Jim Swearingen played a key role in helping Kenner Toys acquire the original Star Wars toy license and served as the principal toy designer for the very first Star Wars action figure line — shaping the collectibles that defined an entire generation of fans.

You may recognize Jim from the hit Netflix series The Toys That Made Us, where he shares behind-the-scenes stories about bringing Star Wars toys to life.

Beyond Star Wars, Jim has been responsible for some of the most iconic toy lines in history, including Spirograph, Easy-Bake Oven, Play-Doh, The Six Million Dollar Man, Jem, and Moon Dreamers.

David is currently celebrating the release of his autobiography
“My Life With Animatronics: Movies, Puppets and Beyond”

🎬 About David Barclay:
A second-generation puppeteer, David was hired by Lucasfilm to work on The Empire Strikes Back as part of the original Yoda build crew. When one of Frank Oz’s assistants fell ill, David stepped in—launching an incredible career that would see him operate Yoda, become a puppeteer for Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi, and collaborate with Frank Oz on classics like Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Little Shop of Horrors.

His legendary career also includes Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Muppets, Team America, Stuart Little 2, Where the Wild Things Are, and dozens more—earning him an Academy Award finalist honor along the way.

Toby Philpott – puppeteer behind Jabba the Hutt in Return of the Jedi — helping bring one of the most iconic creatures in the Star Wars galaxy to life.

Now you’ll have the chance to meet the artist behind the legend right here in Riverside.

Stephen Costantino is known for portraying the Gamorrean Guard in Return of the Jedi, one of Jabba the Hutt’s unforgettable palace enforcers from the original trilogy.

Meet the performer behind the mask and celebrate a piece of Star Wars history with fellow fans.

Michael Pangrazio is the legendary Industrial Light & Magic matte painter whose artwork helped create the worlds of the original trilogy — including scenes from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

From the icy landscapes of Hoth to massive cinematic environments, his painted backdrops shaped the galaxy far, far away long before CGI existed — and became some of the most iconic visuals in film history.

Now you can meet the artist behind the universe.