ICCCon 2026 Celebrity Guest List

Some guests choose to accept cash and credit cards at their tables, while other guests choose to have ICCC handle the transactions for them. Please check each guest’s table for more info.

All professional photo-ops will be cash-only on-site at the convention. If you would like to use a Credit Card for Professional Photo-Ops, please pre-purchase at www.internationalConventionMemories.com

 
 
 

ICM

Coming soon:

International Convention Memories returns to ICCC for all your Professional Photo Op Needs! Click here for all 2025 ICCCon guest prices for Autographs and Photo Ops.

 

Autograph Send in Service

Coming soon:

We know everyone can’t make it to ICCCon every year so IC Toys Nashville is returning as the professional send in service for ICCCon 2025! The website will go live soon and this will be updated with links to purchase autographs.

 
 

Bruce Boxleitner

We are thrilled to welcome Hollywood icon Bruce Boxleitner to ICCC 2026!

From classic westerns to sci-fi cult status, Boxleitner’s career has defined decades of pop culture. You may know him as the fearless Captain John Sheridan from Babylon 5, the digital warrior TRON from Disney’s groundbreaking franchise, or perhaps the charming spy in Scarecrow and Mrs. King. With roles spanning film, television, stage, animation, and even the literary world, Bruce Boxleitner has done it all.

Whether it was acting alongside James Arness in How the West Was Won, stepping into the neon glow of TRON with Jeff Bridges, co-starring in historical epics like Gods and Generals, or trading lines with Andie MacDowell in Cedar Cove, Boxleitner has been a mainstay in nearly every corner of genre entertainment. His body of work includes appearances on The Orville, NCIS, Supergirl, and a host of Hallmark fan-favorites.

He’s also a published sci-fi author, a two-time Wrangler Award recipient, and a member of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers.

ICCC 2026 isn’t just for Star Wars fans—it's for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, westerns, vintage TV, film history, and especially anyone with their own toy!

Bruce Boxleitner represents the breadth of genre fandom we celebrate. From the plains of the Old West to the circuits of cyberspace, from network drama to cable hits—his legacy is as multifaceted as the ICCC community itself.

Claudia Christian

Claudia Christian has been a TV, voice and film actor for over 40 years. She has starred in over 50 films and hundreds of hours of television. Currently, Claudia plays the Captain of the LAPD in ABC’s

hit show, “911” and stars in the Netflix series’ “Blood of Zeus” and “DOTA”. Genre fans might remember her as “Ivanova”, from the Emmy/Hugo award winning TV show, “Babylon 5”.

Claudia lends her voice to some of the biggest games in the world including SkyRim, Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, StarCraft, Final Fantasy, Diabolo, Call of Duty, Halo and Fallout 4. She is a

published author of two autobiographical books: “My Life with Freaks and Geeks” and “Babylon Confidential”. She has also written the alternate universe novel “Wolf’s Empire”, the cookbook

“Snack Hacks” and the thriller, “Original”. Claudia’s most recent children’s book, The Mother Tree, was released in 2025.

Claudia is the most globally recognized advocate of The Sinclair Method (TSM), a treatment for alcohol use disorder. She has lectured on and taught the method in India, the US and UK. In 2013

she started her non-profit (C Three Foundation) to help raise awareness. Her award-winning documentary about TSM, “One Little Pill”, has saved countless lives and her TEDx talk has over 5

million views.

John Ratzenberger

John Ratzenberger is an Emmy-nominated actor, voice legend, and beloved pop culture icon whose career spans decades of unforgettable performances in television, film, and animation.

Best known to millions as the endlessly trivia-spouting mail carrier Cliff Clavin on the classic NBC sitcom Cheers (1982–1993), Ratzenberger appeared in all 275 episodes, earning two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Cliff's signature "It's a little known fact..." catchphrase, barstool camaraderie with Norm, and know-it-all charm made him one of TV's most enduring and quotable characters. He reprised the role in crossovers like The Tortellis, Wings, and Frasier's "Cheerful Goodbyes" episode.

Long before becoming Pixar's go-to voice talent, Ratzenberger built an impressive resume with memorable roles in major films, including Major Bren Derlin in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), a missile controller in Superman (1978), Lieutenant James Megellas in A Bridge Too Far (1977), and appearances in Outland (1981) and Gandhi (1982). His distinctive voice also shone in animated work, such as recurring as Rigger in Captain Planet and the Planeteers.

Ratzenberger's enduring legacy extends to animation, where he holds the unique distinction of voicing a character in nearly every Pixar feature film since Toy Story (1995)—earning him the affectionate title of Pixar's "good luck charm." Highlights include Hamm the piggy bank (Toy Story series), the Abominable Snowman/Yeti (Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University), Mack the truck (Cars franchise), The Underminer (The Incredibles), and many more.

Beyond acting, Ratzenberger has hosted the patriotic series Made in America, championed American manufacturing and skilled trades, and brought his charisma to conventions, delighting fans with stories from his iconic roles. A true collector's favorite, John Ratzenberger continues to entertain generations with his wit, warmth, and unmistakable presence.

Lateef Crowder

Lateef Crowder dos Santos (born November 23, 1977, Brazil) is a Brazilian-American actor, stuntman, and capoeira master known for his incredible martial arts skills, especially in films like The Protector, Tekken, and Undisputed 3, and for his Emmy-winning stunt work as The Mandalorian’s body double. A member of the ZeroGravity stunt team, he brings his capoeira expertise to major productions, including the DCEU and Marvel films, showcasing the art form's beauty and complexity. 
Crowder's career bridges acting and stunt work, utilizing his unique capoeira skills to create dynamic fight scenes. He's known for portraying iconic capoeira characters and serving as a stunt double, bringing his signature fluidity and power to many blockbuster projects, earning him critical acclaim and fan recognition. 

Karol Silva

In the shimmering corridors of Naboo's royal court, where loyalty is as sharp as a vibroblade, Rabé stands out as the handmaiden with a touch of artistry—styling coronets and standing sentinel to Queen Amidala. But behind that crimson velvet and poised demeanor is Karol Cristina da Silva, a Brazilian actress and model born in 1975, whose path to Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) was as unexpected as a hyperspace jump. Signed with Elite Premier, Karol auditioned without a clue it was for George Lucas' saga; her agency simply pitched her for a "handmaiden" role. Not a massive fan pre-casting even though she fondly remembers Return of the Jedi's Ewok treehouses—the experience won her over. "The costumes were gorgeous, especially the burgundy battle outfits—super comfortable for all that running and blaster action," she shared in a 2021 interview. Filming at Leavesden Studios and Italy's Caserta Palace felt like a dream, complete with serendipitous run-ins with old friends under Stormtrooper helmets and a "focused, friendly" Lucas at the helm. Rabé's brief but credited lines, like her tender "My lady, let me—," captured the handmaidens' fierce devotion, making Karol's debut a quiet triumph that still resonates with fans.

Karol's galaxy didn't end with Phantom Menace; that same year, she starred in the short film Dead on Time (1999), showcasing her range beyond the stars. Today, as a director and convention favorite, she hosts The Magic of Human Beings on Instagram Live, interviewing inspiring figures while reconnecting with co-stars like Hugh Quarshie. Recent nods, from autographed Topps cards to her dive into E.K. Johnston's Queen's Shadow, keep her legacy alive. As we rev engines for the Imperial Commissary Collectors Convention (ICCC) June 19-21 in Nashville, Karol reminds us: The Force thrives in the unsung heroes.

Omid Abtahi

The Imperial Commissary Collectors Convention is proud to welcome Omid Abtahi — the actor who brought the mysterious Dr. Penn Pershing to life in The Mandalorian!

Fans of Star Wars know Pershing as the brilliant but conflicted scientist entangled in the secrets of the Empire and the experiments surrounding Grogu (a.k.a. Baby Yoda). From the very first episode, Abtahi’s layered performance made Pershing a standout character in the MandoVerse — walking the fine line between redemption and loyalty to the remnants of the Empire. His role added intrigue, suspense, and unforgettable moments to one of the most beloved Star Wars series of all time.

But Omid’s journey through the galaxy far, far away doesn’t stop there. Beyond The Mandalorian, he has continued to expand his mark on the franchise, earning a special place among fans for his contributions to modern Star Wars storytelling.

Of course, Abtahi’s career spans much more than Star Wars, with credits in American Gods, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, and hit series like Homeland and Better Call Saul. But at ICCC 2026, it’s his Star Wars legacy that will take center stage!

✨ Meet Omid Abtahi in person — hear the behind-the-scenes stories, get your Mandalorian memorabilia signed, and join us as we celebrate one of the key figures of the New Republic era.

Robert Lamb

Robert Lamb, legendary writer and storyboard artist, will be joining us as a featured guest at ICCC 2026!

If you grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, chances are Robert’s work shaped your childhood. He was a driving creative force behind Filmation’s classics like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra: Princess of Power, BraveStarr, and even Fat Albert. His storytelling helped bring Eternia, Etheria, and countless adventures to life—cementing these series as fan favorites for generations.

Robert’s talents also extended to Disney’s iconic animated lineup, including work on Darkwing Duck (let’s get dangerous!), and he even left his mark on music history by animating The Streak for Ray Stevens’ unforgettable music video—because some things should definitely not be seen in live action.

Beyond the screen, Robert has continued to shape fandom. He contributed as a commentator on the He-Man DVD collection, wrote the foreword for Dark Horse Comics’ He-Man and She-Ra: A Complete Guide to the Animated Adventures, and remains a celebrated guest at conventions worldwide.

Now, he’s bringing his incredible stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes knowledge to ICCC 2026! This is your chance to meet the man behind some of the most beloved animated adventures of all time.

Noshir Dalal

Noshir Dalal will join us at ICCC 2026 this June in Tennessee! Best known for breathing life into Admiral Rampart in the Bad Batch and Bode Akuna in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor—the rogue Jedi whose moral dilemmas and lightsaber clashes have sparked endless fan debates—Noshir brings a kinetic intensity to sci-fi's most unforgettable characters. His work extends to the immersive worlds of Ghost of Yōtei as the stoic ronin Jubei Kitamori, blending feudal grit with futuristic storytelling that echoes the genre's timeless blend of honor and exploration. Whether channeling the quiet strength of indigenous warriors like Charles Smith in Red Dead Redemption 2 or unleashing chaos as Rain in Mortal Kombat 1, Noshir's performances remind us why voice acting is the unsung hero of interactive narratives.

Catch Noshir live at ICCC for meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and Q&A spots where he'll share behind-the-scenes tales from the booth, demo mo-cap techniques, and chat about everything from Force-sensitive line reads to TTRPG improv. Don't miss this cosmic convergence—tickets are on sale now at icCollectorsConvention.com. Beam in early for photo ops; the stars (and stories) align only once a year!

Shawn Lamb

Shawn Lamb — an award-winning scriptwriter and celebrated fantasy author — to ICCC 2026!

Shawn’s career began in the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons, writing for Filmation’s BraveStarr in the 1980s. From there, she expanded her storytelling into the realm of fantasy literature, creating the sweeping epic fantasy series Allon and the beloved fantasy trilogy Eldar. Her ability to craft vivid worlds and unforgettable characters has earned her a devoted fanbase and multiple awards.

But Shawn’s talents don’t stop there. She has also brought history to life with a series of gripping historical novels, including The Huguenot Sword, Glencoe, and her newest release, By Loyalty Torn, set during the English Civil War. Whether fantasy or history, Shawn’s writing is filled with adventure, passion, and timeless storytelling.

Together with her husband, fellow ICCC 2026 guest Robert Lamb, Shawn travels the country engaging fans with tales of classic animation, heroic adventures, and the art of storytelling. At ICCC, she’ll be sharing her journey across animation, fantasy, and historical fiction — and this is your chance to meet her in person!

📚✨ From the halls of Eternia to the battlefields of history, Shawn Lamb is a master storyteller who continues to inspire fans everywhere.

Lorne Peterson

Before the stars of Tatooine twinkled on screen or the Millennium Falcon's engines roared to life, there was Lorne Peterson—quiet architect of a universe built one rivet at a time. Born October 20, 1944, in Vancouver, British Columbia, this Canadian visionary joined Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) in 1975, just as George Lucas assembled his ragtag crew of effects wizards for Star Wars: A New Hope. As Chief Model Maker, Peterson sculpted the saga's iconic hardware: the battered charm of the Falcon, the lumbering terror of AT-AT walkers on Hoth, the sleek menace of Imperial Star Destroyers, and even the podracer frenzy on Tatooine. Over 33 years and all six Star Wars films—spanning the Original and Prequel Trilogies—he blended artistry with engineering, turning sketches into tangible wonders that fooled audiences into believing in hyperspace. "It was like being part of a mad inventor's workshop," he reflected in a 2023 Adam Savage interview, where tales of late-night glue sessions and innovative rigging techniques revealed the hands-on heart of practical effects magic.

Peterson's legacy isn't confined to Coruscant; his models thundered through Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, clawed across Jurassic Park's Isla Nublar, and earned him an Academy Award for visual effects. Now retired but ever the storyteller, he pens insights for StarWars.com and graces conventions with behind-the-scenes lore, like the Falcon's "lived-in" aesthetic born from deliberate wear and tear. As we hyperspace toward the Imperial Commissary Collectors Convention (ICCC) June 19-21 in Nashville, Lorne's work reminds us: Every epic starts with a blueprint. Secure your spot at icnashville.com and share your favorite ILM model memory below—may the models (and your collection) endure.

Nelson Lee

Imagine slipping into the shadowy corridors of Coruscant as a scheming senator, or commanding ancient warriors in a live-action legend— that's the versatile world of Nelson Lee, the Taiwanese-Canadian actor born in Taipei, Taiwan, and raised amid Canada's vibrant multicultural scene. Lee's galaxy-spanning roles mean prime grabs like Ahsoka trading cards, Stargirl variant covers, or signed Snake from Ghosts of Yotei and Call of Duty art prints that bridge live-action grit with voice-over wizardry. After studying business and philosophy at the University of Toronto and honing his craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Lee burst onto screens with early turns in Oz and the Law & Order franchise, blending intensity with quiet depth.

Lee's star truly aligned with the force in 2023's Ahsoka, where he portrayed the politically cunning Senator Hamato Xiono—father to Kazuda from Resistance—a role that surprised even him but cemented his Star Wars legacy. He channeled imperial intrigue with a nuance that had fans dissecting every Senate debate. Before that galactic leap, he ruled as the enigmatic Dragon King in The CW's Stargirl, a villainous scientist whose mad experiments stole scenes across seasons. His voice lent gravitas to Takeo Masaki in Call of Duty, while on the big screen, he served as The Chancellor in Disney's Mulan (2020), guiding Liu Yifei's warrior with regal poise, and popped up as Tony in the dystopian thriller Civil War (2024).

Sean Crawford

Sean Crawford, who played Yak Face and a Mon Calamari Officer in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,” will be back this June to meet fans at ICCC 2026. His Power of the Force Yak Face figure — one of the coveted “last 17” Star Wars action figures — might be elusive to collectors, but Crawford won’t be.

He will be available all weekend to answer any questions and sign your photos, posters, and even your grandmas’ vintage Star Wars cookbook! He is a true legend in the Star Wars universe.

Crawford originally appeared at ICCC 2019! You can view an exclusive ICCC interview with Crawford right here on the ICCC YouTube! Channel.

Crawford, an accomplished actor, mime artist, and musician, has a filmography dating back to 1980, appearing in films like “Xtro,” and TV series “No. 73,” “Oxford Road Show,” and “Three of a Kind.” He was also “Tok” in the synth-pop duo “Tik and Tok,” which was very popular in the 1980s new romantic music scene, particularly in the UK.

We are pleased to welcome Crawford back to ICCC 2026!

Jim Swearingen

Jim Swearingen was the principal conceptual designer for Kenner's line of Star Wars toys — the vintage toy line we seek, covet, and celebrate at ICCC events! We are pleased to announce that Swearingen will once again appear at ICCC this June to engage with collectors, meet fans, and tell more stories about his legacy in the vintage toy business.

In 1976, Swearingen was working in Kenner's preliminary design group when his boss, Dave Okada, came in with a script and some photographs from a new movie called “Star Wars.” Jim took the script home and read it. The next day he insisted Okada lock himself in his office and read it. "We have to do this," he told him. "We have to make these toys." From 1976-79, Star Wars became Swearingen's baby.

The success of Kenner's "Star Wars" toys eventually shifted the entire toy industry's focus toward thinking small. Until then, action figures were foot-long dolls like vintage G.I. Joe. Kenner's 3 3/4-inch Lukes and Leias stemmed from the UC designer's mock-ups, the size of which were based upon what he rummaged from the company toy bin.

Besides "Star Wars," Swearingen contributed to many popular product lines while with Kenner, including PlayDoh, Spirograph, Baby Alive, Care Bears, and Strawberry Shortcake. He then spent 15 years doing contract work making licensed products from movies such as "Alien," "Jurassic Park," "Men in Black," "Pirates of the Caribbean II: Dead Man's Chest."

Paul Darnell

In the dusty trails of Tatooine, where a marshal's grit meets the hum of a beskar helmet, Paul Darnell doesn't just double for heroes—he becomes the pulse of the action. Born in 1982 and hailing from Cleveland with roots in Gloucester, Virginia, this Emmy-winning stuntman and actor leaped into the Star Wars universe as the stunt double for Cobb Vanth in The Mandalorian Season Two, channeling the armored lawman's swagger through high-octane chases and blaster duels. Not content to stay behind the scenes, Darnell also embodied a shadowy Night Wind Assassin, his freerunning flair adding lethal grace to the shadows of the galaxy. "It's about pushing limits," he shares on his site, where clips from his parkour-infused sequences showcase the raw athleticism that earned him that 2024 Emmy for The Mandalorian. From flipping across Leavesden sets to coordinating chaos in the American Southwest deserts, Darnell's path started with a passion for movement—honed as a freerunner before SAG/AFTRA gigs catapulted him into blockbusters like Jurassic World (as dino-dodging Lee) and The Matrix Resurrections.

Darnell's resume reads like a stunt reel on steroids: doubling Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger, clashing in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and revving through Baby Driver's heists. Yet, it's his Star Wars tenure that cements his status as a fan-favorite force multiplier, blending precision falls with the heart of a collector's eye for detail. Today, follow his flips on Instagram (@ponthego) or his site (pauldarnell.com) for behind-the-beskar insights, and catch him at cons sharing war stories. As we blast off to the Imperial Commissary Collectors Convention (ICCC) June 19-21 in Nashville, Paul reminds us: The galaxy's biggest battles are won in the flips and falls.

Tim Effler

When it comes to the development of the toys we know and love, Tim Effler has his fingerprints all over them. Particularly in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the toys he helped create were played with in millions of households around the world. We’re pleased to announce Effler will join us at ICCC 2026 to engage with fans and collectors, and provide insights into his years of involvement in creating toy magic.

Effler has been in the creative development business for over 40 years and is currently writing a book about his contribution to Kenner’s Star Wars toy line. More recently, as Director of Advanced Concepts at Hasbro, he contributed to many of their most successful lines including Star Wars, Batman, Ghost Busters, and the Jurassic Park logo concept and toy lines.

For 13 years, Effler was also a partner of SOEDA, Inc., a creative consulting company. Clients included Hasbro, Mattel, Fisher-Price, DreamWorks, Universal Studios, Fox Entertainment, and Sony Pictures. His company’s work on Zizzle’s Pirates of the Caribbean toy line won a T.O.T.Y award in 2007.

Tim has a BS in Industrial Design from the University of Cincinnati, where he also taught an Introduction to Design class. And he did post-graduate study in Illustration at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena CA. At home in Atlanta, he continues to consult for a select group of clients, speaks regularly at schools and conventions about toy design.

Nelson Hall

In the shadowy workshops of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), where dreams of distant worlds take

shape from foam and fiberglass, Nelson Hall has been a quiet force since joining the team in the late

'80s and he is making his first ever appearance in America at ICCC 2026! A Marin County native

turned effects wizard, Hall's hands crafted pivotal Star Wars model worlds—from the creepy crevices

of the Geonosis Execution Arena to the death-defying depths of the Utapau Sinkhole—while

moonlighting as an on-set performer. He suited up as a Stormtrooper in the 1997 Special Edition of

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, patrolling the Death Star with plastoid precision, and stepped

into Boba Fett's iconic armor for that fleeting but fan-revered insert shot in Return of the Jedi:

Special Edition's Jabba the Hutt’s Palace sequence, striding behind Jabba like a bounty hunter born.

As one of three "official" R2-D2 operators for ILM, Hall wrangled the astromech's antics for live

appearances, TV commercials, and talk shows, blending technical savvy with the droid's signature

sass. "It was all about making the impossible feel real," he shared at London Film and Comic Con,

where his tales of glue-gun epics and late-night tweaks still draw crowds.

Whether wearing the hat of ILM Model Maker, or Archivist overseeing the vast Lucasfilm Archives

collection, or Character Appearance Coordinator wrangling R2 and other characters, or Researcher

for the soon to be launched Lucas Museum in L.A., Hall's legacy endures as a testament to the unsung

heroes who bridge blueprint and blockbuster. Even his company, Nelhal Industries, nods to his

name—a hub for custom models that keeps the spirit of practical effects alive. Today, he graces

conventions with autographs and anecdotes, turning fans into fellow tinkerers.

Stephen Costantino

Stephen Costantino — who portrayed one of the original Gamorrean Guards in ROTJ — is returning to ICCC 2026 to join our growing lineup of celebrities to meet and engage with fans, and maybe even play a little guitar.

Costantino is an actor, producer, and musician best known for portraying a Gamorrean Guard on Jabba the Hutt’s sail barge in Tatooine’s Dune Sea — the one who battles with Luke Skywalker on the upper deck. He has also appeared in “Zomb-G: Get Bit or Get Ate” and “My Saga.” He is the owner and operator of the music production studio Gamorrean Sound. And he has producer credits on projects such as “Starlight “and “Walking After Midnight.”

Costantino is an avid guitar player and music producer and has been known to jam with the various bands that have performed at ICCC events in the recent past. We are elated that Costantino has joined our growing lineup of accomplished and influential guest stars.

Howie Weed

Star Wars fans, get ready to step into the icy caves of Hoth like never before—because the legendary Howie Weed is coming to ICCCon!

If you've ever watched Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, you've seen Howie Weed's work up close. He's the talented artist and performer who brought the ferocious Wampa Ice Creature to life in those expanded, thrilling scenes. Yes, that's right—the snarling, arm-ripping beast that attacks Luke Skywalker and his Tauntaun! Howie was inside the suit, making those terrifying moments feel real on screen.

But Howie Weed's contributions to the galaxy far, far away go way beyond one iconic monster. As a veteran of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the legendary effects house behind the original Star Wars trilogy and beyond, Howie has been shaping cinematic magic for decades.

He sculpted and helped perform creatures like Ketwol and Melas for the Special Edition of A New Hope.

He worked as a digital model artist on Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, crafting Pod Racers and the massive Colo Claw Fish.

His ILM career spans blockbuster effects on films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and even modern Marvel hits.

From practical creature suits in the '80s and '90s to pioneering digital modeling, Howie has been at the heart of some of the most groundbreaking visual effects in movie history. And now, he's bringing that insider knowledge, behind-the-scenes stories, and genuine fan passion to ICCCon June 19-21, 2026 at the Embassy Suites Nashville SE / Murfreesboro!

Guy Gilchrist

Guy Gilchrist is a name that evokes fond memories for many who grew up in the 80s and 90s. Often referred to as "Jim Henson's Cartoonist," Gilchrist is responsible for bringing to life some of the most beloved cartoon characters, including The Muppets, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, Fraggle Rock, and The Pink Panther.

We are thrilled to announce that Gilchrist will be returning as a featured artist at ICCC 2026, where he will meet fans and showcase his legendary work!

Gilchrist's journey to fame began with the creation of "The Muppets" comic strip, which ran in 660 newspapers worldwide from 1981 to 1986. His role in developing "The Muppet Babies," a beloved spin-off of the original Muppets, further cemented his place in the hearts of children everywhere.

Throughout his illustrious career, Gilchrist has garnered numerous awards and accolades. He received the National Cartoonist Society's prestigious Reuben Award in both 1997 and 1998. In 1998, his book series "Night Lights and Pillow Fights" earned the Bank Street Award for Best Book of the Year. Additionally, his "Tiny Dinos" book series was recognized by the International Reading Council of the United Nations as the Best Book of the Year for three consecutive years.

In recent years, Gilchrist has continued to make significant contributions to the world of art and storytelling. His recent projects have included new illustrations and writings that continue to captivate audiences of all ages. His passion for his craft remains as vibrant as ever, and his dedication to creating timeless characters and stories endures.

Ron Rudat

Ron Rudat is a true icon in the world of vintage GI Joe action figures, and his return for ICCC 2026 is generating excitement for fans and collectors alike. This legendary designer will be engaging with enthusiasts, sharing his remarkable journey, and delving into his influential career in the toy industry.

Rudat's story began in 1980 when he joined Hasbro during the highly confidential G.I. Joe relaunch project, codenamed “Operation Blast Off.” After extensive market research, Hasbro decided that the key to reviving G.I. Joe’s success lay in shrinking the action figures to a more compact 3 3/4 inches.

Entrusted with this pivotal task, Rudat designed every single figure for the "A Real American Hero" series from 1982 to 1986, despite his own admission that he wasn’t initially a “figure guy.” He was also responsible for creating the iconic Cobra figures and logo. In 1985, Rudat’s name was featured on a G.I. Joe file card, and by 1986, his likeness was enshrined on a package as “Leatherneck,” complete with his trademark mustache.

We’re excited to welcome Ron Rudat, a revered figure among collectors worldwide, to ICCC 2026. His presence offers a unique opportunity to connect with a key architect of G.I. Joe’s enduring legacy.


Sara Cravens

Sara Cravens — powerhouse actress, singer, comedian, and voice artist — to ICCC 2026!

Born in Tennessee and now based in Los Angeles, Sara has built an impressive career across video games, animation, anime, and commercials, becoming one of the most versatile and recognizable voices in the industry.

🎮 Gamers know her as Power Girl in Injustice 2, Hildr in God of War: Ragnarök, Frost in Mortal Kombat 11, and Detective Westcott in Batman: Arkham Knight. Anime fans will recognize her as Sachiko in Erased and Miyoko Ishida in the award-winning A Silent Voice. She’s also voiced Harriet Wolf in Monster High and Child Emperor in One Punch Man.

But for Star Wars fans, Sara holds a very special place in the galaxy. She voiced the deadly assassin Deathstick in Star Wars: Uprising, the mobile RPG that expanded the Star Wars canon and gave fans a glimpse of the criminal underworld in the time between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. Deathstick’s sharp edge, mysterious presence, and powerful voice performance left a lasting mark on the expanded universe — and cemented Sara as part of the ever-growing Star Wars legacy.

Beyond her work in games and animation, Sara has voiced national commercials for brands like Target, Nike, Nissan, and BevMo, bringing her dynamic range and signature energy to audiences everywhere. Her performance in A Silent Voice even won her the award for Best Supporting Actress in an Anime Movie.

Freddie Thoman

Frederick "Freddie" Thoman, a celebrated toy designer for Kenner, boasts a long and distinguished career in the toy industry. Thoman’s journey began at 19 when he was captivated by the groundbreaking 1977 release of the "Star Wars" motion picture, which revolutionized his view of science fiction and storytelling. Inspired by the film, Thoman aspired to join Kenner Products, a leading toy manufacturer at the time.

In 1978, Thoman began his career at Kenner as an Industrial Designer Co-op student. His early talent and passion for design were immediately evident. Even as a student, Thoman was trusted with producing production artwork, a rare opportunity for someone of his age and experience level. He worked on projects such as the Star Wars "Hoth Ice Planet Playset," Rebel Command, and the artwork for a battery-operated toothbrush, showcasing his skills and dedication to his craft.

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 1980, Thoman joined Kenner’s Product Design and Engineering (PD&E) department. One of his notable early assignments was the design of the Star Wars Scout Walker (AT-ST). He collaborated closely with the engineering team to develop a comprehensive design package, including presentation renderings, pattern drawings, supervision of pattern tooling aids, and final label art. Thoman’s attention to detail and creative vision made him an invaluable asset to the team 

Throughout his 45-year career, Thoman has conceptualized and guided numerous toy products and branded lines into production. His work spans a variety of popular franchises, including Batman, Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters, Rat Fink, Pirates of the Caribbean, Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, Nerf, Littlest Pet Shop, My Little Pony, and Chronicles of Narnia, among others. Thoman’s contributions to the toy industry have taken him to Hollywood and around the world, both as a corporate Industrial Designer and as an Independent Design Consultant with Indigo Design Group.

Thoman remains grateful for his remarkable journey in the toy industry and is enthusiastic about continuing to share in the "Star Wars" phenomenon and the connection it creates among fans worldwide. His dedication to his craft and contributions to the toy industry have left an indelible mark, making him a true legend in Star Wars toy design.


Dmitriy Karas

Dmitriy Karas — the Ukrainian-born stuntman, actor, and creature performer who has suited up as some of the most iconic warriors in the Star Wars universe — is joining us as a Guest Star at ICCC 2026!

Star Wars fans know him instantly from The Mandalorian as the Red Mimbanese, Tusken Raider, Stormtrooper, Shoretrooper, Pointy Chin, and Pirate Sniper. He brought the same fierce presence to The Book of Boba Fett as a Tusken Raider and Pyke Syndicate Guard, plus multiple roles in Ahsoka (Night Trooper, Guard, Gotal) and uncredited work across the galaxy.

But Dmitriy’s talents go far beyond a galaxy far, far away! He doubled Taylor Kitsch in the hit Prime Video series The Terminal List, played an Aggressive Mercenary in The Old Man, portrayed a sword-wielding Knight in Double Threat, performed stunts in The Flight Attendant, and is currently filming the upcoming action project Cottonmouth (2025) as stunt double for Eric Nelsen (plus additional stunt work on The Remedy).

This is the kind of versatile, high-energy performer collectors love — the guy who makes those jaw-dropping action sequences look effortless and real.

Dmitriy will be with us all weekend long for autographs, photos, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes stories from both the Star Wars sets and his other major Hollywood projects. Whether you want that perfect signature on your Stormtrooper helmet, Tusken Raider figure, Terminal List memorabilia, or just to hear how he pulls off those insane stunts, this is your chance to meet one of the unsung heroes of modern action and sci-fi!

Simon Williamson

Simon Williamson is an actor, puppeteer, and voice actor best known for his work on “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,” where he played our favorite little blue musician Max Rebo in Jabba’s Palace.

Williamson's performance as Max Rebo was widely praised by fans and critics alike, and he has since gone on to appear in numerous films, television shows, and theater productions, including: “The Dark Crystal,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Top Secret!,” “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” and TV series “London’s Burning” and “Alice In Wonderland.” Williamson is also a filmmaker, with several short films, and plans for features and TV projects

In addition to his acting career, Off-screen, Williamson is known for his humble nature and dedication to his craft. He continues to be a beloved figure in the Star Wars universe, and his contributions to the franchise will be remembered for years to come. We are pleased to welcome him to ICCC 2026!

Mike Smith

From chip board to cardboard and post-it notes to paper bags, no surface is safe from a quick doodle or even an elaborate illustration. Mike Smith has been filling in the empty corners of blank spaces with made-up people and beings since the first time he drew on a wall as a small child. From that lowly beginning he sketched and drew on all sorts of surfaces and things until he ended up in architecture school. As a professional architect he has designed everything from grade schools to puppet factories while still venturing into the weird worlds he finds inside of blank pages. As an illustrator Mike has been commissioned to create book covers, video game characters and ships, character design development and writing for a children’s show and all sorts of things in between!
Meet Mike at ICCC 2026 and follow him on his socials:


Instagram: @doodlebags
Facebook: /doodlebagsproductions
X: @doodle_bags
Website: doodlebagsproductions.com


 
 

*All guest availability subject to change. See you in JUNE! - IC

 

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