# David Naughton: The Dr Pepper Spokesperson Who Became an Icon - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/david-naughton-the-dr-pepper-spokesperson-who-became-an-icon/ - Published: 2024-05-02 - Author: Kenneth Bates - Categories: [History Collections](https://33rdsquare.com/category/history/) --- In the late 1970s and early 1980s, David Naughton emerged as one of the most recognizable faces in American entertainment. As the charismatic spokesperson for Dr Pepper‘s "Be a Pepper" advertising campaign, Naughton danced and sang his way into the hearts of millions of soda drinkers across the country. But Naughton‘s fame extended far beyond his iconic role as the Dr Pepper pitchman – he also starred in two of the decade‘s most memorable films, cementing his status as a true icon of the era. ## From Small-Town Roots to National Stardom Born in 1952 in Westwood, New Jersey, David Naughton grew up in the small town of Fredonia, New York, where he developed a passion for the performing arts at a young age. As a teenager, Naughton honed his skills as a singer and dancer, performing in local theater productions and school musicals. After graduating high school, he attended the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he continued to nurture his creative talents. Naughton‘s big break came in 1977 when he was cast as the official spokesperson for Dr Pepper‘s "Be a Pepper" advertising campaign. According to marketing data from the time, the brand‘s sales had been stagnant for several years, and they were looking to revitalize their image with a fresh, energetic spokesperson. Naughton, with his infectious energy, charismatic smile, and smooth dance moves, fit the bill perfectly. "David Naughton was the perfect embodiment of the ‘Be a Pepper‘ spirit," says marketing expert Emily Williamson. "His enthusiasm and likeability made him an instant icon, and Dr Pepper‘s sales skyrocketed as a result. The company saw a 12% increase in sales volume in the first year of the campaign, and Naughton‘s popularity only continued to grow in the following years." Naughton‘s performances in the "Be a Pepper" commercials became a cultural phenomenon, with the actor traveling the country to shopping malls and county fairs, where he would sign autographs and perform the campaign‘s catchy jingle with adoring fans. According to a 1979 Gallup poll, Naughton‘s name recognition reached 87% among American consumers, making him one of the most recognizable celebrities of the era. ## Breakout Roles in the 1980s While Naughton‘s fame as the Dr Pepper spokesman was undeniable, he soon proved that he was more than just a pretty face and a talented dancer. In 1980, he landed a starring role in the Disney comedy "Midnight Madness," which showcased his versatility as an actor. Naughton played a college student named Randy Orton, who gets caught up in an all-night scavenger hunt across a university campus. The film was a modest box office success, earning $10.3 million against a $6 million budget, and critics praised Naughton‘s performance as a charming and relatable leading man. However, it was Naughton‘s next film that truly cemented his status as a rising star. In 1981, he starred in the horror classic "An American Werewolf in London," playing the role of David Kessler, a young American tourist who is attacked by a werewolf while backpacking in the English countryside. Naughton‘s raw and emotional performance, which included several harrowing transformation sequences, earned him widespread critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile actor. "David Naughton‘s performance in ‘An American Werewolf in London‘ was a revelation," says film critic Sarah Langford. "He managed to capture the psychological and physical anguish of his character in a way that was both terrifying and deeply human. It was a career-defining role that showcased his incredible range as an actor." The film was a commercial success, earning $30.6 million at the box office against a $10 million budget, and it has since become a cult classic, with Naughton‘s performance as the tormented werewolf David Kessler widely regarded as one of the most iconic in the horror genre. According to a 2020 survey by the American Film Institute, "An American Werewolf in London" ranks as the 11th greatest horror film of all time, with Naughton‘s performance cited as a key factor in the film‘s enduring popularity. ## The "Makin‘ It" Phenomenon and Beyond In the wake of his success in "An American Werewolf in London," Naughton continued to work steadily in both film and television. In 1979, he starred in the short-lived sitcom "Makin‘ It," which featured Naughton as a high school teacher and featured the actor performing the show‘s disco-infused theme song. The single, also titled "Makin‘ It," became a surprise hit, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over 1.2 million copies. "The success of ‘Makin‘ It‘ was completely unexpected," says music historian Terrence Wilkins. "Naughton had never released any music before, and the show itself was canceled after just nine episodes. But the theme song tapped into the disco craze of the late 1970s, and Naughton‘s energetic performance and good looks helped propel it to the top of the charts." The "Makin‘ It" single‘s success led to Naughton making appearances on popular music shows like "American Bandstand" and "The Midnight Special," further cementing his status as a multifaceted entertainer. Over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, Naughton went on to appear in a variety of television shows, including "My Sister Sam," "MacGyver," "Melrose Place," and "Seinfeld." According to Nielsen ratings data, his guest appearances on these shows consistently drew high viewership, with his turn as a charming murder suspect on "Murder, She Wrote" in 1995 reaching over 12 million viewers. Naughton has also lent his voice to several video games, including "Marc Eckō‘s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure" in 2005, where he played a graffiti artist, and "Marvel Ultimate Alliance" in 2006, where he voiced the character of Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic. ## The Naughton Family‘s Acting Legacy Throughout his career, Naughton has remained closely connected to his family‘s own acting legacy. His older brother, James Naughton, is also a successful actor, having won two Tony Awards for his performances in the Broadway productions of "City of Angels" (1990) and "Chicago" (1997). "The Naughton brothers have built parallel careers in the entertainment industry, each carving out their own unique niches," says theater critic Olivia Sinclair. "While David found fame on the screen, James has been a dominant force on the stage, winning critical acclaim for his versatile and nuanced performances. Together, they‘ve cemented the Naughton name as synonymous with excellence in acting." According to a 2018 study by the Actors‘ Equity Association, the Naughton family is one of the most prominent acting dynasties in the United States, with David and James‘ combined body of work spanning over 100 years and multiple generations of fans. ## A Lasting Legacy Today, David Naughton is still widely recognized and celebrated for his iconic roles in the 1980s. His energetic performance as the Dr Pepper spokesperson has become an indelible part of American popular culture, with the "Be a Pepper" jingle and Naughton‘s signature dance moves still instantly recognizable to millions of people. "David Naughton‘s legacy as an actor and cultural figure is truly remarkable," says entertainment historian Olivia Sinclair. "He managed to capture the zeitgeist of the 1980s in a way that few others did, and his influence can still be felt in the worlds of film, television, and advertising. He‘s a true icon of his era, and his work continues to inspire and delight audiences to this day." According to a 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center, Naughton‘s name recognition among American adults aged 45-64 (the generation that grew up with his work) stands at 92%, demonstrating the enduring impact of his performances. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it‘s clear that David Naughton‘s impact will endure. Whether he‘s dancing and singing his way through a Dr Pepper commercial or delivering a chilling performance as a tortured werewolf, Naughton‘s unique blend of talent, charisma, and likeability has made him an unforgettable figure in the annals of American pop culture. --- Source: [David Naughton: The Dr Pepper Spokesperson Who Became an Icon](https://33rdsquare.com/david-naughton-the-dr-pepper-spokesperson-who-became-an-icon/)