"And Don't Call Me Chief!!!!"

Who was there to keep Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen in line? That job belonged to the Daily Planet's editor-in-chief and later publisher, Perry White. In the original comic book Clark and company worked for editor George Taylor and the name of the newspaper was The Daily Star. When the Superman radio show began in 1940 Clark Kent was hired by the blustery Perry White... The first actor to give the character a voice was radio and stage actor Julian Noa. Noa was born on February 28, 1879 and passed away on November 26, 1958. He remained in the role of Perry White during the entire run of the Superman radio series and also in a few animated shorts that were produced by the Fleischer Studios. Pierre Watkin (12/29/1889 - 2/3/1960) was the screen's first flesh and blood Perry White. He played the role in the original Superman movie serial in 1948 and its sequel Atom Man Vs. Superman in 1950. When the "Adventures of Superman" began on television in 1952 veteran character actor John Hamilton (1/16/1887 - 10/15/1958) stepped into the role. Hamilton's portrayal is best remembered over many other version of Perry White. His loud voice and short temper made him a fan favorite immediately. Hamilton remained with the role during the show's entire 1952-1958 run. In 1966 "The New Adventures of Superman" made its debut. The new animated series saw veteran "Superman" actors Bud Collyer and Joan Alexander reprises their roles as Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane respectively. Radio actor Jackson Beck (7/23/1912-7/28/2004) provided the voice of Perry White. Years before Beck provided the voice of the Narrator on the Superman radio series. In 1988, the Superman character turned 50 years old. That same year a new animated series began featuring Beau Weaver as Superman. Actor/Writer Stanley Ralph Ross (7/22/1935-3/16/2000) provided the voice of Perry White in four episodes. A live action version of Superman returned to television in 1993 in the form of "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman." Well known film and television actor Lane Smith (4/29/1936-6/13/2005) became the new Perry White. He remained with the show until it ended in 1997. Child star Jackie Cooper, currently 87, portrayed Perry White in the four Superman motion pictures that were produced between 1978 and 1987... Other actors to play Perry White in recent years: Michael McKean ("Smallville" - 2003, 2010) Frank Langella (Superman Returns - 2006) George Dzundza (Superman: The Animated Series - 1996-1999, Brainiac Attacks - 2006) Ray Wise (Superman: Doomsday - 2007) A wonderful character.........a wonderful group of actors... In Memoriam Remembers: Julian Noa Pierre Watkin John Hamilton Jackson Beck Stanley Ralph Ross Lane Smith

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