16: Jon-Erik, have you enjoyed your role as time-traveler Phineas Bogg in Voyagers!?
Jon-Erik: You bet! It’s been the biggest thrill of my life! Mostly, I like Phineas’ character - part macho, part vulnerable - he’s really a lot like me.
16: Did you always plan to be an actor?
Jon-Erik: Actually, when I was a child, I felt confused about a lot of things, but I always wanted to be in show business. I studied voice for six years and also took piano and dance. My mom’s my biggest supporter.
16: Where are you from?
Jon-Erik: Both my parents are Norwegian, but after they moved to the States they settled in Englewood, N.J. I was born there on November 5, 1957.
16: How tall are you and how much do you weigh?
Jon-Erik: I am 6’1” and weigh 190 pounds.
16: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Jon-Erik: Yup - one older brother, Gunnar, who’s living in Boston.
16: How did you get started in show business>
Jon-Erik: I performed on stage in college, in musicals like West Side Story and Pirates of Penzance. I also worked as a disc-jockey for WVIC-FM in Detroit. After I graduated, I headed for New York and pounded the pavement looking for work - while bartending paid my bills! Gradually I got bit parts in soaps like Texas and Another World. I also did a few commercials and summer stock in upstate New York. Out of 300 auditions, I got seven jobs!
16: Sounds like it was rough breaking in!
Jon-Erik: Yeah. But I always persevered. Eventually, I had an audition in Los Angeles for the movie Summer Lovers. I didn’t get the part, but I moved to L.A. Soon after, I read for Voyagers! - NBC liked me and signed me.
16: You’ve been so busy with your career, what do you do to relax?
Jon-Erik: I run on the beach, work-out, play piano. I see plays and movies - all three Rocky’s are favorites ‘cause he always sets such high aspirations. At home in my Van Nuys apartment I’m happy to cuddle with my pooch, Teddy.
16: Have you got a special girlfriend?
Jon-Erik: Oh, no. Some of the biggest disappointments of my life happened after falling in love - once in high school and then in college - both girls dumped me!
16: Really! What do you like in a girl?
Jon-Erik: There’s no special type that I’m interested in. I like women who are themselves - open and real.
16: What’s your favorite kind of date?
Jon-Erik:Oh, definitely a romantic dinner by the ocean - but I hope she likes my favorite foods - pizza, chicken from Jack-in-the-Box and cheesecake - not necessarily together!
16: Would you like to get married, Jon-Erik?
Jon-Erik:Well, yeah, but not for quite a while. I’ve got a lot of things to do for my career.
16: As 16 goes to press, Voyagers! won’t return in the fall - how do you feel about that?
Jon-Erik: Terrible! I love Voyagers! and think it’s an entertaining, respectable and meaningful show. I’m sorry that it was scheduled up against 60 Minutes - the most popular show on television! But if it’s true that Voyagers! is canceled, I will have other projects to work on. Right now, I’m looking at film scripts and as soon as I choose something, I’ll let you know!