Scott Rogers as Bill Clinton

Scott as Bill Clinton & Chelsea Clinton (Photo/courtesy)

Scott Rogers, from Hartford, Connecticut, has been a Bill Clinton impersonator, or lookalike, since 2007.

Rogers has been quite busy being one of the former presidents. But not so busy as to take the time for an interview with examiner.com.

Rogers as Bill Clinton has this to say about his life as an impersonator:

Who are you (as if we can't tell), and when did you begin in the entertainment business?

I am a Bill Clinton Impersonator. I started in the business in the year 2007. I was lucky enough to kick the year off with a National TV appearance on The Today Show on NBC.

On presidents day I hired a limo service and put the US Seals on the doors, flags on the fenders, and asked two of my friends to be Secret Service Agents. We arrived at NBC and took the plaza by surprise. One of NBC’s producer’s came out and asked if they could film me getting out of the limo for the show. They played Hail to the Chief and Meredith Vieira announced my arrival. Lesson learned??......I took a chance and it worked out great. Getting up at 2:00 in the am was worth all of it!"

Did anyone suggest you be this celebrity, or was it your own idea?

I have had many friends and family tell me to look into being an impersonator, but it wasn’t until I spent three days working at a tradeshow helping out my brother greeting people that stopped in his booth. We had more people wanting to talk about me looking like Bill Clinton than they did about my brothers business.

The next morning I called my girlfriend who is a marketing manager and asked her to begin marketing me. It really helps to have a professional marketer in the biz. From that, I have had acting classes, improv acting classes, improv group work, voice training, and much more. All of it has been educational, beneficial, and fun!"

What do people say when they recognize you as "him?"

I just want you to know that I voted for you!!”

What are some of your responses?

Many people approach me as if they have known me for years, and they begin a conversation like, “I voted for you and I would have voted for your wife, given the chance”. Others get out their cameras and cell phones for photos, or even ask me to talk to their family on their cell phones. I of course let them know I am not the real Mr. President, but it doesn’t matter, they like me, Mr. President (as an impersonator/ lookalike) and think this is the next best thing to being close to the real man."

What has been your preparation as a lookalike?

I began with studying videos of Bill, reading his books, and buying the suits that closely resembled his. I have taken acting lessons, which include improv, and I also have had voice training."

Do you have family and friend support in regard to your work as an impersonator?

I am extremely lucky to have friends in the business like Anne Kissel, who is the Roseanne Bar impersonator, as well as, Teressa Barnwell who is the Hillary Clinton impersonator. These folks have been a great help, and great friends. Susan, my girlfriend, takes care of all my marketing materials including my website. Without her, a lot would not be possible."

Is this your full time job, if not, what is your day job?

I am a forester by day for a large water company in Connecticut. I’m also involved in the monitoring of bills that move thru the state legislature that might hinder or harm the timber harvesting industry in Connecticut. So, to a small degree, I am involved in politics. At night, I become “Bubba” Clinton……… and on weekends!!"

Have you met the "other" Bill Clinton?

[No,] in the future I hope to meet President Clinton and let him know that I have been able to help others by being able to do charity work because of my likeness to him. All of which is in harmony with his second book, “Giving”.

In the recent past, I have met Chelsea on the campaign trail when Hillary was running for the Presidential Nomination in 2008. I asked Chelsea if she would mind if I had a photo with her, and she said, “of course!!....... I would be happy too!!!”, and smiled!! She was really terrific!!"

What is the most interesting gig or experience you have had as your political celebrity?

I had the opportunity to host “Are you Smarter than a Fifth Grader” at a local FOX 61TV station. Even though the Fifth Graders of course won the competition against the TV show anchors, some of them were not sure if I was the real thing or not. During the commercials, their parents wanted to take photos of me with their children, and forgot about the anchors."

How do you see your future in this world of lookalikes?

I enjoy the biz and I have met many interesting people, which includes other professionals in the business. I donate my time to charities, which works out perfectly for my character since he wrote the book “Giving” and who also donates much of his time now to charities. He’s still a very popular person/celebrity."

Is there anything else that you would like to share?

My signature in the biz has become presenting framed Presidential Pardons. My first pardon was presented to Katie Couric when she switched networks in 2006. I pardoned her for all the Hair Styles she had worn over the years. I have continued to pardon many Presidents of Companies as well as pardoning tradeshow attendees for ………“what might have happened in Vegas…………!!!!!!”. But remember,…..what happens in Vegas,…stays in Vegas!!!

Thank you!"