Superman Homepage

2009 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives

March 19, 2009: Special Guests Announced for 2009 Superman Celebration

Smallville actors, Superman actress to appear in Metropolis for Superman Celebration

The second weekend in June is devoted to the legendary character that stands for "Truth, Justice and the American Way" each year in Metropolis, Illinois. But Superman is always kind enough to share the spotlight with a few others as well.

Special guests have just been confirmed as headliners of the 31st annual Superman Celebration June 11-14. Smallville fans will be excited to see this year's celebrity line-up.

Metropolis 2009

Justin Hartley, who portrays The Green Arrow, and Phil Morris, also known as The Martian Manhunter, will be the Smallville actors headlining this year's Celebration. And, the "First Lady of Metropolis" Noel Neill, is scheduled to make a return trip to the festival. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the celebrities in person at autograph and question and answer sessions.

Justin Hartley is best known for his role as billionaire Oliver Queen (a.k.a. the Green Arrow) on the CW hit-show Smallville. Hartley portrays a gifted archer who gives up the opportunity to be on the U.S. Olympic Team in favor of life as a modern-day Robin Hood.

No stranger to playing iconic comic book characters, Hartley nabbed the highly coveted role of DC Comics' Aquaman in the 2006 CW TV series pilot that also starred Ving Rhames. Next up, Hartley plays Todd - Rachel Dratch's love interest - in the Warner Bros comedy, Spring Breakdown. The movie also stars Parker Posey, Amy Poehler and Will Arnett. Hartley has also recently completed the independent thriller Red Canyon, and a Web Series opposite Rosario Dawson.

Born in Knoxville, Illinois, Hartley was raised in Orland Park, Illinois. He attended Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois in Chicago where he majored in History and Theater. Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, Justin scored his first television job on NBC's Passions where he played the prodigal son of the Crane monarchy for three years.

Phil Morris currently stars as the legendary D.C. Comics character, The Martian Manhunter, on Smallville. As a voice actor, he portrayed the villains Imperiex on Legion of Superheroes, and the Immortal Caveman Vandal Savage on Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. He also starred in the Disney animated feature Atlantis: The Lost Empire as the voice of Dr. Sweet.

Born in Iowa City, Iowa, Morris is the son of the late actor, Greg Morris, who starred in the ground breaking spy drama, Mission: Impossible. Morris' first acting role was as a child when he appeared in a 1966 Star Trek episode. Star Trek was, at the time, shot at the same studio that produced Mission: Impossible, where his father was working. He made his feature film debut in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock in a small role and later guest-starred on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager.

After a few years on the stages of Los Angeles, Morris was hired to play the role of Tyrone Jackson on the day-time drama, The Young and the Restless. He later went on to star in the new Mission: Impossible for two seasons in Australia.

Morris became well known for his critically acclaimed character "Jackie Chiles" the Johnnie Cochran-esque attorney on the hit show Seinfeld. He was recently seen seen starring opposite Wanda Sykes in the Fox television series, Wanda At Large as well as appearing on an episode of CSI: Miami.

Though she first played Lois Lane in the 1948 movie serial, Superman, with Kirk Alyn, Noel Neill is actually best known for playing the iconic character on television in The Adventures of Superman with beloved legendary actor George Reeves from 1953 to 1957. So identified is she with this role that her portrayal of the "girl reporter" set the standard for all Lois Lanes yet to come.

Metropolis has become such a fan of Neill that the Chamber of Commerce will erect a statue of her likeness within the next year. Engraved bricks are currently being sold for the base that will hold the life-size sculpture of the actress. Bricks can be purchased at the Metropolis Area Chamber of Commerce at 607 Market St.

The Superman Celebration is a long standing festival and a must see event for most anyone, especially Superman or comic lovers. Superman fans travel from all over the globe to visit the small southern Illinois town that is the Official Home of Superman.

Metropolis features a 15-foot bronze statue of the Man of Steel and a Super Museum located on the town's Superman Square. A life-size statue of Noel Neill will grace the landscape soon. There are other interesting super-hero related attractions located throughout the city, such as a giant rock of kryptonite.

Complete with an Artist's Alley, Man of Steel exhibitions and contests, amusement park, live music and $1000 Superhero Costume Contest, the Superman Celebration provides fun for the entire family.

For more information about the Celebration or other attractions in Metropolis, visit www.metropolistourism.com or call 800-949-5740. A complete schedule of events for the June 11-14 Superman Celebration will be posted on the website soon.


2009 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News

Listed below are all the Merchandise & Miscellaneous News items archived for 2009.

Back to the News Archive Contents page.

Back to the Latest News page.

DISCLAIMER: SUPERMAN and all related elements are the property of DC Comics. TM & © 2024

This Superman Homepage is Copyright © Steven Younis 1994-2024
All Rights Reserved

Dedicated to Andrew J Gould - the original keeper of the Superman Homepage!

Since May 2001, the address is www.SupermanHomepage.com

Our Privacy Policy.