David Naughton


David Walsh Naughton is an American actor and singer known for his starring roles in the horror film An American Werewolf in London and the Disney comedy Midnight Madness, as well as for a long-running "Be a Pepper" ad campaign for beverage maker Dr Pepper. He also starred in the short-lived sitcom Makin' It and sang its hit theme song "Makin' It", giving him a Top 5 hit on the Billboard charts.

Early life

Naughton was born in West Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Rosemary and Joseph Naughton, both of whom were teachers. He is the younger brother of theater and film actor James Naughton. His family is Irish American. Naughton attended the University of Pennsylvania and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Naughton was an Assistant Stage Manager and Understudy for the Broadway production of Hugh Leonard's Da.

Career

Naughton first became widely known as a result of his four-year stint singing and dancing in television commercials and personal appearances to promote Dr Pepper. He starred in the sitcom Makin' It and hit the Billboard Top Ten in 1979 with the sitcom's theme song, also titled "Makin' It." A US million selling disc, the track also peaked at #44 in the UK Singles Chart. He starred in the Disney comedy Midnight Madness followed by his lead role in the Academy Award-winning horror film An American Werewolf in London. He also appeared in the television series My Sister Sam and also in episodes of MacGyver, Melrose Place, Murder, She Wrote, JAG and Seinfeld. Dr Pepper ended its relationship with Naughton after he appeared naked in An American Werewolf in London.

Filmography

Film

Television

Video games

Theatre