John E. Blazier

John E. Blazier was born into a large family of nine children. In his youth, he appeared in several school productions including "The Nativity" (A Wiseman - 1961), "War 'N Wedlock" (Greg Preston - 1967) and "Stardust" (Arthur Scott Jr. - 1969). His television debut was on the Harlow Hickenlooper Three Stooges Show (Channel 6, Indianapolis) in 1967. He attended Indiana University (1969-1974) majoring in Radio and Television. Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Member of the Alpha Epsilon Rho Honorary Radio and Television Fraternity (1973). Worked at WFIU Radio (news writer), WIUS Radio (news reporter and broadcaster), and WTIU Television, Channel 30, in many capacities. He worked on several television productions including "Family and Consumer Law" (cameraman/floor director), "Interview With Frank Zappa" (floor director), and the production of "Androcles And The Lion" (cameraman). He also produced a holiday television special called "A Christmas Present". In his film career he has worked directly in scenes with many film celebrities including Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Christopher Lloyd, Charlie Sheen, John Cuzak, D.B. Sweeney, John Mahoney, Shannen Doherty, Kristy Swanson, Matt Adler, Burt Young, Yolanda Golet, Nick Nolte, Dee Wallace, Jimmy Nail, Ivan Rogers, Ben Affleck, Jeremy Davies, Phillip Rhee and Mark Rolston. He has worked with well known directors such as John Sayles, David Auspaugh, William Bindley, Strath Hamilton, William Friedken, Robert Knights, Ivan Rogers and Mark Pellington. In 1989, he appeared on the Dick Wolfsie A.M. Indiana television show with actor Burt Young discussing the difference being a well known actor vs. being an extra. During his career he has personally met many celebrities including Bob Hope, Anita Bryant, Arthur Godfrey, Michael Landon, Art Linkletter, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Red Skelton, Petula Clark, Vincent Price, Frank Zappa, Charles Lindburg, Supreme Court Justice William Renquist, Junior Samples, Peter Marshall, B.F. Skinner, Tony Dow, Jerry Mathers, Merlin Olsen, Tex Terry, Dick Butkus, Bubba Smith, James Garner, Peter Tork, Claude Akins, Richard Mull, Sheri Lewis, Leon Helm, Jon Provost, Lani O'Grady, Jay Leno, Bobby Vee, Larry Storch, Russell Johnson, Peter Tork, Jim Nabors, Mark Lindsey, George Hamilton,Fess Parker and John Astin. His special accomplishments are: Founder of the National Indy 500 Collectors Club (1985) Author of "Forgotten Heroes of the Speedways: The Riding Mechanics" Author of "The Legendary Bricks of Indy". In 1994, he was presented with the Hardee's Hometown Hero Award for Community Service. Award presented by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh.