Superman has been a popular action figure since he first debuted in Action Comics # 1 over 80 years ago. There have been many iterations of the “Man of Steel” through comics, radio shows, animated series, movies, and even on broadway; some never took flight. The character that was introduced to the world in 1938 has been embodied by about 73 different actors across practically every form of non-print medium.
In 1940, two years after Superman comic debut, Ray Middleton was the first person to sport the famous “S” on his chest. It wasn’t for a film or TV show, but, instead, the 1939 New York World’s Fair and during that time there was a Superman Day, some of which was captured on silent film.
These days most actors would love an opportunity to play the man of steel; this actor isn’t one of them. Superman is a role that can change a career for some, since any movie featuring him will sell itself. Here are 13 famous actors who’ve played Superman in films, where are they now?
10 Kirk Alyn (1948, 1950)
Kirk Alyn played the first screen version of Superman in the 1948 serial Superman, which he reprised two years later in Atom Man vs Superman with actor Lyle Talbot playing Lex Luthor. He appeared in many other films/tv shows before his death in 1999 at the age of 88 from Alzheimer's disease.
9 George Reeves (1951, 1952-1958)
A 58-minute theatrical film 1951 called Superman and the Mole Men, which was intended as a precursor to a syndicated television series, made Reeves an instant sensation. George felt hopelessly typecast by the end of Adventures of Superman, which ran from 1952-58. He committed suicide on June 16, 1959.
8 Christopher Reeve (1978-1987)
Christopher Reeve truly embodied superman. He was cast by director Richard Donner in 1978’s Superman: The Movie. Jeff East also played a teenage Clark Kent in this movie; his voice was dubbed by Reeves. The global success of the movie man Reeves a star. He then reprised the role in 1980’s Superman II, 1983’s Superman III and 1987’s Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. He starred in several other movies. Christopher Reeves died in 2004 due to cardiac arrest following a 1995 incident where he was thrown from a horse during an equestrian competition. Reeves became quadraplegic after his accident.
7 John Haymes Newton (1988 - 1990)
Despite the fact that the Adventures Of Superboy TV series ran from 1988 to 1992, John Haymes Newton only appeared in season one, and was eventually replaced by Gerard Christopher. At the time, Christopher Reeve's take on the character was extremely popular. Haymes wished to avoid this. Newton also appeared in a 2011 short called Superman Classic in addition to many other film roles. His last film credit was in 2016 where he played Nemo in Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel
6 Gerard Christopher (1990-1992)
He took on the role of Superman the Adventures Of Superboy TV series after John Newton, but made the character his own. The actor has 18 other credits to his name on IMDB including appearances in popular day time soaps Days of Our Lives and General Hospital being his latest credit back in 2013. The actor appears to be enjoying a private life.
5 Dean Cain (1993-1997)
Former football player Dean Cain turned to acting after a knee injury resulting in him getting sidelined by the Buffalo Bills. Cain was featured in commercials and made guest appearances on several shows until his portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman in Lois & Clark put him on the map as an actor. The actor has close to 200 credits on IMDB, including for playing Jeremiah Danvers on CW’s Supergirl. Currently, he is involved in various upcoming films, including The Phantom Warrior and Miracle at Manchester.
4 Tom Welling (2001-2011)
The character of Clark Kent played by Tom Welling is a fan favorite even though Smallville remained a no flights, no tights kind of show for the most parts. He played the role for ten years, though he didn’t really become Superman until the end of the series in 2011. “Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two” saw him reprise his role as Clark Kent of Earth 167. Despite this being his breakout role, the actor only has 16 credits on IMDB including a film called Deep Six which is slated for a 2023 release
3 Brandon Routh (2006)
In Superman Returns, starring Brandon Routh as the Man Of Steel, the Man Of Steel finally returned to the big screen after 10 years. Fans were hopeful that Brandon would have been given another chance in Superman Returns, but it was far from perfect. Routh, who said he struggled after his lead in the film, was featured in the CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event along with other iterations of Superman that were played by Tom Welling and Tyler Hoechlin. Routh who also plays The Atom in the DCEU is also credited on a movie called Out of Order and a TV series Magic: The Gathering which is set to release sometime this year.
2 Henry Cavill (2013-Present)
Cavill who stars in Netflix’s The Witcher took on the titular role in 2013’s Man Of Steel, followed by Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice in 2016. He most recently channeled Superman for the 2017 Justice League movie. Currently there is no word on whether he will reprise his Superman role; however, he has several upcoming films including Enola Holmes 2, which is expected to release later this year.
1 Tyler Hoechlin (2016-Present)
In Supergirl season 2, Tyler Hoechlin debuted as Superman and made subsequent appearances before being cast in Superman and Lois. In the midst of a wave of cancellations by the CW network earlier this year, Superman and Lois was renewed for a third season. Otherwise, Hoechlin is set to reprise his role as Derek Hale in the upcoming Teen Wolf: The Movie.
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