HEROICS IN HOLLYWOOD by Scott Cranford

TV'S ROAD TRIP starring John Ritter.

​I always loved the movie business but mostly I loved Superheroes. I began working in what I called "The Superhero Entertainment Business" at 19 and continue to today. When it came to superheroes, Superman was my guy and I actively set out to play the hero on TV or in the movies. I had  written a book called "Superman's Book of Morals" that I was hoping to get into the hands of parents and children everywhere. I also wrote a spec Aquaman script and an original superhero screenplay both for me to star in and headed to Hollywood.

​I began working as a SAG actor, stand-in and extra and I would eventually have the privilege of working on hundreds of movies and TV shows. From the biggest productions to the smallest. I tried getting on action and superhero movies: On set, I'd pitch my heroic projects to directors, actors and anyone I knew who was into comics and superheroes at the time. During the downtime I created the Heroes of HeroicWorld. I had little motivation pursuing major acting roles but when a Superman part came up I became like a wolverine. My work in Hollywood helped me to become "Superman" for Metropolis IL and its's annual Superman Celebration after a nationwide search. I played the DC Comics icon for 8 years which led to more Superman work. As a result, my "Superman's Book of Morals" is one of the highest viewed features at HeroicWorld.com. I look back at my days pursuing superhero glory in Hollywood fondly and am sharing some of it below...

One of my first jobs was a stand-in and double for Ron Perlman on CBS's Beauty and the Beast also starring Linda Hamilton. ​It was a great introduction to the business. I did my first stunt on this show at :26 seconds in this YouTube clip.

Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman were super kind and generous. A young George R.R. Martin was a producer on the classic show.

The Predator was actually a nice guy. With Predator, Kevin Peter Hall and pal Eric Chmielecki.

Behind the scenes on Predator 2. I took any opportunity to work on superhero stories and art during downtime.

Ruining the Griswold's Christmas in the movie Christmas Vacation.

Singing with the swat team on Christmas Vacation. (end right)

When doubling Ron Perlman, I wore a rubber mask (above). Usually I wore a wig & cape. Ron was 1st on set and in make-up for 2 hours.

I got to take on the Predator in 20th Century Fox's Predator 2.

With Predator 2 AWF team members Eric Chmielecki and Charlie Fitzsimons.

On ABC's China Beach with pals Eric Chmielecki and Kirkland Sojack.

I loved the first Die Hard and got on FOX's Die Hard 2 as a SAG extra Airport Security Guard. I improvised a bit, which they liked and used.

Instead of an upgrade, I got dubbed. Show Biz has many highs and lows. Director Sam Rami gave me a part on Spiderman. When Stan Lee showed up he gave the part to him. As a fan I didn't blame him but it was tough.

After a conversation about Superman with Superman director Richard Donner, he put me on the bench with these guys: WB's Lethal Weapon 4.

WB's Eraser director Chuck Russell was a comic book fan. He put me in this shot with James Cann after I showed him the HeroicWorld heroes.

Swat team rehearsals on the set of 20th Century Fox, Speed, starring Keanu Reeves.

Standing in for Christopher Walken on WB's Batman Returns

Joel Schumacher chose me to play an Indian Drummers in WB's Batman Forever. He later recommended me to DC Comics President Jeanette Kahn. 

Working as the 2nd unit Mr. Freeze Stand-In on Batman and Robin. With 2nd team members Chris Stone (Batman) and David Freeman (Robin). They actually gave those guys their masks at the end of the shoot but turned to me and said, "you can't keep yours".

This is the one of a kind Mr. Freeze mask I wore. Superman The Movie's camera operator, Peter Mcdonald was the Batman and Robin 2nd unit director.

Wearing Arnolds Schwarzenegger actual screen suit for some camera tests. I also doubled as Bane's leg after crashing through the floor.

Shamefully working for the Peguin's Campaign on Batman Returns.

Schumacher's Batman movies may be controversial but working on Batman Forever and Batman & Robin was a blast.

The only part I could get in the movie was a party guest. I put on my glasses and pretended to be an undercover Clark Kent. Below Poison Ivy and Robin. photo: SCI FI ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE

Working with my childhood hero Arnold Schwarzenegger for the first time on Universal's Twins. I would go on to work on 7 of his movies.

Starring down Malcom for peeking in windows on FOX TV's Malcolm in the Middle. I was a stand-in and the guy they auditioned for this part never showed up. I got lots of bits parts like this. Sometimes getting bit parts on the spot. I auditioned a lot for bit parts too. I did a scene with Smallville's Michael Rosenbaum on Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane playing a security guard in a lingerie store and did a scene with just me and Tom Cruise.

NBC's 3rd Rock from the Sun playing a bodyguard to fellow comic book fan Seinfeld's Wayne Knight.

I really tried hard to get on Marvel's Ironman. I got in the reporter pool. (above the letters R&O) during this iconic final scene. I was fortunate to see many classic superhero cinematic moments in person.

I was told I was pictured picked by Lucasfilm for a top secret Star Wars project. When I got there they put this giant Frog Head on me. I'm playing an Ishi-Tibb (second in) for Disneys Star Tours ride safety video which has run daily for years.

A Roman Soldier on an ATT commercial.

Although I was laser focused a lot of the time, I still appreciated the fun too. There really is no other business like show business. I met my wife and many of my idols in the business and had the opportunity to work with my friends on many heroic and timeless productions. I am now laser focused on turning The Superheroes of Heroic World into Mega Superstars! Stay Tuned!!

See my Documentary : HEROIC AMBITION here!

More productions on YouTube starring Scott Cranford as Superman(Below)