What commercial is John Hoogenakker in?
Exploring the ads that made him a household face
(By Carmichael Phillip)
John Hoogenakker, widely recognized for his acclaimed roles in television series like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and Dopesick, first gained widespread public attention through a memorable series of commercials. In 2017, he became the iconic “Bud Light King,” delivering the now-famous catchphrase “Dilly Dilly” in a medieval-themed campaign that swept pop culture following its Super Bowl debut.
Rise of the Bud Light King
John Hoogenakker first became a national name when he appeared in the Bud Light ad “Banquet,” released in August 2017. In it, he plays a medieval king who repeatedly praises guests with “Dilly Dilly” when they bring Bud Light. A misstep—presenting mead instead—leads to banishment to the “Pit of Misery.” The ad and its sequels turned the catchphrase into a viral meme during football season and even the Super Bowl.
As one local profile noted:
“Actor John Hoogenakker, a Charlotte native, plays the king in the Bud Light commercials that have made ‘dilly dilly’ a national catchphrase.”
Catchphrase Mania: “Dilly Dilly”
The phrase “Dilly Dilly” quickly captured public imagination—used in viral moments, football commentary, wedding toasts, and merchandise. Bud Light continued the medieval saga with follow-up spots like “Pit of Misery,” “Wizard,” and “Bud Knight,” each reinforcing the humorous royal world that Hoogenakker’s character ruled over.
Beyond Bud Light: Spectrum Campaigns
Following his beer-king fame, Hoogenakker became the face of Spectrum Mobile and Spectrum One, starring in a variety of ads from approximately 2021–2023. Notable spots include:
“Pop Quiz: Unlimited $29.99 and Next Line Free”
“Win‑Win‑Win”
“Made to Go Together”
“You Probably Know”
“Surprise”
“Things You Should Really Know”
“Ducks in a Row” (highlighting 5G service and the My Spectrum app)
These ads leveraged his approachable on-screen persona, often with comic timing and relatable everyday setups, building broad brand recognition beyond the beer world.
Viewer & Industry Reactions
Audience and media response to Hoogenakker’s “Dilly Dilly” campaigns emphasized how a commercial role catapulted him into cultural consciousness. Reviewers praised his comedic delivery, noting that Bud Light’s success during that era tied closely to his kingly persona. Similarly, his Spectrum ads were seen as refreshing and humorous—marking him as a dependable face for brand storytelling.
Who Is John Hoogenakker?
John Weston Hoogenakker (born April 23, 1977, in Charlotte, North Carolina) is a versatile actor. He holds a BFA from DePaul University and began acting in commercials and theatre from a young age.
Besides commercials, his prominent roles include Lt. Spellman in Chicago Fire, Matice in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Carl Wilkes in Castle Rock, and Randy Ramseyer in Hulu’s Dopesick.
What Commercial Is He In?
If you’re asking “What commercial is John Hoogenakker in?”, the answer depends on which one:
He is the Bud Light King who introduced “Dilly Dilly” in the 2017 Bud Light medieval campaign, a series of commercials including “Banquet” and others that followed.
He is also the on‑camera face of multiple Spectrum Mobile / Spectrum One commercials from around 2021 to 2023, including “Pop Quiz,” “Win‑Win‑Win,” “Made to Go Together,” and others mentioned above.
Select Quotes from Behind the Scenes
From interviews around the Jack Ryan series, Hoogenakker reflected on his unexpected fame from commercials:
“They talk about how he prepped for his role in ‘Jack Ryan’ … Dilly Dilly!”
Local coverage highlighted his roots and role:
“Actor John Hoogenakker, a Charlotte native, plays the king in the Bud Light commercials that have made ‘dilly dilly’ a national catchphrase.”
Legacy and Impact
Hoogenakker’s “Dilly Dilly” campaign became one of the most recognizable ad campaigns of the late 2010s. It launched a catchphrase into public vernacular and showed how a well-placed actor in a commercial can become a pop culture icon.
His later work with Spectrum shows his adaptability—shifting from medieval humor to modern tech marketing, proving his on-screen charm transcends genre.
Conclusion
In Bud Light ads, John Hoogenakker is the Dilly Dilly King, introduced in 2017’s “Banquet” and followed through subsequent medieval-themed campaigns.
In Spectrum commercials, he is the friendly spokesperson across several campaigns between 2021–2023.
Whether seeking a beer or mobile service, his performances left a lasting impression. His range extends far beyond commercials—appearing onscreen in major scripted roles—but it was the ad world that first brought his face—and his catchphrase—to millions.
John Hoogenakker’s contributions to both commercial and narrative storytelling make him a unique and memorable figure in the entertainment industry to this day.
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