George Reeves: The actor who hated playing Superman
Actors regularly vie to secure some big-budget Hollywood roles, knowing that they hold long-term financial success. Just look at such roles as the secret agent, James Bond, Batman’s insane adversary Joker, which has led two of its actors to Oscar glory, or the titular Doctor Who, who becomes an integral part of British culture whenever they’re on-screen saving the galaxy from an eccentric extraterrestrial threat.
Adding to the shortlist of illustrious superhero roles is that of Superman, with the DC comic book character perhaps the most iconic of all time, standing for justice, equality and righteousness, all in the name of the American flag. Recently, the likes of David Corenswet, Henry Cavill and Brandon Routh have played the iconic character, finding great success. But things weren’t always so sweet for the character.
The character first hit the cinema screens in 1941, when Bud Collyer played the superhero, but it wouldn’t be until 1951 and the release of Superman and the Mole Men and George Reeves playing the lead role that the comic book icon would find his feet.
Originally loving playing Superman, the high-flying, all-powerful extra-terrestrial, Reeves later appeared in the Adventures of Superman TV series from 1952 to ’58. But, after just two seasons of the show, Reeves became highly dissatisfied with the one-dimensional role and his poor salary. The actor was 40 years old and keen to move on and find new pastures for his career.
Speaking with Akron Beacon Journal, he discussed how much he disliked the role, stating: “The only rub in playing Superman is that I have a tough time finding other roles. Most movie producers feel I’m too closely identified with Superman, so they won’t use me.”
Corroborating this are the words of actor Ben Welden, who worked closely with Reeves. According to Superman: Serial to Cereal, the actor once stated regarding Reeves, “After the I Love Lucy show, Superman was no longer a challenge to him… I know he enjoyed the role, but he used to say, ‘Here I am, wasting my life.'”
Tragically, it is thought that this role and the ‘failure’ of his wider career led to his later suicide, shooting himself in June 1959. His death was shrouded in controversy, with his family believing the authorities were far too quick to judge suicide as the cause of death, especially because he died whilst a party was going on downstairs and several suspicious individuals were present.
His death sparked a morbid interest in the so-called ‘Superman Curse’, which suggested that any actor to take on the iconic role was doomed to injury or death. Indeed, the only case that is linked to the ‘curse’ is that of Christopher Reeve, who was paralysed from the neck down after a tragic horse riding event in 1995, eight years after he starred in 1987’s Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.
Take a look at Reeves in action as Superman in the clip below.
