Local ‘Glee’ creator to make first on-camera appearance
“Glee” will once again show off its local roots Tuesday as show creator and Mount Prospect native Ian Brennan stars as a character similar to Chicago TV legend Svengoolie.
It will be the first time Brennan has ever appeared on his Fox TV show, which is based on his experience in Prospect High School’s show choir.
“It’s a big deal,” said his father, John Brennan, of Mount Prospect.
Ian Brennan, 33, was a stage actor for many years and was nominated for a Jeff Award before writing “Glee” and moving behind the scenes.
John Brennan said his son has done numerous voice-overs during the hit show’s three-season run, but has never been on camera until now.
Not that Ian Brennan will be recognizable. He’ll be dressed in full makeup and will rise out of a casket, playing a judge at a regional competition named “Svenboolie,” his father said.
“There’s no rubber chicken. I was disappointed in that,” John Brennan joked.
The name change was necessary to avoid copyright infringement on the real Svengoolie, the TV horror show host created by Maine East High School alumnus Rich Koz. The Brennan family used to watch “Son of Svengoolie” on Channel 32 and now catch the character on Me-TV.
“Glee” will air at 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.