted spouse, Susan, have been blessed with the joy of parenthood, having welcomed two remarkable children, Jamie and Millay, into their loving family. For the past 35 years, Milt has stood by Susan's side, fostering a lifelong bond that has only grown stronger with each passing day.
In order to stay connected with his children and maintain a sense of closeness, Milt made the courageous decision to join the U.S. Defense Department. He was subsequently assigned to serve with the esteemed U.S. Army in West Germany, where he spent a period of two years.
Milt's extensive medical escapades have afforded him the opportunity to hone his linguistic skills, becoming thoroughly proficient in not one, not two, but three foreign languages: German, French, and Spanish.
In addition to his impressive linguistic prowess, Milt is a voting member of not one, but two esteemed institutions: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the coveted Oscars, and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which bestows the prestigious Emmy awards.
Furthermore, Milt's family is replete with accomplished individuals, as three of his four children have earned law degrees, a testament to their academic achievements. And, in a remarkable display of talent, his son Jamie has established himself as a successful film composer in the heart of Hollywood, a true realization of his creative potential.
Milton and his devoted spouse, Susan, embarked upon a remarkable journey by constructing a serene abode and a thriving agricultural estate in the picturesque coastal town of Oceanside, California.
Within this idyllic setting, Milt continues to hone his medical expertise, providing top-notch healthcare services to the local community, while simultaneously pursuing his passion for acting.
As a testament to his versatility, Milt frequently commutes to the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, where he participates in a wide range of television productions, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and multifaceted individual.
