Days of Our Lives

Background:

Steve Wilder is an American actor and former tennis pro. He is perhaps best recognized for being the fifth actor to play Jack Deveraux on the NBC soap opera “Days of our Lives,” a gig he held for eight months during 1997-1998. He also played Alex Bastian in “Melrose Place” (1998) and has guest starred in TV series like “Charmed,” “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “V.I.P.”.

Wilder worked for two years as a carpenter.

Tennis

Childhood and Family:

Steve Wilder was born on October 23, 1970, in Cooperstown, New York. He was raised in Springfield Center, New York. After his parents' divorce, he took his mother's maiden name as his surname. Steve graduated high school at age 14 and then moved to Florida. He embarked on professional tennis circuit through his late teens. Although he wanted to become an actor from an early age, Steve, however, did not pursue his childhood dreams until in his 20s.

Melrose Place

Career:

Steve Wilder gave up a career as pro tennis player to become an actor. He started acting in theatrical productions in New York and Florida and later relocated to Los Angeles, California to find more opportunities.

Wilder got his early film credit when he was cast as Akira Storm in the direct to video “Eggs From 70 Million B.C.” (1996), an installment of the “Josh Kirby...Time Warrior!” series. He went on to portray Bateman in “The Journey: Absolution” (1997), a science fiction movie helmed by David DeCoteau and starring Mario López, Jaime Pressly and Richard Grieco. However, Wilder did not receive attention until he was tapped to play soap hero Jack Devereaux on the NBC long running daytime series “Days of Our Lives” in 1997, making him the fifth actor to play the part. Despite his model perfect looks, the actor failed to charm audiences and was fired after eight months.

After leaving “Days of Our Lives,” Wilder made his prime time acting debut on the Aaron Spelling produced show “Melrose Place” in 1998, where he played fashion designer Alex Bastian. The same year, he also appeared as Seth in an episode of “ Love Boat: The Next Wave.”

Wilder was cast as gay lover in a short film called “ Santa's Little Helper” (1999), by Jason Grant Smith, and guest starred as Lucas Devane in an episode of “Charmed” named “From Fear to Eternity” (also 1999). He then appeared as Jerry in an episode of “ Beverly Hills, 90210” called “I'm Using You 'Cause I Like You” (2000) and as Vince in two episodes of “Oh Baby” (2000). He also portrayed District Attorney Pete Overton on the 2001 episode “Pen Pal Val” of “V.I.P..”

In 2008, Wilder co-starred with Daryl Hannah, Lindy Booth, Tia Carrere, Roy Scheider, Roy Scheider and Nick Cornish in the direct to video “Dark Honeymoon,” written and directed by David O'Malley.

Awards:
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