Nerd Alert News has embarked on a fun and fan-interactive article series about what the “Supernatural” family is missing about conventions. We have lovingly dubbed it “Confessions of SPN Con Goers” and you can check out the first article in the series here. As we were going through all the lovely memories and fun experiences fans were kind enough to share, something occurred to us: The cast has said on many occasions that they are missing the time with the SPN family as well.
So, of course, we ran with this idea and we are very excited to say that we were able to ask a few of the cast members a series of questions about their convention memories. First up in this convention centric interview series is Mr. Tahmoh Penikett!!
Tahmoh is well known in the Sci-fi community with roles from “Battlestar Galactica,” “Medinah,” and “Riverworld” just to name a few. He has also made appearances on the “Supernatural Parody” and “The Umbrella Academy Parody” by The Hillywood Show. However, to the “Supernatural” family he will forever be, the angel, Gadreel.
He is also a well known and well-loved face at “Supernatural” conventions and we were so excited for the chance to hear about some of his con memories. We hope you are too!
TiShea Wilson: COVID-19 has turned the convention circuit upside down. While the internet and virtual Q&A’s have kept us all connected, there is still something about actually being at a venue that resonates with us all. What are some of the things you miss most about “Supernatural” conventions?
Tahmoh Penikett: Listen, being able to do virtual conventions is a blessing, but it can’t compare to the experience of meeting and mingling in person. We’re human beings, we thrive on interaction with each other in person. The music, your friends beside you, the guests on stage, the handshake or hug and photo, will simply not be matched by virtual cons… That is, unless we get to the point in our lifetime where VR technology is so good, that our brains can hardly discern the difference. I’m imagining images from “The Cell,” future fans “attending” cons from the comfort of their form-fitting VR suit, sans J-Lo and D’onofrio… Then again, I’d invite the two of them, Just as long as I wasn’t Vincent’s prisoner. That was a visually stunning film. See it, if you haven’t, kids.
As a guest at a convention, I always look forward to seeing some of my old castmates, and even new actors I’ve yet had the pleasure to meet. I look forward to the travel and the city—especially if I can spend a little time on either end of the trip to explore. I, of course, love interacting with the fans through the photos, signings, and especially the stage. It brings me a lot of joy seeing how happy we can make people with a few words, or a hug, or a funny story on stage. That’s the transaction, the exchange, and those of us who love conventions appreciate them so.
That said, we cannot forget that we’re living in a time where humanity is fighting against a deadly virus that seemingly transmits more effectively than anything we’ve seen in years. The close contact between people at conventions would be a gross liability and endanger everyone. But we need to appreciate the fact we can still do something. I’ve done a few virtual conventions through this pandemic, and in all honesty, I found some of the interactions I had with the fans through Zoom even more personable and memorable. People seemed to be less nervous from the comfort of their home, and thus more open and sharing.
This too shall pass. Let’s stay connected, the fan base is here to stay, it’s a community and strong. It will surely survive this period, and ultimately be better for it.
TW: A vast array of conventions have left their mark with different interactions and experiences. Is there a fan experience from a convention that you have fond memories of or has left a lasting impact on you?
TP: I’m always humbled by fans who share with me kind words about how something I’ve said to them directly, or I’ve shared at a panel has affected them deeply. I had a single mother approach me at a Convention in Texas, which unfortunately was a complete shit show. So bad, that they weren’t even relating pertinent information, like panels changing rooms, to the guests. She managed to find me in the hall, frustrated with a conversation I just had with the promoters expressing my concerns, rushing from one panel to another commitment. I was at first just trying to be polite and have a quick conversation so that I could make my next thing, but something about her emotion made me decide to stop and talk to her. She was a hard-working, single mother. Anyone who’s a parent knows that children can be the most beautiful and painful experiences you’ll have in life, and raising them by yourself is a momentous task. She shared how something I’d said really helped her through some hard times. How my meditations had helped her, also. She was going to leave the convention but really came to see me in hopes that she could share with me in person. I was so moved, recognizing how this single mother had spent hard-earned money just to express to me how I’d helped her. Still makes me emotional thinking about it. I hope she’s doing well during these crazy times, especially considering the COVID situation in Texas right now.
TW: First conventions are their own special experience. Can you tell us a little bit about yours? Where was it? What memory sticks out most from the experience? Did the experience live up to your expectations? Etc…
TP: My first one wasn’t as memorable as you might hope. It was in Vancouver, my city, so the excitement of traveling to another city to do a con was gone. There was something less exciting and intimidating about doing one in my own town. It was unfortunately not well organized, or attended. But I knew most of the guests, and nerves aside, I think I enjoyed the panel with the few fans that were there.
To this day, the panel, as long as I’ve got an interactive audience with some fresh questions, is by far my favourite thing about a Convention.
Funny thing, a picture of me holding what looks like a glass of orange juice has always been circulated online. I think it’s actually on the Wikipedia page for me, and it’s a pic from that very first panel.
TW: Is there a message you would like to extend to the “Supernatural” Family until we can all be together again?
TP: Take this time as best you can to be present with family and to address any issues or conversations that have been avoided. It can be trying to do, but it’s a huge opportunity for growth and expression that I think many of us have been avoiding for years now with our addiction to being “online.”
Grow your own food if you can, it can be as small as a tomato plant. It’s a powerful thing to grow your own food, it makes you appreciate it more, recognize where it comes from, and it’s worth. Another thing that many of us in the west have grown to neglect.
Learn something new. Read, play, walk, write, exercise, meditate. Anything that doesn’t cost money, but brings you joy.
We’ll get through this. Stay strong, keep connected to your friends, family, and Con family too. If you’re thinking about someone, connect with them. Check in on anyone you think might be struggling, that call could be so important to them.
I look forward to seeing the SPN family virtually, for now, but in person when the time comes in the near future. Be well!
Nerd Alert News would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tahmoh Penikett for being a part of this series that we are so excited and passionate about. We greatly appreciate his contribution! Be sure to tune in to his free live Q&A with Wizard World Tuesday, July 14 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET.
Be on the look-out for “Confessions of SPN Con Goers: Part 2” coming very soon as well as another exclusive interview with a “Supernatural” cast member.
Written by TiShea Wilson
