Kirk Alyn
Kirk Alyn (1910–1999) was an American actor, best known for being the first actor to play Superman in live-action in Superman serial and Atom Man vs. Superman as well as Blackhawk in the Blackhawk serial, and Sam Lane in Superman: The Movie. Alyn started as a chorus boy for Broadway plays, appearing in notable musicals such as Girl Crazy, Of Thee I Sing, and Hellzapoppin' during the 1930s. He also worked as a singer and dancer in vaudeville before relocating to Hollywood during the early 1940s to act for feature movies, but he was successful only in gaining bit parts for low-budget movies before obtaining the role of Superman in 1948. During World War II he served in the United States Navy. Alyn also featured in movie serials, including Federal Agents Vs. Underworld Inc., Radar Patrol Vs. Spy King and Blackhawk. Alyn played Superman for the first live-action Superman movie serial, released in 1948. The serial consisted of 15 episodes which recounted Superman’s arrival on Earth, getting a job as a reporter at the Daily Planet newspaper, and meeting Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. After playing Superman, he again suffered casting problems. Apart from featuring in some similar comic book-type serials, he had few roles in television series and movies, some even uncredited, until he retired.
Known for
ActingBirthday
October 8, 1910Deathday
March 14, 1999Gender
MaleKnown Movie Credits
38Place of birth
Oxford, New Jersey, USACast credits
Scalps
Prof. ManchenThe Trap
Sgt. ReynoldsSuperbman: The Other Movie
Pa CantSuperman
Superman, alias Clark KentFast and Loose
Man Seated at Table in SpeakeasyPrivate Lessons
John HumphriesBlackhawk
BlackhawkPistol Packin' Mama
J. Leslie Burton IIICall of the Rockies
Ned CraneForty Thieves
Jerry DoyleRadar Patrol vs. Spy King
Chris CalvertYou Were Never Lovelier
Julia's Groom (uncredited)Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc.
Inspector David WorthThe Man from the Rio Grande
Editor Tom TraynorOverland Mail Robbery
Tom HartleyDaughter of Don Q
Cliff RobertsThe Making of 'Superman: The Movie'
SelfBeginning of the End
Bomber PilotAtom Man vs. Superman
Superman, alias Clark KentSuperman's 50th Anniversary: A Celebration of the Man of Steel
SelfWhen Worlds Collide
Rioter Bringing Guns (uncredited)