John PETER HOOTEN is an American actor born on this date. He is best known for playing the title character in the television film Dr. Strange.

Hooten started acting in 1968 at the age of 17. He appeared as an uncredited extra in Midnight Cowboy. He attended Ithaca College in upstate New York. His first speaking role was a 1969 appearance on the TV drama Marcus Welby, M.D.. Later, he played the title character in the 1978 TV film Dr. Strange and appeared as a guest star in The Waltons, Mod Squad and Mannix.

Hooten and the poet James Merrill were romantic partners from 1983 until the death of the latter in 1995. After sixteen years in New York City, and some time in Connecticut, Hooten moved to St. Augustine, Florida. As of 2009, Hooten has lived in Sarasota, Florida.