Jason, Francis, and Ryan, having a laugh during their Q&A.

Last month over 200 fans all over the world, from England to Belgium, Scotland to America, Holland to Australia, gathered at London’s Heathrow for a weekend of fun at Starfury’s Breakout Beyond event – a Prison Break and Veronica Mars convention. The event was money well spent with fans given numerous opportunities all throughout the weekend to interact with actors from their favourite shows. From question and answer sessions to photograph opportunities to autograph signings and even appearances at the disco/after party at the end of each day, fans were given the rare opportunity to get to know their favourite actors outside of their much loved characters and shows and on a much more personal level.

Present at the event was the adorable Marshall Allman and lovely Jodi Lynn O’Keefe, representing Prison Break, and the hilarious Ryan Hansen, passionate Francis Capra, and all round nice guy and gentleman Jason Dohring, from Veronica Mars. Emceeing the event was the playful Neil Roberts, best known for his guest work on various television shows including Charmed and Babylon 5.

As an avid Veronica Mars fan, this convention was a rare opportunity and every fangirl’s dream. Renowned for its small but dedicated loyal fanbase, the convention allowed many online fans to meet each other face to face and finally put a picture to the name. Even guest Ryan Hansen was fascinated by the way the convention brought fans together – “Wait, you guys all met online? That’s so cool!” he declared when meeting a group of fans that knew each other online for quite some time but had only met each other in person just that afternoon.

Jason Dohring

But what you readers really want is the dish on the actors right? It’s hard to believe that babyface Prison Break star Marshall Allman is actually 24 in real life – Seriously! And although this actor plays 17 year old LJ on PB, Marshall is actually married in real life too! As well as taking fans by surprise, Marshall’s co-star Jodi Lynn O’Keefe, also admitted her disbelief at this fact when she first met Marshall. In fact for two weeks after Marshall said he was married, Jodi thought it was just a figment of his imagination. “Aww that’s so cute, he said he has a wife,” were Jodi’s thoughts at the time. The relationship between Jodi and Marshall is one that’s very much like a brother and sister relationship. The pair work very well off each other – bantering and teasing each other throughout the weekend.

Unlike her PB alter-ego and many of the characters she’s played throughout her career (for example the mean girl Taylor Vaughn in the film She’s All That), Jodi Lynn O’Keefe really is a nice girl in real life. Not to mention the former model is even prettier up close! She’s very humble about her success and although she admits that many of her past roles were somewhat forgettable, she is very grateful for the opportunities that she’s been given and would not change a thing.

However, the real highlight for many of the fans attending that weekend was seeing Jason Dohring, Ryan Hansen, and Francis Capra all together since Veronica Mars ended last year. Originally the VM guests were to be Kristen Bell and Jason Dohring, but when Kristen Bell withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, fans were just as excited, if not even more, to have Francis and Ryan in her place. Ryan is just as hilarious and hyperactive as his character Dick. While Francis is very passionate about his work and loves talking to fans. Jason, being the true humble gentleman that he is, is very appreciative of all the fans and seemed unaware of the extent that he has on his fans (especially this one), stunning them into awe just by his very presence.

Francis Capra

With the cancellation of Moonlight, Jason is now searching for other opportunities. Although nothing has been announced, he has said that he has been in talks with various television shows and wouldn’t mind doing a film. There is a possibility of Jason reuniting with his former boss with Rob Thomas (VM creator) looking for a big name star to appear on ones of his two new shows for the upcoming fall season. While nothing is set on stone for Jason just yet, Francis is confident that Jason will pick up something soon. Francis had nothing but awe and respect for Jason throughout the whole weekend, constantly praising him. There was an in joke throughout the weekend by Francis that Jason is perfect and would take over the world. During the Q&A session the guys were asked if they were on Heroes what their superpower would be, and while Jason was thinking of his answer, Francis joked “Jason, don’t you have a ton of superpowers already? Jason’s just thinking about what he doesn’t have.”

Speaking of Heroes, as many of you know, Francis is set to appear in the next season, reuniting him with former VM co-star Kristen Bell, whom Francis adores and expressed his love for her throughout the convention. Francis is very excited and passionate about the role he will play, but quite frustrated about the restrictions on what he could reveal to fans. It was evident how badly he wanted to share the information but wasn’t allowed to. What he did reveal however, is that his character is a super-villain, and if you thought Francis’s previous roles were villains, according to the man himself, they’re just PG13 villains in comparison. He also promised that fans would NOT be disappointed!

Ryan Hansen

Also set to appear on our screens in the near future is Ryan Hansen, who has been filming the Friday 13th remake in Texas with Jared Padalecki. Much like his VM character, Ryan is a joker and playfully described Jared as “He’s a horrible person. Not at all gorgeous…” before declaring he was kidding in case anyone got confused. Aside from the jokes, there is a serious side to Ryan. He and his wife Amy are very involved in the organisation Invisible Children, founded by his brother-in-law. Ryan also hopes one day to present an animal show with good friend, housemate, and former co-star, Kristen Bell.

It’s hard to explain into words how much of an incredible experience it was to be in the presence of these guests and how truly grateful and appreciative they are of their fans. “We love you guys as much as you love us, if not more,” said Francis. I’m sure many of the other fans at the convention will agree that it was such an awesome experience and money that was well spent. There was so much fun had interacting not just with the guests but also fellow fans, and I’d be back there again in a heartbeat if possible!