Born in Chesaning, Michigan, Roger Callard started building his body at the age of five. He attended Michigan State University and then participated in bodybuilding championships. He won the 1977 title of Mr. America of the International Federation of Bodybuilders middleweight. At this time he was training with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Gold's Gym and was also seen in the two bodybuilding films Mr. Universe and Pumping Iron.