Ted Jan Roberts

Ted Jan Roberts (1979–2022) was an accomplished American actor, martial artist, stunt performer, and producer, renowned for his contributions to the direct-to-video martial arts genre during the 1990s. Born Ted Gilroy on September 24, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, he adopted the stage name Ted Jan Roberts, a tribute crafted by his father, Pat Johnson, a respected stunt coordinator and martial artist. Tragically, Roberts passed away on June 6, 2022, at the age of 42.

Roberts’ passion for martial arts began at the tender age of seven, as he trained in Karate and Tae Kwon Do, earning his black belt by twelve. His father, Richard Gilroy Ortega, a former student of the legendary Chuck Norris, deeply influenced Roberts’ dedication to martial arts, equipping him with the skills necessary for intricate fight choreography and stunts.

By the mid-1990s, Roberts emerged as a key player in the direct-to-video action landscape, featuring prominently in films such as *Magic Kid* (1993) and its sequel *Magic Kid 2* (1994), as well as *A Dangerous Place* (1994), *The Power Within* (1995), and *Tiger Heart* (1996). His most notable television role was as Prince Dex, also known as Masked Rider, in *Mighty Morphin Power Rangers* (1995) and its spin-off series *Masked Rider* (1995–1996). Additionally, he served as an Associate Producer on the adventure-drama series *Hollywood Safari* (1997-1999) and appeared in the acclaimed film *Milk* (2008), portraying activist Dennis Peron. Roberts’ legacy endures through his impactful roles and contributions to the martial arts film industry.