Ivan Rogers (1954â€"2010) was an independent film actor, director and
producer. He was also a musician. He appeared to be following in the
footsteps of his mentor, fellow Indiana native, Fred Williamson.Rogers
was born on September 20, 1954. He was one of three boys born to Paul
B. Rogers and his wife Ola. His father was a building
contractor.Rogers studied at Ball State University and was in a music
program. He left the university to become a professional musician. He
worked in various R&B bands and even backed Marvin Gaye. He was also a
martial artist and a second dan black belt. A professional kick boxer,
he competed in martial arts and kickboxing tournaments in the US and
abroad. He was approached by a video disc company executive to make an
instructional video which he ended up starring in as well as writing
and producing. In his travels he met former Elvis Presley bodyguard
Mike Stone who had a degree of success with producing
made-for-television movies. On the advice of Stone, Rogers moved to
Los Angeles to further his film career. Fred Williamson gave him
advice on other aspects of the film business.In the mid 1980s, he had
a video out called Karate & Self Defense, released through Best Film &
Video Corporation.
producer. He was also a musician. He appeared to be following in the
footsteps of his mentor, fellow Indiana native, Fred Williamson.Rogers
was born on September 20, 1954. He was one of three boys born to Paul
B. Rogers and his wife Ola. His father was a building
contractor.Rogers studied at Ball State University and was in a music
program. He left the university to become a professional musician. He
worked in various R&B bands and even backed Marvin Gaye. He was also a
martial artist and a second dan black belt. A professional kick boxer,
he competed in martial arts and kickboxing tournaments in the US and
abroad. He was approached by a video disc company executive to make an
instructional video which he ended up starring in as well as writing
and producing. In his travels he met former Elvis Presley bodyguard
Mike Stone who had a degree of success with producing
made-for-television movies. On the advice of Stone, Rogers moved to
Los Angeles to further his film career. Fred Williamson gave him
advice on other aspects of the film business.In the mid 1980s, he had
a video out called Karate & Self Defense, released through Best Film &
Video Corporation.
Share this
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE OUR NEWSLETTER
Join us for free and get valuable content delivered right through your inbox.