Those coming of age in the ’80s were treated to the iconic Porky’s, one of the most influential and formative films in the teen film drama. One character who served as a valuable catalyst was undoubtedly Mickey Jarvis, played by Roger Wilson. But did Wilson do any other big projects outside this divisive franchise?
The actor was born on October 8, 1956, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Wilson had a brother and sister, and his father worked as president of the offshore engineering and construction company McDermott. Tragically, both Wilson’s parents died when he was – and they were – young, and so he and his siblings inherited millions.
Coming of age for the coming of age film
In Wilson’s educational career, he graduated from Woodberry Forest School, graduating alongside Marvin Bush, brother of President George W. Bush. He then went to study at New York University. Jumping into the world of acting, Wilson started off strong with Porky’s as well as 1983’s Porky’s II: The Next Day. In ’85, he also appeared in Thunder Alley.
Wilson has expanded his line of work over the years, not just in acting but in other creative outlets, too. He went on to become a screenplay writer, reportedly creating for the likes of Sharon Stone, Steve Tisch, and Penny Marshall. By the mid-2000s, he started teaching others in New York City.
Where is Roger Wilson now?
Seven brides for one brother would eventually describe Wilson’s life. For one thing, he became a familiar face on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers alongside Richard Dean Anderson of MacGyver fame. His diverse line of work would also include working as a bartender and wellness coach, along with a member of the band Born Again Baldwins.
In his personal life, Wilson tied the knot with Shaun Casey, an Estée Lauder model, and the two stayed together from 1978 to 1983. He also became the first serious boyfriend to supermodel Christy Turlington and the two got married in a spiritual ceremony, not an official one. The two split and Wilson found himself with Elizabeth Berkley from Saved by the Bell. Reportedly, this relationship saw Wilson get into a scuffle with Leonardo DiCaprio, as the two found themselves pursuing the same woman and Wilson filed a $40 million lawsuit against DiCaprio.
Wilson has found peace well outside the industry; today he is 66 and in 2018, he opened the club 7908 in Aspen, Colorado.