Favorite Mentors of All-Time

Behind every hero, there is a great mentor! These teachers not only taught our favorite heroes valuable lessons, but they are revered by millions of fans around the world. GEEKS Media is honoring some of the greatest mentors in pop culture history.

Albus Dumbledore

(Created by J.K. Rowling; First Appearance: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone)

Hogwarts’ legendary headmaster kicks off our mentor tribute. Albus Dumbledore vowed to stop great evils from spreading their malicious philosophies and causing chaos in the Muggle world. He was a father figure to many students, but his teachings about love and good magic have helped Harry Potter saved the wizarding world from Voldemort’s tyranny.

Actors who portrayed Albus Dumbledore: Richard Harris (Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone & Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets) & Michael Gambon (Harry Potter & The Prisoner of AzkabanthroughHarry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part Two)

Alfred Pennyworth

(Created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, & Jerry Robinson; First Appearance: Batman Vol. 1, #16)

For nearly 75 years, Alfred Pennyworth has been evolved from a simple servant to the grandfather figure that every fan wished that they had. He not only raised and watched over the Dark Knight, but Alfred played a role in molding countless superheroes such as Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, Red Robin, and Robin (Damian Wayne). Alfred’s quick wit and philosophical lessons have made an impact on the DC Comics fanbase and made him an irreplaceable member of the Batman Family.

Actors who portrayed Alfred: Alan Napier (1960s Batman television series), Michael Gough (the Tim Burton & Joel Schumacher Batman film series), Efren Zimbalist, Jr. (the DC Animated Universe), & Michael Caine (The Dark Knight trilogy).

Aunt May Parker

(Created by Stan Lee & Steve Ditko; First Appearance: Amazing Fantasy, #15)

The Marvel Universe is full of super-powered heroes. To help keep these heroes grounded and down to earth, there needs to be someone who offers emotional support and helpful advice. For 55 years, May Parker has been a constant source of hope and wisdom for Peter Parker (the Amazing Spider-Man). In the 2000s, writers J. Michael Straczynski and Brian Michael Bendis gave Aunt May the knowledge that Peter and Spider-Man are one in the same. While upset at first, May Parker became determined to help her nephew’s alter-ego’s ongoing battle in the public eye. After the events of the 2008 storyline of "One More Day," Aunt May lost the knowledge that Peter is Spider-Man but gained a husband: J. Jonah Jameson, Sr.

Actresses who portrayed Aunt May: Linda Gary (1980s & 1990s Spider-Man cartoons), Rosemary Harris (Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man Trilogy), Misty Lee (Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon), & Sally Field (The Amazing Spider-Man & The Amazing Spider-Man 2).

Galadriel

(Created by J.R.R. Tolkien; First Appearance: The Fellowship of the Ring)

Galadriel is one of the most powerful and wisest elves on Middle Earth. As Frodo Baggins journeyed to destroy Sauron’s ring, the Elven Queen assisted the hobbit through visions as he was separated from the Fellowship. While Galadriel had limited time with both of Tolkien’s readers and Peter Jackson’s audience, the Elven Queen made an impact on fans and remains one of the strongest female characters in the science fiction/fantasy genre.

Actress who portrayed Galadriel:Cate Blanchett (The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film trilogy)

Mr. Spock

(Created by Gene Roddenberry;First Appearance: Star Trek-The Original Series)

If there is one character that many fans consider to be the heart-and-soul of the Star Trek franchise, it is Mr. Spock. The U.S.S. Enterprise’s second-in-command and science officer was a guiding force through his friendship with Captain James T. Kirk, and friendly crossfire banters with Doctor Leonard “Bones” McCoy. The Vulcan also brought incredible pieces of advice that both the fictional characters and the Trekkies embraced in their everyday lives. Spock’s teachings made the character an integral part of not only the Star Trek universe but also in the pop culture world.

Actors who portrayed Mr. Spock:Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek: The Original Series; Star Trek: The Motion Picture & film series; Star Trek (2009) & Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)) & Zachary Quinto (Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), & Star Trek Beyond (2016).

Yoda

(Created by George Lucas; First Appearance: Star Wars Episode V-The Empire Strikes Back)

Jedi Master Yoda is the ultimate lesson of “never judge a book by its cover.” When Luke Skywalker landed on Dagobah to continue his Jedi training, he was in disbelief that the tiny green-eared Muppet was the great Clone Wars general. Yoda proved Luke wrong and instantly when he used the Force and lifted young Skywalker’s X-Wing from the Dagobah’s swamp. While Yoda died at the end of Return of the Jedi, countless of creators including George Lucas showcased the Jedi Master’s heroic history in both the prequel trilogy, the numerous Clone Wars cartoons, and the Star Wars extended universe.

Actors who portrayed Yoda:Frank Oz (Star Wars: Episodes I to III & Episodes V to VI; Star Tours-The Adventures Continue; Star Wars Rebels), John Lithgow (The Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi radio dramas), & Tom Kane (various Star Wars TV shows & video games)

Zordon

(Created by Haim Saban & Shuki Levy; First Appearance: Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers-Episode One: “Day of the Dumpster”)

GEEKS Media cannot conclude an article about mentors without including the Power Rangers’ greatest father figure. Despite being trapped in a time-warp by his arch-nemesis, Rita Repulsa, the Eltar sage became a beloved figure for selecting teenagers with attitude who became technicolored warriors of peace who defended the Earth from the forces of evil. Sadly, the great wizard died at Andros’ hands to stop the United Alliance of Evil from conquering the Power Rangers universe during the finale of Power Rangers in Space. Zordon returned to the Silver Screen earlier this year as part of Saban’s Power Rangers.

Actors who portrayed Zordon: David Fielding (portrayer and original voice on Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Season One), Robert L. Manahan (second voice from Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers to Power Rangers in Space), & Bryan Cranston (motion capture & voice for Saban’s Power Rangers).