John O’Hurley truly believes in the power of listening to your inner voice. “Your purpose in life is to fulfill your imagination,” he recently shared with Closer. “Anything my imagination tells me to do, I have to do it.” This unwavering trust in his instincts has taken him far. Best known for his unforgettable portrayal of J. Peterman, Elaine’s enigmatic boss on Seinfeld, John’s career is much more than that iconic role. The 68-year-old has become a beloved figure in the entertainment world as the long-running host of The National Dog Show, a Thanksgiving tradition for millions. He’s also made waves as a daytime drama star on All My Children, the first-season winner of Dancing With the Stars, and as the host of To Tell the Truth and Family Feud. Beyond television, John has explored composing, singing, writing, and even starring in his own one-man show, A Man With Standards, where he shares stories from his eclectic life and performs classic tunes from the Great American Songbook.
Childhood Dreams and Early Ambitions
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
John recalls that even as a 3-year-old, he knew exactly what he wanted. “With all the dramatic flair that only a toddler can muster, I’d plant my hands on my hips, point to the black-and-white TV in the corner of the living room, and declare, ‘I am an actor, so that’s what I’m gonna be.’” For John, it wasn’t about wanting to be an actor—it was about knowing he belonged there. Television was his world, and he always felt destined to be a part of it. His life has been about connecting the dots as he pursued his dreams, one step at a time.
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Overcoming Doubts and Finding Courage
It sounds like you never doubted this would be your life.
“In my early years, I was constantly performing—doing plays in the basement for my parents, participating in talent shows, and watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson every night. That’s where the actors ended up, and I wanted to be there too,” John says. He performed in every high school show and earned a master’s degree in theater. But as he grew older, the business side of showbiz scared him. “I had to come to terms with the fact that show business is a business first, then the show,” he explains. It took him four years to muster the courage to take another shot at being a working actor. He moved to New York in 1981 and landed his first gig within 48 hours. “And I haven’t stopped working since,” he says with a smile.
Seinfeld: The Career-Changing Role
Of course, everyone remembers you from Seinfeld.
For John, Seinfeld remains the pinnacle of his career. “That show was such a singular moment. It’s an iconic piece of television history, absolutely the best that was ever written,” he says. His time on the show was filled with incredible experiences and unforgettable moments. “It was such a special time, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it,” he adds.
Did you worry about being typecast after Seinfeld? Your career has been incredibly diverse.
John believes that God speaks through imagination. “He puts pictures in your mind of what you’re supposed to be doing. Your rational mind knows everything you’re afraid of and has an agenda, but your imagination? No agenda. It only knows the best of what you’re capable of, and it always pushes you forward to the next thing you’re supposed to do,” he explains. This mindset has allowed him to explore a wide range of opportunities and avoid being pigeonholed.
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Chasing New Adventures
What projects has your imagination led you to pursue?
John’s imagination led him to Dancing With the Stars, where he became the first celebrity contestant. “When they asked me, I thought, ‘You know what? I don’t know how to dance. Shame on me.’ So I did it. It was such a unique challenge, requiring so much physicality, and we did it live. It was a stunningly memorable moment in my career,” he says. The experience pushed him out of his comfort zone and proved to be a defining moment.
Why is connecting with that inner voice so important for everyone?
John is passionate about helping others find their own inner voice. As a motivational speaker, he gives presentations to corporations across the country. His presentation, The Peterman Guide to the Extraordinary Life, offers three principles for achieving greatness: living by imagination, living in the present moment through contemplation, and practicing appreciation. “These principles can transform your life,” he says.
Broadway and Beyond
Your life’s journey has also brought you to Broadway. What was that like?
John has had incredible experiences on Broadway, performing in over 3,000 shows as Billy Flynn in Chicago: The Musical and as King Arthur in Spamalot. “I just love those two shows more than I can say. They’re magical,” he says with enthusiasm.
You’ve also created a touring one-man show.
Yes, it’s a one-man musical called A Man With Standards, which he wrote five years ago. “I talk about growing up in the ’50s and ’60s surrounded by the songs from the Great American Songbook. I use those stories and songs to create a touching and funny experience. People are often surprised by how relatable it is,” he explains.
Thanksgiving Tradition and New Ventures
Since 2002, you’ve been hosting The National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day.
“It’s been an amazing success. Thirty million people tune in to watch dogs being dogs, and it’s truly incredible. It’s become a staple of the Thanksgiving lineup, fitting perfectly between the parade and football,” John says proudly.
Do you have any other exciting projects coming up?
John has partnered with a company called Q5id, which focuses on identity verification. “It’s an app that takes about three minutes to create an applicant ID, including a facial scan, a palm scan, and authentication of your government IDs. You’ll never have to use a username or password again! It’s encrypted and cannot be hacked. With the web becoming darker and more dangerous, Q5id offers a solution that can change the game,” he explains.
What do you enjoy most about where you are now in your life?
“I feel like I’m at a place where I’m supposed to do something great, not just good or serviceable. That’s why I look for companies with culture-changing ideas and work with them,” John says with conviction.
