My Dad the Rockstar

***My Dad the Rock Star*** is a Canadian/French animated television series that was created by KISS bassist Gene Simmons. The series was a Canada-France co-production between Nelvana and Carrere Group for the Canada-based channel Teletoon. The show aired on Nickelodeon in the U.S. and the UK Summer 2004.

The show focuses on Willy Zilla, an ordinary timid teenage boy just trying to be a normal person, despite being the son of a flamboyant, rich, lively celebrity rock star named Rock Zilla.

## Production

Gene Simmons wanted to create a cartoon series with a loud rock star for his kids. The idea of the cartoon started off when Gene's son, Nick in his kindergarten days, brought in a picture of Gene drooling blood and spitting fire for a project of what his parents do, which may have influenced the character of Willy Zilla.

Before becoming a series, it became a book called "My Dad the Rock Star: Rebel without a Nose Ring" in 2001. Because Gene loved Nelvana shows, he called them for a cartoon idea. It was originally supposed to be about the band KISS itself, but it was later changed to a family of rock-star parents, which were based on Gene's family. Rock Zilla is actually a fictionalized version of Gene Simmons himself, counting his signature "long-tongue". Gene himself chose Lawrence Bayne as the voice for the character. Willy is based on Gene's son, Nick, and Serenity was based on Gene's daughter, Sophie. Crystal was also based on Gene's wife, Shannon Tweed, who, being Canadian, helped Gene to get Nelvana to make the show. Gene served as the executive producer and creator, while the rest of the production was done in Canada. Merle-Anne Ridley *(Timothy Goes to School, George Shrinks, Moville Mysteries)* served as voice director.

## Main Cast

Joanne Vannicola - Willy Zilla

Lawrence Bayne - Rock Zilla

Kathy Laskey - Crystal Zilla

Stephanie Mills - Serenity Zilla

Don Francks - Skunk (Nigel Fenshaw)

Sarah Gadon - Alyssa

Martin Villifana - Quincy Nestrella

Rob Stefaniuk - Buzz Sawchuck

Jim Millington - Principal Malfactor

## Additional Voices

Richard Binsley - Mosh, Mr. Kant, Cats

Neil Crone - Coach

Dan Petronijevic - Victor

Carolyn Scott - Miss Zachwiss

Peter Keleghan - Mr D'Angelo

Kristin Fairlie - Angela D'Angelo

Linda Kash - Mrs. D'Angelo, Ms. Waverley

Alyson Court - Willow

Robert Tinkler - Mark Walker, Head Lifeguard

Jamie Watson - Mr. Nesrella

Tamara Bernier - Mrs. Nesrella

Ron Pardo - Mr. Barnsworth, Austrian Bank Manager

Fiona Reid - Grandma Zilla

George Buza - Grandpa Zilla

Cole Caplan - Boy selling cookies

Christian Potenza - Flight Attendant

Linda Ballantyne - Nesrella's boss, Fan #1

Ellen-Ray Hennessy - Fortune Teller

Philip Williams - Movie Director

Keith Knight - Janitor

Reagan Pasternak - Sally Raptor

Michael D'Ascenzo - A.V. Kid

Dwayne Hill - Scoop, Alyssa's Dad, College CEO

Stephen Ouimette - Marty Bloom

Jayne Eastwood -

Tony Daniels -

Novie Edwards - Student #2

Bryn McAuley - Student #1

Toby Proctor - One of Serenity's classmates

Jake Goldsbie - Trumpet Student

Katie Griffin - Hillary

Sean Cullen - Dogcatcher

Robin Duke - Pet Psychiatrist

Ron Rubin - Veterinarian, TV Announcer

Jonathan Wilson - Dentist

Melanie Tonello - Girl #1

Tracey Hoyt - Shopping Assistant