Embracing his nerd: Donald Gibb returns to NM for Duke City Comic Con

Albuquerque holds a special place in Donald Gibb’s life.

In 1972, Gibb walked around campus as a member of the University of New Mexico Lobos basketball team. He was also a Phi Delta Theta.

“It was great,” he says. “When you’re on the team, you are treated like royalty, and I had the best time.”

Embracing his nerd: Donald Gibb returns to NM for Duke City Comic Con

That season, the Lobos had a record of 21-6 and were second in the Western Athletic Conference . Gibb played under coach Norm Ellenberger.

“I left after that season because I was in an accident,” he says. “That was one of the greatest times of my life.”

Gibb transferred to University of San Diego to play football and basketball. He played briefly for the San Diego Chargers before suffering an injury in an automobile accident, which led him to turn to acting.

His most famous role was in 1984’s “Revenge of the Nerds,” where he played football player Ogre.

Gibb will be one of the many guests at the Duke City Comic Con at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid on Friday, June 14, through Sunday, June 16.

Gibb says when he almost wasn’t cast as Ogre because producers didn’t believe he could act.

“When I read the script, I didn’t want to make this guy normal,” he recalls. “I tried to make Ogre confused. Ogre was always misunderstood as a jock. There were more facets to him. When he got to meet the nerds, he realized that he is one of them too. I’m a nerd myself.”

That role helped him get roles in films such as “Bloodsport” and “Hancock.” He spent the majority of the 1980s and 1990s having guest roles on various TV shows.

The 69-year-old has spent time in New Mexico recently, filming a few projects.

“I’ve really been able to feel at home,” he says. “I remember when I was there playing basketball, Rio Rancho was in its infancy. We used to run in the Sandia Mountains for practice. It’s all changed so much, but the heart is still there.”

Duke City Comic Con will open with a sensitivity opening from 3-5 p.m. Friday, June 14 , for kids with autism — ages 0-80 — and for the purpose of this special schedule get in for free.

“It is the honor system, so please don’t abuse our good will,” says Jim Burleson, Duke City Comic Con founder. “Each minor kid can be accompanied by a guardian. There will be plenty to see and do. Special programming will be developed for the community.”

Burleson says the “Revenge of the Nerds” reunion will include Gibb, Robert Carradine, Curtis Armstrong, Brian Tochi and Julia Montgomery.

Irene Bedard from Disney’s “Pocahontas,” as well as World Wrestling Entertainment’s Scott Steiner and Lee Quick from “Pokémon,” are also scheduled to appear.

Brandon Routh from “Superman Returns” is expected to be at the convention on Saturday only.