How John Hoogenakker Filmed The Morning Show and Amanda Knox During a Hurricane
John Hoogenakker found himself juggling the filming of The Morning Show and The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox while dealing with Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Hoogenakker, 48, commended his Morning Show costar Reese Witherspoon for her support during the 2024 storm, stating, “We live outside of town when Hurricane Helene hit. That was definitely a significant event for us and for our community.”
Hoogenakker was determined to fulfill his professional commitments.
“The show must go on. There was a time when I couldn’t reach the travel department. We went without water for over a month, our kids missed a month of school, and we were without power for about a week and a half. Our area also had no cell service due to downed towers,” he explained, adding how “extremely, extremely lucky” he felt amid these trials. “But I was driving seven miles just to find a cell signal to communicate with the team.”
Apple TV+ “worked” with Hoogenakker as he navigated the devastation in his community. “When I got back, Reese and I had collaborated a few times by then. She pulled me aside and was incredibly supportive,” he shared. “As coworkers, we felt the impact of the storm, and it touched everyone I met. This illustrates the beautiful truth about the communities formed around these films and shows.”
He elaborated, “It’s a living entity, yet it’s also a community of exceptionally talented, empathetic individuals who genuinely care for one another and strive to lift each other up. I did not expect such kindness from Reese, considering how incredibly busy she is. The demands on her during production are monumental.”
In October 2024, Hurricane Helene inflicted substantial damage across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and other East Coast states, before Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, caused additional fatalities in the same regions.
Hoogenakker, who portrays Andy on The Morning Show, was simultaneously taking on the role of Curt Knox in Hulu’s The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.
“I was meant to travel two days before the hurricane to handle paperwork for Amanda Knox. I felt it was important to stay home with my wife and children during the storm. So, I decided to drive to the northeast and then make my way back. It was the only way I could ensure I was present at home. Since I was already on the road, I thought it best not to fly and focused on ensuring I didn’t let my team down.”
The production team encouraged Hoogenakker to “turn around and go home” to be with his family. “I am immensely grateful that the individuals behind these large productions supported me during that critical time because I got to be with my loved ones,” he shared with Us. “There was no other place I would have preferred to be, and I’m thankful that my colleagues understood my situation.”
Nearly a year later, Hoogenakker is eager to see the result of his hard work in both series. As new episodes of The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox continue to air, he also makes guest appearances in season 4 of The Morning Show.
“I was always a fan of The Morning Show even before joining the cast,” he remarked. “Season 3 was truly a masterclass. It’s remarkable and humbling to share the screen with such talented individuals.”
Hoogenakker added, “I didn’t delve too deeply into the FBI research for my role, but I’m a keen observer of current events. I’m thrilled about a television series that uses real-time current events as its backdrop — and showcases how these events affect the relationships within the show.”
The Morning Show airs new episodes on Wednesdays on Apple TV+. New episodes of The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox air Wednesdays on Hulu.
