Questions
What is Rick Springfield’s real name and where is he from?
He was born Richard Lewis Springthorpe on August 23, 1949, in Guildford, New South Wales, Australia.
What is his most famous song?
"Jessie’s Girl" (1981), which reached No. 1 in both the United States and Australia.
Did Jessie’s Girl win any awards?
Yes, Springfield won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the track.
What character did he play on General Hospital?
He played Dr. Noah Drake, originally from 1981 to 1983, then returned in 2005 to 2008 and again in 2012 to 2013.
What got him into music in the first place?
At age 14 he witnessed The Beatles performing at Festival Hall in Melbourne, a pivotal moment that inspired his musical path.
What was his first band?
He joined the pop rock group Zoot in 1969, which used a "Think Pink, Think Zoot" theme complete with pink satin outfits. The gimmick drew fans but reportedly hurt their credibility as serious musicians.
How did his early albums chart?
He had two U.S. top 10 albums: Working Class Dog (1981), which peaked at No. 7, and Success Hasn’t Spoiled Me Yet (1982).
What other hit singles did he have?
Beyond "Jessie’s Girl," his hits included "I’ve Done Everything for You," "Don’t Talk to Strangers," "Affair of the Heart," and "Love Somebody."
Did he do any acting before General Hospital?
Yes. From September to December 1973 he starred as himself in the ABC-TV Saturday morning cartoon series Mission: Magic!
What movies has he appeared in?
His film roles include Hard to Hold (1984) and Ricki and the Flash (2015).
Has he shown up in more recent TV shows?
Yes, he appeared in Californication (2009), True Detective (2015), Supernatural (2016), and American Horror Story: Cult (2017).
Did he ever go through a personal low point?
Reportedly, at age 17 he attempted suicide by hanging but survived when the rope came undone, and he has openly discussed his long struggle with depression, saying he wants people to "have hope" and know the moment will pass.
Does he have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
Yes, he was honored with a star on May 9, 2014, for his contributions to music.
Has he written any books?
Yes, he wrote the memoir Late, Late at Night: A Memoir (2010) and the novel Magnificent Vibration (2014).
