ADVENTURES AS SUPERMAN
by Scott Cranford
Ever since I was young growing up in Rocky Hill Connecticut, I had a goal to inspire people through superheroes. I wanted to combat negative forces by glorifying heroes and heroic ideals. I loved seeing superheroes spreading a positive messages on a grand scale. Superman to me was the biggest and the best, I wanted to be associated with him.
I wrote a book called The Superman Book of Morals. It was a book that parents would read to children before bed. I thought it would be great to present children with Superman's positive message at an age they were most receptive. I thought playing Superman in the movies or TV could get this book in the hands of millions of parents and children. I had some of the tools to play the hero but Superman parts were scarce. When Lois and Clark came, I lost the role to friend at that time Dean Cain. But I would eventually would have the opportunity to play the hero.
I wrote a book called The Superman Book of Morals. It was a book that parents would read to children before bed. I thought it would be great to present children with Superman's positive message at an age they were most receptive. I thought playing Superman in the movies or TV could get this book in the hands of millions of parents and children. I had some of the tools to play the hero but Superman parts were scarce. When Lois and Clark came, I lost the role to friend at that time Dean Cain. But I would eventually would have the opportunity to play the hero.
I heard about a search for Superman while listening to Radio Disney and then heard about a story on The Daily Show by Steve Carell. The city of Metropolis and its annual Superman Celebration in Metropolis Illinois was looking for a Superman. I was thrilled to have been chosen from hundreds of applicants but was challenged at first to play Superman in this manner. I wasn't a live performer. I was making a living at the time working as a SAG performer on TV and in film. But I made up my mind that this would be better...
The Annual Superman Celebration brings together thousands of fans for the four day event each year from all over the world. I portrayed the hero for eight years. This gave me the opportunity to also portray Superman for the army, the police and more.
It was the greatest job and I was able to pursue all facets of that avenue from writing, producing, drawing, acting, and directing many projects related to Superman. I had the pleasure of meeting thousands of Superman fans and had the opportunity to work with many top professionals related to the hero.
It was the greatest job and I was able to pursue all facets of that avenue from writing, producing, drawing, acting, and directing many projects related to Superman. I had the pleasure of meeting thousands of Superman fans and had the opportunity to work with many top professionals related to the hero.
Scott Cranford as Superman, Superman art by Scott Cranford published in the San Diego Comic Con Souvenir book, Heroic Ambition, a Superman documentary, Poster art by Steve Stanley.
Each year played Superman, I gave out free pictures. I began compiling a book that would be a reflection of my eight year experience in Metropolis. Unfortunately I fell short of completing it. I shelved it nearly complete. I have had my website up of original superheroes for years but what I get asked for the most about is Superman and requests for more Superman content. I recently found the pages for this book. I dusted it off and am presenting it here for the first time...
The search for a Superman for the annual Superman Celebration in Metropolis Illinois made national news because of a misprint in a local paper. This led to the story being picked up by the Associated Press. I heard about the search on Radio Disney.
You can see the entire collage by clicking here.
KEEP READING BY CLICKING BELOW!