HEROICS & 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 today. When it came to superheroes, Superman was my guy. I 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 wrote a spec Aquaman script and an original superhero screenplay and headed to Hollywood. 

​I began working as a SAG actor, stand-in and extra. I would eventually have the privilege of working on hundreds of movies and TV shows. From the biggest productions to the smallest. After seeing Conan the Barbarian, Arnold Schwarzenegger became my role model. I wanted to do heroic things like him in real life. I tried getting on every action and superhero movie: 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 acting roles but when action movies and superhero parts came up, I pursued it hard.
​My work in Hollywood helped me to become "Superman" for Metropolis IL and its's annual Superman Celebration. I won the role after a nationwide search. I played the DC Comics icon for 8 years which led to more Superman work. The best part of it all is my "Superman's Book of Morals" is consistently my second highest viewed feature at HeroicWorld.com. I am now focused on bringing the HeroicWorld heroes to the public but look back at my days pursuing superhero glory in front of the cameras fondly. I am sharing some of my experiences 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.

Me, Eric Chmielecki, Unknown, Gary Busey, Adam Baldwin, Charlie Fitzsimons. Mike Conners. Still from Predator 2.

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)

I was always sneaking around, trying to talk to anyone who could help me get the Heroic World Heroes going or some heroic project. Even though that was my goal.  This was the funnest job, I got to work with my friendsOne day I'd be on big serious action movie like Independence Day or Ironman and the next day I'd have a little part on a Soap Opera or a commercial. 

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. Who wants they heavy guns, they asked. I raised my hand. I was always ready for action.

Amazing to be working with High School pal Eric Chmielecki on Predator 2. Also AWF team members Charlie Fitzsimons son of legendary Batman 66 Producer Charles Fitzsimons.

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

I loved Die Hard so much I got on Die Hard 2 as a SAG extra and I came up with a bit, which they used.

I didn't get upgraded, I got dubbed. Show Biz has many highs and lows.

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 Thanks to pal Charlie Fitzsimons!

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 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.

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