OLTL’s Stephen Hund (J.K.)
Soap Opera Digest: Lately, J.K. and [guitarist] Sheyne seem to be much more involved in Riley’s storyline.
Stephen Hund: Yeah, things have really picked up for me. They don’t only show me playing in the band. I’ve had scenes in Angel Square, and recently, we did some scenes where we were supposed to be at a concert in Philly. I also did some scenes with Shannon where we were partying and doing body shots. So, we’re getting to know the character of J.K. a bit more. I’m hoping they’ll do more with this “young” storyline over the summer, since that’s when more kids will be watching.Digest: Do you wish he could have a love interest?
Hund: I hope so! My character likes to have fun, so I think he’s probably invested in several of the girls. He’s a little older than Shannon or Adriana, but he’s attracted to that young, vibrant lifestyle. J.K. is open and available, so I say, “Bring it on!”Digest: How did you get this job?
Hund: At the time of the audition, I was in final-round auditions for Stomp, which was opening in Boston. I was doing great, and it looked like I was going to get the part when I got a call from my agent: “I’ve got a soap audition, can you make it down here this afternoon?” So, I had to get in my car and drive from Boston to New York. I picked up the script on the street from my agent and then went to the audition. I actually auditioned for Riley. During the audition, they asked if I played any other instruments, and I told them I’m a professional drummer, as well. I didn’t think the audition went great, but that afternoon, my agent called and said I got the part of the drummer. Then, I called Stomp and said, “No, thank you. I’m staying in New York.” It was a big thing to turn down, but for me, there was no comparison. It was a no-brainer.Digest: Stomp is a big thing to turn down. Have you always wanted to be an actor?
Hund: I’ve always been interested in anything that pertains to public entertainment. I started acting as a child and playing music. In both scenarios, I was on-stage. After I graduated from college [University of Virginia] and moved out to San Francisco, I started to study acting at the American Conservatory Theater out there and just absolutely couldn’t get enough. I never looked back.Digest: How did you end up playing drums?
Hund: When I was 10 and going into sixth-grade band, we had to choose an instrument and my older brother Brenton told me I had to choose the drum. I suspect he wanted to get a drum set because he is a guitar player. So, I started banging away when I was 10. My parents soundproofed my room. They’re not musicians. My father always jokes that he has no idea where this mysterious music talent comes from. They’re athletes.Digest: When you were a kid, did you show any signs of loving the drums, like having an affinity for banging on pots and pans?
Hund: Yes, I was a mess. I was a noisemaker, and I drove my mom crazy. It was good I started playing the drums because I could channel all that energy!Digest: Is Brenton an actor/musician, too?
Hund: He did a bit part on the show when [saxophonist] Paul Taylor was on; he was in the band. But he lives in Atlanta.Digest: What do you do professionally when you’re not on OLTL?
Hund: I teach 50 students in private lessons. I play with a few bands … I’m basically a freelance musician.Digest: Do you mainly teach kids?
Hund: I have some kids as students, but a lot of adults, as well. Some of my students are professional drummers themselves. It’s fun to work with them.Digest: How did you get so many pupils?
Hund: When I came to New York about a year-and-a-half ago, I didn’t want to wait tables or take on an office job, so I knew I had to make money off my drums. So, I advertised for students. I’m at the point now where I’m probably going to need an assistant.Digest: What are some of your other hobbies?
Hund: I love playing golf. I’ve gone golfing with Jay [Wilkison, Riley] and John-Paul [Lavoisier, Rex]. I also love the outdoors, surfing and traveling. It’s interesting to visit other places and see what the drum culture is. Since drums are the oldest instrument, they’re usually a part of the culture.Digest: Are you dating anyone?
Hund: Yes, I have a girlfriend who is a filmmaker.Digest: Great. Well, we look forward to seeing more of you on OLTL.
Hund: I look forward to being there. I love the show, and the guys I work with are great. Jay, Jonathan [Wilde, Sheyne] and I hang out all the time outside of work. So, when you see us as friends on the show, it’s real. It’s a great job.
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