Joe Wiegand

Joe Wiegand (born April 15, 1965) is an American historical interpreter and former political consultant best known for portraying U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. He has performed as Roosevelt in all 50 U.S. states, internationally, and at the White House. His Roosevelt performances are endorsed by the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA).

Education and political career

Wiegand studied political science at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. In 1985, while a student at Sewanee, he was selected as a Harry S. Truman Scholar. He was also a Thomas J. Watson Fellow.

Wiegand later worked in Illinois politics and public policy. He served as a graduate assistant at the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University before working as a political campaign consultant and public policy analyst. He was elected to the DeKalb County Board.

Theodore Roosevelt portrayal

Wiegand began portraying Roosevelt in 2002 while still working in public policy and political campaigns.

Wiegand has subsequently portrayed Roosevelt at historical sites, museums, schools, and public events throughout the United States. In 2012 he served as the model for a sculpture of Roosevelt commissioned by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Medora, North Dakota

Wiegand began performing in Medora, North Dakota, in 2012 and works for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. His activities there have included The Teddy Roosevelt Show, appearances associated with the Medora Musical, and other Roosevelt-related programming.

Wiegand also hosts and participates in the Badlands Chautauqua: A Gathering of TRs in Medora, which brings together multiple Theodore Roosevelt reprisors and other historical interpreters.

Wiegand participated in the inaugural events surrounding the July 2026 opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. He appeared at the library's July 4 public opening ceremony.

Theodore Roosevelt Association

Wiegand is a member of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, which endorses his performances as Roosevelt.

In October 2026 Wiegand is scheduled to participate in the Theodore Roosevelt Convention, or "TeddyCon", at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. He is scheduled to host a Theodore Roosevelt trivia session and moderate a panel titled "The Badlands: Past, Present, and Future".