Media Guests

Daphne Ashbrook *

Doctor Who, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Daphne Ashbrook played the 8th Doctor’s companion Grace Holloway in the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, starring Paul McGann. She was also the title character, Melora, in one of the most popular episodes of Star Trek:DS9. You’ve seen her most recently as Jackie Kowalski on the TeenNick series, Hollywood Heights. She has also been featured on NCIS, The O.C.,  Jag, Pacific Palisades, Murder She Wrote, Falcon Crest, The A-Team, Riptide, and Hardcastle and McCormick. Daphne is one of very few performers who have appeared in both the Doctor Who and Star Trek franchises.

Adam Baldwin *

Firefly, Chuck. Adam Baldwin is known for his roles as Animal Mother in Stanley Kubrick’s movie Full Metal Jacket, Ricky Linderman in My Bodyguard, Knowle Rohrer in The X-Files, Marcus Hamilton in Angel, and Chad Shelten in Day Break. He also established a cult following as Jayne Cobb in Firefly and Serenity. More recently, he starred as Colonel John Casey on Chuck, as well as provided the voice of Decepticon Breakdown in Transformers: Prime. Baldwin provided the voice of Clark Kent/Superman in the first DC animated universe movie, Superman: Doomsday, and also voices the character in the massively multiplayer online game, DC Universe Online.

Julia Benson *

Stargate Universe. Julia Benson stars as 2nd Lt. Vanessa James in the Syfy television series Stargate Universe. The Canadian actress won a 2010 Leo award as “Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series” for the Stargate Universe episode ”Pain”. In 2011 Julia formed Nine Worlds Entertainment, with her husband Peter Benson and their producing partner Ryan Copple. They have just completed principal photography on the feature film Death Do Us Part in which Julia is one of the lead actors. Julia also starred in a leading role opposite Robert Knepper (Prison Break) in Syfy’s movie Earth’s Final Hours.

Nicholas Brendon *

Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Nicholas Brendon, who received critical and popular acclaim for his portrayal of sensitive, wisecracking Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, turned to acting when his aspirations of playing professional baseball were squelched by a serious arm injury. He has also appeared in a variety of film and television roles over his twenty year career including Kitchen Confidential, Criminal Minds, and Private Practice. He has been nominated for three Saturn Awards as Best Genre TV Actor and Best Genre TV Supporting Actor.

Blair Butler

Fresh Ink, Attack of the Show. Kansas City native Blair Butler has made her name in Hollywood as a writer, comedian, comic book reviewer, producer, and television host with credits on G4′s Attack of the Show and X-Play. She’s appeared on MTV’s Top 10 Best and Worst Video Games of all Time and Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. She has also created comic books, recently writing Image Comics’ Heart, which was drawn by fellow Kansas City native Kevin Mellon, who will also be appearing at Planet Comicon. Blair Butler’s father is longtime Kansas City Star film critic Robert Butler.

Stephen Costantino *

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Stephen Costantino was on the set of Return of the Jedi with his friend, Corey Dee Williams, when they were asked to be in the production. Costantino portrayed a Gamorrean Guard in service to Jabba the Hutt. Both characters died on the sail barge during the battle of the Great Pit of Carkoon. Costantino has done very few appearances and even most avid Star Wars fans have not obtained his autograph on the Gamorrean Guard toys or photos. He will have a selection of photos that will include images of him taken on set with Billy Dee Williams’ own camera and not available anywhere else. These include an image of him in costume, on set, but without his mask. Star Wars completists take note of the rare opportunity to obtain this autograph.

Lou Ferrigno

The Incredible Hulk, The King of Queens. Lou Ferrigno is an internationally famous bodybuilder and actor, who first appeared on television in 1977 as the “The Incredible Hulk.” He got his start in bodybuilding, winning his first Mr. Universe title at age 21. He starred in the documentary Pumping Iron. He has also appeared in films, including Hercules (1983) and Sinbad of the Seven Seas (1989)  He has appeared on television shows including a recurring role on The King of Queens. He had a cameo appearance as a security guard in the big-budget Hulk movie in 2003 and was featured as himself in the recent film comedy I Love You, Man.

Walter Jones *

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Walter Jones is one of the original Power Rangers and is best known for his portrayal of Zach Taylor, the Black Ranger, on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. He has appeared as a series regular or guest star in over 150 episodes of various shows and in numerous films. Some of his credits include The Shield, CSI, Moesha, and the upcoming action feature Speed Demons. Walter works regularly as a voice actor lending his voice to radio, television, film and video games. Walter’s recent voice over acting jobs include work on Step Up 4, Death Race 3 and GI Joe 2.

Tom Kane

Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Tom Kane is most widely known as an announcer and animation voice actor. His notable roles include Jedi Master Yoda and Admiral Yularen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars feature film and TV series; The Chancellor in Tim Burton’s 9, Magneto in Wolverine and the X-Men and Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds; Iron Man and Ultron in Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow; Mr. Herriman, the house manager in Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends; Lord Monkey Fist on Kim Possible; Professor Utonium and Him in The Powerpuff Girls; and Darwin, Eliza’s chimpanzee sidekick in The Wild Thornberrys. He is also a prominent video game voice actor, appearing as Gandalf, Professor Xavier, and as lead characters in numerous Star Wars games. In addition, he has been the announcer for the AFI Life Achievement Award and the Academy Awards.

Clare Kramer *

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bring It On. Clare Kramer is best known as Glory, the major villain of season five of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her film roles include: The Thirst (as a vampire, this time a former drug-addict); The Skulls III (as a competitive swimmer who follows in her brother’s footsteps by joining the title organization); Roger Avary’s adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel The Rules of Attraction; and Jessica Bendinger’s cheerleading comedy Bring It On. The latter co-starred real-life former cheerleader Kirsten Dunst, and fellow Buffy alum Eliza Dushku. Kramer has appeared in guest roles in theater and TV shows, including Tru Calling, which starred Eliza Dushku, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, in which she portrayed fictional movie star and shoplifter Babette Storm.

Richard LeParmentier *

Star Wars. Richard LeParmentier’s most famous role is Admiral Motti, the arrogant Imperial officer who is choked by Darth Vader in Star Wars (1977). LeParmentier has appeared in over 50 films and television programs. Although born in the United States, he moved to the United Kingdom in 1974. Accordingly, most of his screen credits are in British or British-filmed productions. He has appeared in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Superman II, Rollerball, and Octopussy.

Peter Mayhew

Star Wars. Peter Mayhew has played the part of Chewbacca in four Star Wars films as well as various television appearances. In addition, he recorded dialogue as Chewbacca for the animated show Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He got his first acting job in 1976 when the producers of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger discovered Mayhew from a photograph in a newspaper article about men with large feet, and they cast him in the role of the minotaur. He has written two books, “Growing Up Giant” and “My Favorite Giant” and founded a non-profit charity organization called “The Peter Mayhew Foundation.”

Lee Meriwether *

Batman (1966), Barnaby Jones, Miss America 1955. Lee Meriwether portrayed Catwoman alongside Adam West’s Batman in the 1966 movie based on the popular Batman television series. While that role may be extremely notable to Planet Comicon fans, it is far from her only accomplishment. She was crowned Miss America in 1955 as part of the very first televised Miss America pagent. She then joined NBC’s Today show as a “Today Girl.” Throughout the 1960′s she appeared in series including Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, The Fugitive, and The Time Tunnel. In the 1970s she co-starred for eight years with Buddy Ebsen in the popular detective series Barnaby Jones. She later starred as Lily Munster in the late ’80s revival of The Munsters. She has also appeared in series including All My Children, Desperate Housewives, and Hawaii 5-0.

Ray Park *

Star Wars, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Heroes. Ray Park is an actor and stuntman who portrayed the Sith Apprentice Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Park also co-starred in X-Men as Toad and as Snake Eyes in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. He portrayed Edgar in the television series Heroes. He began working in films as a stunt double for the film Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, doing the stunts for both Robin Shou and James Remar. Park also did some cameos as monsters, including Baraka.

George Takei *

Star Trek. George Takei is renowned for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the television series Star Trek. He also portrayed the character in six Star Trek feature films and in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. He is a proponent of gay rights and active in state and local politics as well as continuing his acting career. He has won several awards and accolades in his work on human rights and Japanese–American relations, including his work with the Japanese American National Museum.

Lindsay Wagner - SUNDAY ONLY

The Bionic Woman, Warehouse 13, The Paper Chase. Lindsay Wagner is an Emmy winning actress who rose to fame as Jaime Sommers in the 1970s television series The Bionic Woman. Her film career includes lead roles in Two People (with Peter Fonda), the acclaimed 1975 drama The Paper Chase, and Nighthawks with Sylvester Stallone. She has recently appeared as Dr. Vanessa Calder in the Syfy series Warehouse 13 and  Alphas.

Wil Wheaton *

Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Big Bang Theory.  Wil Wheaton portrayed Wesley Crusher on the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, Gordie Lachance in the film Stand by Me, Joey Trotta in Toy Soldiers and a recurring role as a comically petty version of himself on the sitcom The Big Bang Theory. He has worked as a voice actor in cartoons, video games, audiobooks, and anime, beginning with the role of young Martin Brisby in The Secret of NIMH at age 10. His credits include the roles of Aqualad in the cartoon Teen Titans, Kyle in the Nickelodeon cartoon, Kyle + Rosemary. Wheaton is a leading social media personality and blogger at “Wil Wheaton dot Net.”

Adrienne Wilkinson

Xena: Warrior Princess, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Adrienne Wilkinson may be best known for playing Livia/Eve, daughter of Xena, on the TV series Xena: Warrior Princess, the most widely watched show in the world during its six year run. She started on television in an episode of Sweet Valley High and moved on to Saved By The Bell: The New Class, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and had several guest appearances on MTV’s show Undressed. She starred as Nikki on the US series, As If. She has appeared in guest spots on Angel, Days of Our Lives, Charmed, ER, Goodnight Burbank, and the soap Venice: The Series.  Her voice over work includes more than 50 characters in video games, cartoons, and commercials. She stars as the voice and on camera likeness of female Jedi Maris Brood in the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game franchise and can be heard as the character ‘Daughter’ in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Corey Dee Williams *

Star Wars. Corey Dee Williams is the son of Billy Dee Williams and was on the set of Return of the Jedi when they filmed the famous Sarlacc Pit scene, with Jabba the Hutt on his sail barge and Han and Chewie about to be thrown into pit from a sail Skiff. The director asked Corey to be in the production and he became a memorable character, Klaatu, the odd, green alien. Klaatu was rendered timeless when toys of the character were issued, despite the fact that Klaatu died on the sail barge. Corey Dee Williams has done very few appearances and even most avid Star Wars fans have not obtained his autograph on the Klaatu toys or on photos. He will have a selection of photos that include images of him on set taken with Billy Dee Williams’ own camera and not available anywhere else. These include an image of them in costume, on set, but without his mask. Star Wars completists take note of the rare opportunity to obtain this tough autograph.

ABOUT MEDIA GUESTS

All celebrity guests listed above are confirmed to appear at Planet Comicon 2013.  All will appear both days unless otherwise noted (at this time only Linsday Wagner is scheduled for one day – Sunday).   Please check back regularly if you are coming out for a particular guest, as a guest may cancel at any time for personal or professional reasons.  We will post information on any cancellation promptly when we are notified.

Fans will be able to meet these celebrities, obtain autographs and have their pictures taken with the celebrities.   We may post specific signing times for some guests, however most guests will be at their booth in the Exhibit Hall during most hours of the show except when attending their panel discussion or taking personal breaks.  Some guests will not remain at the show until close each day.

There will be fees for autographs, and the fee varies depending on the celebrity.  Fees range from $20 to $40, generally.  Celebrities will have items available to be signed (generally 8×10 photographs, but sometimes other items).  There may be an additional fee for this item, depending on the celebrity.  Celebrities will also sign items provided by the fans, though they have the option of not signing a particular item if they find it offensive or inappropriate.  Items often brought by fans to have signed include a favorite poster or picture, a toy, a t-shirt, a statue, or similar items.

Blair Butler does not charge a fee for her autograph or for pictures taken with her (unless you choose to use the professional photographer)

Fans are encouraged to bring cash as many of the celebrities do not accept any other form of payment.   Some will accept credit cards,… but do not count on it.

Fans are encouraged to bring a camera as celebrities will often, though not always, allow pictures at their booth.  Please ALWAYS ask the celebrity or their assistant for permission before taking a photograph of the celebrity!  Generally the fan may take a picture of the celebrity signing an item, and there will not be a fee for that photograph — generally.  Often the celebrity will pose with the fan at the table for a photo taken with the fan’s camera.  The celebrity may charge a fee for this photograph.  Some celebrities will only pose for a photograph with the fan when using the professional photographer who will have a booth set up near the celebrity guests.  There will be specific times listed at the event for this type of photo opportunity.  Fees for the professional photographs vary from $30 to $50.

Many celebrity guests will take part in a stage presentation in which the celebrity will discuss … well… whatever they wish…. but generally will talk about their career, tell some behind-the-scenes stories and often engage in a question and answer session.  These will take place in the Great Hall (also known as the 3501 Ballroom) just down own the hallway from the exhibit hall.

CANCELLATIONS

Jett Lucas has cancelled his appearance at Planet Comicon. Due to his production schedule on Chicago Fire, he will be unable to attend. He is sorry to have to cancel at the last minute and hopes to attend Planet Comicon next year.

All guests listed are confirmed at the time of their posting.  However, guests may cancel due to personal or professional conflicts.  All ticket sales are final.

* First appearance at Planet Comicon