Chandler Poling sends word that earlier this this year they helped moderate and produce a panel featuring the cast of
X-Men the Animated Series in remembrance of the actor
Norm Spencer (Cyclops) who died on Aug 31st, 2020. This is the first time they've gathered in such a large group since they were making the series! The panel arrives nearly 30 years after the premiere of the show which happened Oct 31st, 1992. It was such an honor for me to be asked to moderate this group and I hope you are able to share it to your audiences.
Below are some quick facts with timecode to the best moments of the panel.
X-Men the Animated Series – Reunited: In Memory of Norm Spencer (Cyclops) died 8/31/20
Alison Sealy-Smith – Storm
Cal Dodd – Wolverine
Chris Britton – Mr. Sinister
Chris Potter – Gambit
George Buza - Beast
Lenore Zann - Rogue
Ron Rubin – Morph
Larry Houston – Producer/Artist/Director
Chandler Poling - Moderator
1:55 – Were they aware their performance would impact people 30 years later?
6:35 – Chris Potter on his love of Gambit and feeling insecure at the beginning
8:35 – Alison Seely-Smith on her thoughts on playing Storm
*21:28 – George Buza on identifying as Beast, and his experience being bullied growing up in the 50s.
24:53 – 1st audio excerpt of Norm Spencer (from podcast “Who Did That Voice?”) talking about landing the role of Cyclops
30:00 – 2nd audio excerpt of Norm talking about his cast mates which elicits a lot of laughs the cast.
31:15 – Lenore Zann on being caught on the Jumbo-tron with Norm Spencer
37:25 – Chris Potter saying when he thinks of the X-Men, he thinks of Norm
44:45 – Lenore Zann on how she was asked for her autograph on set while guest starring on Law & Order
*50:45 – Alison Seely-Smith announces she will re-join the cast in person at their next convention – her first eventual appearance as Storm.
52:11 – Chris Britton on wearing a Mister Sinister Mask in the pandemic
*56:05 – Cal Dodd on meeting an autistic fan and his daughter – and the impact Cal’s made on the fan’s life.
58:47 – Alison Seely-Smith on the importance of black superheroes being performed by black actors
1:00:13 – Larry Houston on Storm being an iconic black superhero, how he was the first person to bring Black Panther to animation, and his experience with fans wishing Alison Seely-Smith would make public appearances so they can meet her.
1:08:21 – The cast gives their thoughts and love to Norm Spencer in a very emotional send off.
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