Q&A: Tom Welling prepares to make Houston debut at Fandemic Tour
Actor Tom Welling will be visiting Houston for the first time as part of the Fandemic Tour comic convention lineup of celebrity guests. Known for his roles in “Smallville” and “Lucifer,” Welling will be appearing Sept. 15 and Sept. 16 at the convention being held at NRG Center.
On Aug. 20, Welling spoke with The Signal about his upcoming visit to Houston, answered fan questions and hinted at future projects.
Q: What made you want to take part in Fandemic Tour’s Houston show?
Well one is, it’s so big. It’s a very big show. Sort of looking at the other [actors] who are going to be there, there’s a lot of crossover I think for the fan base. Especially with all of the “Smallville” people there, the supermen, the superwomen, and it’s a big crossover deal for I think the genre, so I thought that would be a fun thing to take part of. I think the fans are going to be able to see a lot of people in one place that they might not see again together for a long time.
Q: At Fandemic Tour, fans will have the chance to meet you, have items autographed and take photos. What is one of the more interesting or oddest things you’ve been asked to sign?
I was in London and someone asked me to sign their arm, so they could have the tattoo artist tattoo it onto them. I was like, “Sure, if that’s what you want?” (Laughs). That’s a signature that will last for a long time.
Q: You’re most known for your role as Clark Kent in “Smallville,” which was a show based on the DC Comics character Superman. Is there a fictional character or a historical figure you would like the chance to play and put your own spin on?
Yeah, I mean there’s a lot. I mean I grew up watching Indiana Jones; that would be pretty awesome. [That] kind of comes to mind. I don’t know why. James Bond would be dope. (Laughs). I mean, there’s a lot of cool characters out there. Those just pop into my head. I haven’t spent much time trying to get those roles or anything.
Q: We asked our readers to send us questions they would like to ask you. One of them, Rachel Lalonde asks, “Did the off-camera friendship with actor Michael Rosenbaum (who will also be appearing at Fandemic Tour) make the on-screen rivalry difficult?”
No. What happens is when you have a good off-screen relationship with someone there’s a trust that you have and if you both understand that you’re simply playing characters between “action” and “cut,” the off-screen chemistry is very helpful. Even on “Lucifer” with Tom Ellis or Lauren German. I’ve had some pretty good experiences with people, just getting along off-screen where when you get to work it’s kind of like you know that you’re on the same team. That’s what it feels like.
Q: How does it feel like to be at these comic cons, especially like Fandemic Tour, where you get to reunite with your old cast members?
It’s a lot of fun. It’s fun to catch up with them. I see [Michael] Rosenbaum a lot. Him and I are usually seated next to each other when we do these appearances and we have a lot of fun joking. He likes to throw things at me and other people. Usually nothing big or too solid. But there’s a lot of goofing around and playfulness that people seem to enjoy.
Q: Another fan, Roman De La Cruz, asks, “As a young actor, “Smallville” took a lot of your time and dedication. Do you ever wish you had the opportunity to take on different acting roles when you were younger?”
Those are such hard questions to answer because if I hadn’t done [“Smallville”] then I wouldn’t be here now. Did I feel like I was missing out on other roles as a result of being on “Smallville”? No, I don’t think so. I don’t remember ever really being like, “I just want to get out of here and go do this project specifically.” I was really dedicated in making that show work and just trying to bring the heart into the story and the character.
Q: Do you have any upcoming projects fans can be expecting from you either as an actor, director or executive producer?
There’s three things, but there’s nothing…it’s hard because you can’t really talk about them. You’re not really allowed to and it’s also sort of like actor bad luck until things are completed. But, I’m not done, if that’s an answer. (Laughs).
Q: Lastly, what would you like our readers to know about your upcoming appearance at Fandemic Tour Houston?
That I’m really looking forward to it. Houston’s a great town. I’ve never been there. I’ve been to Texas and I love Texas. I really think it will be an enjoyable experience for us [the guests] being there and the fans. I think it’s a great group. I wish I had something more unique to say, but I’m really just excited to go.
For more information on Fandemic Tour and to purchase tickets, head to www.fandemictour.com. Be sure to use promo code UHCL20 on general admission ticket purchases to receive a discount. Promo code is valid through Aug. 31, 2018.
Also published on Medium.
