Chicago’s John Beck brings out our animal instincts. Initially he wanted to be a veterinarian, but steered away when he was attracted by show business. We’re glad The Windy City blew this 6’ 2” stunner with the stache to Hollywood because he’s made watching movies and TV a breeze. After making his television debut on a 1965 episode of the fantastical sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, the boob tube babe went on to play Orv Ketcham on the western series Nichols (1971-1972). As a soap opera stud, John was cast as Sam Curtis on Flamingo Road (1980-1982); Dorian Blake on Peyton Place: The Next Generation (1985); Mark Graison on Dallas (1983-1986); David Raymond on Santa Barbara (1991-1992); and Bruce on Passions (2001-2003). Through the years, Beck could be seen in TV movies (The Buffalo Soldiers, The Call of the Wild, Project Viper, Sidekicks, Steel Chariots, The Time Machine) and heard on the animated show Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1995, 1997). Of course, we prefer seeing Beck’s built bod on the big screen. In addition to starring in the romantic flick The Other Side of Midnight (1977), John scored supporting roles in Woody Allen’s sci-fi comedy Sleeper (1973), Sam Peckinpah’s revisionist western Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973), and Norman Jewison’s cult classic Rollerball (1975). The R-rated action movie features a topless James Caan showering with the equally-undressed Bob Minor and John Beck. Glancing at the latter dude’s wet pecs and hairy chest is enough to make you reach for a towel!
