Those Other Men of Steel (863)

June 14, 2013 - the latest film in the Superman universe opens today...right now we are going to take a look back at the men who have brought Superman into our lives over the years.

Clayton "Bud" Collyer (1908-1969) provided the voice of Superman/Clark Kent on the radio series "The Adventures of Superman" from 1940 to 1950.  He also provided the voice in 16 animated shorts for the Fleischer studios between 1941 and 1943...his final run as the hero was from 1966 to 1969 when returned to provide the voice on the animated series "The New Adventures of Superman."

Michael Fitzmaurice (1908-1967) replaced Collyer for the final season of the radio series (1950-1951)

On July 3, 1940 actor Ray Middleton (1907-1984) made an appearance in the Superman costume at the 1939 NY World's Fair.

Kirk Alyn (1910-1999) played Superman/Clark Kent in two movie serials - Superman (1948) and Atom Man vs. Superman (1950).  In 1978 he made a brief cameo as Lois Lane's father in the Superman motion picture.  

George Reeves (1914-1959) His first appearance was in the feature film Superman and the Mole-Men in 1951 which lead into the television series "Adventures of Superman" which ran from 1952-1958.

Voice actor Danny Dark (1938-2004) provided the voice between several incarnations of the Super Friends cartoons between 1973 and 1986.

Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) appeared in four motion pictures - Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).  During seasons 2 and 3 of the series "Smallville" he appeared in two episode as scientist Dr. Virgil Swann.  The character passed away when Reeve passed way during season 4 but he is referred to several times during the duration of the series. 

All of the actors did the best to bring the Man of Tomorrow into our lives...and that's probably why he's been there ever since.  The character of Superman has been with us now for 75 years...amazing!

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