John Friedrich was an actor who made a name for himself through a variety of performances on both the big and small screens. Early in his career, he appeared in the film Bittersweet Love (1976), sharing the screen with the legendary Lana Turner. This role marked the beginning of Friedrich’s journey in the entertainment industry, leading to appearances in several notable TV movies such as The Boy in the Plastic Bubble (1976–77), The Death of Richie (NBC, 1976–77), and Forever (CBS, 1977–78).

During the late 1970s and into the 1980s, John Friedrich continued to build his filmography with roles in movies like the romantic comedy Almost Summer (1978), where he acted alongside Bruno Kirby, and the coming-of-age drama The Wanderers (1979). His versatility allowed him to take on parts in more serious projects as well, including the miniseries Studs Lonigan (1978–79) and A Rumor of War (1980–81), both of which showcased his dramatic range.

As the 1980s progressed, John Friedrich remained active in both film and television. He played a role in the drama A Small Circle of Friends (1980), starring Brad Davis, and appeared in other films such as The Final Terror (1981) and Fast Walking (1982). On the small screen, he contributed to the NBC crime series The Gangster Chronicles (1980–81), further demonstrating his adaptability as an actor. One of Friedrich’s more prominent television appearances came in the miniseries The Thorn Birds (1982–84), a production that solidified his presence in the industry.