PEORIA (25News Now) – Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? And who’s coming to Peoria later this month?
Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, is preparing to visit Central Illinois for Illinois Comic Con, Nov. 14-15 at the Peoria Civic Center.
Kenny, who has voiced the animated character since the show’s debut in 1999, spoke exclusively with 25News on Monday about his upcoming appearance, SpongeBob’s lasting impact and what makes meeting fans so special.
Although Kenny has attended conventions including the Chicago
Although Kenny has attended conventions including the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, known as C2E2, he said this will be his first time attending Illinois Comic Con in Peoria.
“We’re always looking to get into, you know, territories and meet people that haven’t had a chance to meet us yet,” Kenny said. “So just to switch it up and keep it, keep it fresh and fun.”
Kenny also revealed he’d already heard positive reviews of the convention from a familiar Bikini Bottom neighbor.
You interviewed my neighbor, my cranky neighbor, Squidward,
“You interviewed my neighbor, my cranky neighbor, Squidward,” Kenny said, referring to a previous interview with Squidward’s voice actor, Roger Bumpass. “And he spoke very highly of both of you and of the people, the fans at the Illinois Comic-Con.”
For more than 25 years, “SpongeBob SquarePants” has entertained audiences worldwide. Today, many children who grew up watching the animated series are adults with families of their own.
Kenny said seeing those fans return with their own children is still hard for him to comprehend.
Yeah, that’s really nice
“Yeah, that’s really nice. And just, again, mind-boggling. Never gets old,” Kenny said. “And everybody’s got a unique story to tell.”
He explained that every fan has a different connection to the characters and shows he has helped bring to life. Some grew up watching SpongeBob before school, while others found comfort in the show during difficult periods in their lives.
Kenny said those connections sometimes extend far beyond the television screen, with fans sharing stories about friendships and relationships that began because of their favorite cartoons.
For Kenny, those interactions are among the most rewarding parts of his career.
He explained that actors often spend their careers
He explained that actors often spend their careers simply hoping to find consistent work, never knowing whether a project will resonate with audiences.
Shows Kenny has worked on, including ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’, ‘Adventure Time’, ‘The Powerpuff Girls’, ‘CatDog’, and ‘Rocko’s Modern Life ’, continue to find audiences long after their debuts.
The actor’s extensive voice acting career also means convention attendees might recognize him for more than just his most famous character.
Kenny mentioned Adventure Time and the Spyro
Kenny mentioned Adventure Time and the Spyro the Dragon video games among his other recognizable projects. However, he said some of his favorite convention encounters involve people who remember much more obscure roles.
He recalled fans bringing homemade collectibles and merchandise from lesser-known shows, sometimes surprising him with items he never knew existed.
Beyond meeting fans, Kenny said he enjoys attending conventions because he is a pop culture fan himself.
Before becoming a regular celebrity guest, he attended
Before becoming a regular celebrity guest, he attended comic conventions as a fan, drawn to toys, monster movies, music and other interests that helped him through difficult times.
Now, he sees conventions as an opportunity for people with similar interests to come together.
“It’s just a good vibe,” Kenny said.
He added that conventions offer attendees a chance to find happiness and community, particularly when things outside the convention halls feel uncertain.
I think these cons kind of are providing
“I think these cons kind of are providing a public service in a crazy way,” Kenny said.
Before arriving in Central Illinois, Kenny will make a stop in Chicago for a performance with his soul and rock band, Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas.
The group is scheduled to perform Friday, Nov. 13, at Reggies in Chicago’s South Loop.
Kenny said the band previously performed
Kenny said the band previously performed at the venue in May and enjoyed the experience so much that they decided to return.
He joked that the Chicago performance would serve as a little pregame celebration before the weekend’s convention in Peoria.
Illinois Comic Con will feature celebrity appearances, autograph sessions, professional photo opportunities, cosplay, gaming, vendors and panel discussions.
Besides Kenny, other announced guests include actors
Besides Kenny, other announced guests include actors and voice performers from popular movies, television shows, animated series and video games.
The convention will take place at the Peoria Civic Center on Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Advance general admission tickets are listed at $35 for a single day or $60 for the weekend, before applicable taxes and fees. Autographs and celebrity photo opportunities cost extra.
Children 10 and younger can attend for free
Children 10 and younger can attend for free with a paid adult admission, with a limit of two children per paying adult.
For more information about tickets and scheduled guests, visit Illinois Comic Con’s official website.
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