Danny Ponce was arguably the heartthrob of The Hogan Family (1986-1991), surpassing Jason Bateman in the number of first gay crushes he elicited, and in the number of teen magazine shots featuring glimpses of his increasingly muscular physique.
But he was a busy child star before Hogan, with roles on Happy Days, Family Ties, Hunter, and Hotel, as well as a 3-year stint as Jason Avery on Knots Landing (1983-86).
Since Hogan, he's remained close friends with his tv brother Jeremy Licht. They were best men at each other's weddings.
He's muscled up.
He now goes by Dan Ponce, although that means that the Internet Movie Database mistakes him for the Dan Ponce who founded the "Straight, No Chaser" a capella group and now works for WGN in Chicago (no relation).
Although Dan isn't a superstar anymore, he's had some substantial movie roles. Man of the Year (2002) was particularly memorable, the story of a "Man of the Year" celebration for business ex Bill (John Ritter) with the dialogue entirely improv.
And he occasionally returns to his comedy roots on tv:
On the "My Urologist" episode of Scrubs as a member of the Greasers musical group who points out that Elliott is "square."
On the "Hundred Dollar Baby" episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, as a guy who gets beat up by Charlie and Dee.
Is it weird that I was a kid during this time and I assumed "after Hogan" referred to Hulk Hogan? I was more of a Ric Flair fan anyway.
ReplyDeleteAn a capella group not named after a music pun. (If I had a nickel for every C Sharps...) What's next?
Holy cow!!! I couldn't believe that was Danny Ponce of The Hogan Family/Valerie fame.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to his costar Jeremy Licht?
According to his fan page, Jeremy Licht runs a financial planning company in L.A. Both Jeremy and Danny are married to women.
DeleteI don't know if you know this, but Danny Ponce joined the Navy in Feb. 1992. He wanted to be a SEAL, but couldn't run without passing out. I met him during duty in the mess hall. Seemed pretty humble.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure who else knew this but I also met him in boot camp. RTC Orlando CO-74
DeleteIn 1991 I went to MEPS in Los Angeles. The Military Entrance Processing Station. I took my ASVAB test and was put in a hotel for the night in LA because the next day I had to take my physical. A bunch of us were together, all service types and Danny Ponce was in our group. I recognized him and asked if he was the guy on Hogan Family. We talked for a while while we all ate dinner at Dennys. He told me he was going in the Navy and wanted to be a SEAL. I never knew what happened after that. We were all put on delayed enlistment and I swore in on Jan 17 1992. So apparently he swore in sometime in February. Very cool to hear your story. Thank you.
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