Rick Springfield is best known for the 1981 smash hit “Jessie’s Girl,” which catapulted the Australian singer to international stardom and remains one of the defining songs of the ’80s. Following that success, he continued to chart hits with tracks like “I’ve Done Everything for You” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers.” While his music career flourished, Springfield also made a name for himself as an actor, and in recent years, that may be how many people recognize him.
He’s still making music.
Before his solo success, Springfield was part of the band Zoot in the ’60s and early ’70s. His peak solo era came in the early ’80s with hits including “Jessie’s Girl.” Reflecting on the song in 2021, Springfield told Billboard he initially questioned producer Keith Olsen’s choice to release it, believing other tracks were stronger—but ultimately, he admitted Olsen’s instincts were spot-on. After a break in the ’90s, Springfield resumed releasing music consistently from his 1999 album Karma onward. His most recent project is a self-titled album with his band, The Red Locusts.
He continues to act.
Springfield’s big acting breakthrough came in 1981 when he joined General Hospital as Dr. Noah Drake. He has returned to the soap on multiple occasions and has also appeared in shows and films such as Californication, Ricki and the Flash, True Detective, Supernatural, and American Horror Story.
He’s also an author.
Springfield has published three books, including his 2010 memoir Late, Late at Night and novels Magnificent Vibration (2014) and World on Fire (2021). He has openly discussed his long battle with depression in his memoir and interviews.
He hosts a radio show.Since 2021, Springfield has hosted Working Class DJ on SiriusXM, named after his 1981 album Working Class Dog. Each episode features themed playlists, with topics ranging from “Unhealthy Relationships” to “Animals.”
