In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Rob Van Winkle, the artist better known as Vanilla Ice, revealed his enduring affection for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He unveiled that a dedicated room in his Florida home celebrates the beloved franchise. This is particularly significant as it marks over three decades since he starred in the 1991 film, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze.”
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The 58-year-old rapper shared insights on the various pieces of memorabilia he acquired from the film set. He noted, “I do have some things from set from the Ninja Turtles and I actually got a lot of footage that I’ve never released. We’re going to release it. It’s awesome,” adding a touch of nostalgia by mentioning that this footage captures moments of him teaching the Turtles some dance moves. Alongside these treasures, Van Winkle has preserved his set chair, the original script, and other themed merchandise, including the Playmates Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Technodrome playset—a collectible with significant value among enthusiasts.
Van Winkle’s enthusiasm for the Turtles dates back well before his debut in the film. “When they asked me to do the ‘Secret of the Ooze,’ I was like, ‘Man, I would’ve paid you,’” he recounted with amusement. The fondness he holds for his role is clear, as he describes it as one of his most significant achievements, alongside fatherhood. He light-heartedly stated, “I’m the oldest teenager in town,” reflecting on how the legacy of the Turtles keeps him feeling youthful.
While he continues to engage with the world of music through tours, such as the “I Love The 90s” tour, Van Winkle is also making strides in the real estate sector. He is currently immersed in a project transforming a historic Masonic Lodge from the 1920s in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, into a brewery, museum, and event space. Despite his busy schedule, his passion for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles remains strong—he plans to release a new music video for the “Ninja Rap” to celebrate the anniversary of the sequel, which will be re-released in theatres from 13 to 19 March. It will be available in select locations until 26 March.
Reflecting on his experience filming the movie, Van Winkle recalls his excitement on his first day on set. He was just 20 years old at the time, having recently gained fame with “Ice Ice Baby.” He was thrilled to see the actors dressed as the Turtles and was grateful for the opportunity to perform a song that would become an anthem for the film. “We did the Ninja Rap, which became an anthem for the movie and it’s just been a big part of my life,” he shared, noting that he even invites the Turtles on stage during his performances.
His daughters, ranging from 7 to 28 years of age, are also devoted fans of the franchise. He expressed delight in watching his youngest daughter become immersed in the Turtles, mentioning that they plan to see the re-release of the film together, complete with popcorn. “We’re going to go have a really good time with Mommy and everybody,” he said, capturing the familial spirit of the outing.
Van Winkle’s balance of construction work during the week and performing as a musician on weekends underscores his philosophy of staying engaged with his passions. He quipped about his weekends, “I’m dancing around like a teenager. And that’s what we should do, man. It keeps you young.” His admiration for the Turtles persists, and he joined in a playful shout-out to Raphael, one of the popular characters from the series.
As he prepares to showcase new aspects of his connection to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Vanilla Ice’s dedication to the franchise and its impact on his life continues to resonate. With projects underway and cherished memories to share, he remains poised to celebrate Turtlemania for years to come.