July 18, 2017
Billy Boyd, best known for his portrayal of “Pippin” in Peter Jackson’s award-winning “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, is the latest guest announced as appearing at the Forest City Comicon featuring Project Play. The fourth installment of the wildly popular downtown event event is set to run at the London Convention Centre on Saturday, September 23. Advanced discount and early tickets for early admission to the event are available now at www.forestcitycomicon.ca or at selected stores in London.
“Combined with all of our attractions, exhibitors, and special events we have become known for, the Forest City Comicon in downtown London is a must-see event this year,” explained committee member John Houghton. “With the addition of Billy Boyd to the guest lineup, excitement is certainly building towards September.”
“The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary fantasy work, was released from 2001-2003 with Boyd appearing in all three films as “Pippin”. His character proved to be one of the most popular and memorable in the franchise, providing comic relief and heart to the productions. Combined, the movies received seventeen academy awards and wide critical acclaim. All three films were nominated for Best Picture by the Academy Awards with the final installment, “The Return of the King”, taking top prize in 2003 to become the first fantasy film to ever win the award.
About Billy Boyd:
Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1968, Boyd was inspired by “Star Wars” to try acting. Boyd’s parents were extremely supportive, driving over two hours to get him to the performances, but sadly they passed away when he was twelve. A school counselor later discouraged his choice of acting and told him to “keep it secret”.
When he was seventeen he left school and went to work in a book-binding workshop. Ironically, during the years he worked at the book-binders, editions of “The Lord of the Rings” were printed and bound there. Eventually, Boyd enrolled in the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, meanwhile studying everything from Shakespeare to puppet-making. During this time Boyd had a few small roles in TV series such as “Down Amongst The Boys” and “Taggart”.
After graduating he performed in many plays like “The Slab Boys”, “The Diary of Adrian Mole” at The St. Andrews theatre which were his first paying roles. He later received a call from his agent about the Lord of the Rings movies and if he would like to audition for them. He went along not expecting much but within a few months Peter Jackson came out to Scotland to meet him and to audition him personally. While rehearsing for a show he received a call from his agent who said that the part of Pippin had been offered to him, radically altering the course of his career.
About the Forest City Comicon:
The Forest City Comicon featuring Project Play is the largest event of its kind in London, Ontario: a celebration of nerd and geek culture like no other. The comic con event features stage presentations, costumes, artists, exhibitors, panels, board games, video game tournaments, and more. The 2017 event will run Saturday, September 23 at the London Convention Centre. Advanced tickets, which offer discounted and early admission to the event, are available now at www.forestcitycomicon.ca or at selected stores in London.