The man behind the "Country Giant"
by Erika Berg

Pete Boughn, 78, is more than just your average local actor. This Woodhouse icon has served in the navy, been a reporter, and worked as a public relations professional.

Born in Pender, Neb., Pete joined the navy as a yeoman on a hospital ship in the South Pacific after high school. When his service was completed, he graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. He stayed in California for a couple years working with a local newspaper. Pete soon moved to Nebraska, where he worked with the Omaha World Herald for 13 years.

While in Omaha he had three sons, Scott, David and Tim with wife, Diane. Scott and David currently are actors in Los Angeles, and Tim is a teacher in New Mexico who recently wrote an award winning movie script. Diane was lost to cancer in 1976.

Pete left the newspaper business to become Director of Public Relations for the Nebraska Medical Center for 15 years. Before retiring, Pete had become Executive Assistant to the Chancellor of the Nebraska Medical Center.

Even though he was retired, Pete continued to stay active. He freelanced for 10 years and soon became involved in the Lincoln community theater. He remembers rehearsing theater with his sons, and wondered if he’d be good at acting. He decided to try out for one of his favorite plays, “Inherit the Wind,” and was awarded a part.

Pete continued to act in six or seven more local plays and soon received minor roles in major productions. He has acted in two of Sean Penn’s films, including “Indian Runner,” a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “O Pioneers!” and in an ABC miniseries “Amerika.”

It was in 1988 when Bob Woodhouse and Pete finally met. Woodhouse was breaking into television advertising and was searching for someone to convey the values and work-ethic Woodhouse Auto Family stood for. Pete had already appeared in some commercials and the producer working with Woodhouse felt Pete would be a natural choice to fill the role.

Pete says he’s loves working with Woodhouse Auto Family. He appreciates how every last detail is always polished and in 17 years, he’s never had to open a door at any of their dealerships. Buying his last four vehicles there, he supports Woodhouse not only as their spokesperson, but as a loyal customer. “I learn something new about them every day. I remember when my son wanted to buy a car in Los Angeles, and everywhere was too expensive,” recalls Pete. “I suggested calling up Woodhouse Auto Family… next thing I know, my son’s calling me to say that his car just got delivered to his doorstep!”

Sometimes mistaken as Bob Woodhouse in the commercials, Pete says that was never the original intent. He does get recognized everywhere he goes though. “I can’t even sit down at a casino table without someone recognizing me or my voice,” says Pete. “I don’t mind though, once I was in the Lincoln stadium with 75,000 people, and a man yelled down and asked how far it was from Blair to Omaha. I yelled back, just a country mile away.”

A love for tennis and a passion for his current job as Woodhouse Auto Family’s lovable grandpa, it doesn’t look like Pete is slowing down. “I’ve never really planned anything,” says Pete. “I just went wherever the tide carried me…it’s been a good life.”