Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Super ‘70s and ‘80s: “Super Friends”—Fernando Escandon (El Dorado)

Introduction to series “Super ‘70s and ‘80s.” 

Introduction to subseries "Super Friends" (including a list of interviewees).
How did you get the job on Super Friends?

Regular audition.

How long did you have the job?

For the duration of my character.

How familiar with the characters were you before you got the job?

Super Friends was one of my favorite shows.

What do you know about the creation of El Dorado? (As you probably know, he was created for the show and had not first appeared in comic books.)

Yes, during the audition, I was informed that it was a new character.

Did you ever find anything about El Dorado to be stereotypical or inaccurate with regard to Hispanic heritage?

Never thought about it. It was obvious to me that Hanna-Barbera and ABC tried to appeal to the ever growing Hispanic population in the USA. Nothing wrong with that.

How long did it take you to record one episode?

Two hours the most.

What challenges were involved in recording SF?

Keeping up with all the pros I was working with.

Of the episodes you were on, do you have a favorite?

I loved them all; I [also] have a special satisfaction doing my dear “Frollo” in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the Spanish/Latino version. Maybe because I had the opportunity to act and sing a few songs.

Were there any you ended up being disappointed with?

Never completely satisfied on all of them; always convinced that I could have done better.

How much interaction did you have with the writers?

The necessary.

Which voice actors were you most friendly with?

Frank Welker, always a gentleman.

Can you please give a few examples of what you did socially and with whom? Go to a movie? Play tennis/golf? Visit each other at home?

The only time I had any contact with any of them was at the time of recording. I guess we were all too busy doing our own thing. At least I was.

Were any voice actors like—or completely unlike—their characters?

They were all perfect.

Did you ever get letters from fans, and if so, do you still have any?

Yes, I received some; do not know where they are now.

Do any fan letters stand out? What have fans written to you besides “I loved SF”?

I remember one surprised me by saying that El Dorado is his favorite character.

What brought your time as on SF to an end?

It just ended. Do not know of any reason.



How aware are you of the influence that SF had on the current generation of comic book writers?

Have no idea.

Do you ever get e-mails from SF fans?

I got some but do not know where they are.

When was the last time you watched one of your SF episodes?

Do not remember.

How do you look back on your time on SF?

With a big smile.

What are you doing these days?

Same thing—voice-overs.


Do you have children?

A son and a daughter.


What do they think of your time as a superhero?

They are happy/proud about it.

Has anyone else interviewed you about SF?

Yes.

Have you ever participated (i.e. signed autographs) at a comic convention? If not, would you be willing to (if the convention paid your way)?

No, I have never participated and thank you for the invitation.

I’m not clear if this means you would be willing to participate in conventions?

No time.

Are you in touch with anyone from the cast?

No.

Would you like to reconnect with any of them?

Thank you, but no time.

Can you suggest any other people (other writers, producers, directors, cast) who were involved with SF that I could try to interview?

Since most of my recordings/voice-overs I now do in my own booth/office via ISDN, I have not had [recent] contact with any of my dear colleagues.

Anything else about the experience I didn’t cover that you’d like to add?

You did a good job.

11/10/21 addendum: Today I learned that Fernando passed away on 9/22/17.

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