A colorful new TV series for preschoolers, "Higglytown Heroes," and its fresh perspective on heroism has attracted an impressive array of celebrity guest stars including Naomi Judd, Donald Faison, Kathie Lee Gifford, Camryn Manheim and Betty White who provide the voices of various "heroes" in episodes of the animated series. In keeping with the series theme, guest stars were asked to identify their own "Higglytown Hero."
Other guest stars include Sharon Stone, Susan Lucci, Lance Bass, Sean Astin, Serena Williams, Katie Sagal, Cyndi Lauper, Ed McMahon, Smokey Robinson, Jamie Lyn DiScala, Anne Heche, Jane Krakowski and Trace Atkins.
"Celebrities, especially those with young children, are usually thrilled to be part of a project that sends positive, empowering and age appropriate messages to kids. 'Higglytown Heroes' appealed to them because it celebrates what we all want our children to believe -- that there's a hero inside all of us, and that everyone in their own way can help to make our world a better, more resourceful and responsible place," said Nancy Kanter, Vice President, Programming, Playhouse Disney.
Donald Faison ("Scrubs") who plays the Firefighter in the episode premiering Sunday, September 12 (6:30 p.m., ET/PT) said, "My 'Higglytown Heroes' are the members of the National Black Theater. When I was growing up, my parents were members and I, along with all of the other members' children, attended its in-house school where they treated us like their very own family and taught me the real meaning of community."
Kathie Lee Gifford who plays the Mail Carrier in the episode premiering Sunday, September 12 (6:30 p.m., ET/PT) said, "My hero is Gretchen Buckenholtz of Association to Benefit Children, the woman who helped establish Cassidy's Place."
Camryn Manheim ("The Practice") who plays the Plumber in the episode premiering Monday, September 13 (8:00 a.m., ET/PT), said, "My computer guru Michelle is my 'Higglytown Hero.' Anything that gets plugged in would not work without her expert computer knowledge. She keeps me in touch with my family, my friends and the rest of the world."
Animal lover Betty White ("The Golden Girls") who plays the Grandma in an episode premiering Tuesday, September 14 (8:00 a.m., ET/PT) said, "My veterinarian is my 'Higglytown Hero' because I can get in touch with him day or night. My pets are my family and he's saved my family several times."
Country music sensation Naomi Judd who plays the School Nurse in an upcoming episode said, "My mom Polly cares so much about our small community of Ashland, Kentucky. As city commissioner, Polly Judd makes sure everyone can call her if their street needs a stop light to keep accidents from happening; she makes sure the town's drinking water is safe, the parks are clean and that poor people have decent housing. Ever since I can remember, Polly Judd has been volunteering and speaking out to make our community safer and more comfortable and for that she truly is my 'Higglytown Hero."
Guided by an established curriculum, "Higglytown Heroes" helps preschoolers learn about and discover the broader world and the people (both conventional and less expected "heroes") who sustain a community. Children learn the hero's role in the community, see the tools the hero uses and develop an understanding of the problem that each hero is able to solve. The series further introduces the concept that everyone in some way, through some contribution, is a hero no matter their duty, profession or skill.
Kid actors Rory Thost, Frankie Ryan Manriquez, Taylor Masamitsu and Liliana Mumy provide the voices for the core cast -- the Higglytown kids -- along with Edie McClurg as their friend, Fran the Squirrel.
"Higglytown Heroes" premieres in a special primetime presentation, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 (6:30 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel and has its timeslot premiere MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 (8:00 a.m., ET/PT) during the learning-based programming block, Playhouse Disney.
